Schools Heliophysics/astrophysics Grad School

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The discussion centers on the challenges and considerations of applying to graduate schools for solar physics and astrophysics. The individual expresses a strong interest in attending reputable institutions, particularly on the East Coast, and mentions specific schools like Boston University, Yale, and MIT. They have a GPA of approximately 3.6 to 3.7, research experience, and a notable extracurricular background. Concerns about admission competitiveness are raised, particularly regarding the need for strong performance on the Physics Graduate Record Examination (PGRE) and the importance of letters of recommendation and potential publications.There is a query about whether being a female with a disability could enhance their chances of admission, reflecting on diversity factors in graduate school applications. The discussion highlights that while extracurricular activities can be valuable, they must be relevant to the field of study. The consensus suggests that the applicant should focus on excelling in the PGRE, improving their GPA, and considering applications to a range of schools, including those with less competitive programs as a safety net.
cosmojo
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I've started to look at graduate schools and I am really interested in doing solar physics, although I am very interested in more general astrophysics as well.
Of course we all want to go to a great school but I want to be realistic about where I can get in ect. Location is a big deal to me as well. I'd like to go out to the East coast somewhere but I don't have to of course.
I've been looking into Boston University, Yale, Pitt, UC-San Diego?,University New Hampshire, possibly MIT.

How hard is it to get into schools like this? I know I'm all over the spectrum here but I want to get a feel for it.
background- GPA around 3.6 or 3.7, havn't taken PGRE yet, amazing list of extra-currics, and have research experience.

Also I hope this doesn't sound bad but do I have a better chance because I'm a female and I have a disability? I have heard people say that before..
 
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Top schools for solar physics are Harvard, Berkeley, Montana State, and U Colorado (Boulder). UNH has a smaller program. I don't remember anyone at MIT doing solar physics, and they're not big on astro either. Neither is Montana State; they only have a couple astrophysicists.

Activities don't matter for grad schools unless they're directly related to your field. Research experience is great, but everyone applying to the top schools has that, so you'll need great letters and hopefully publications or at least conference presentations.
 
The schools you list are pretty top notch and a decent amount of people will have you beat with your GPA. I think you need to do really, really well on the PGRE. I would focus on that and raise your GPA as much as possible. I would also apply to some lower level schools to fall back on. Better to have something than nothing.
 
By Activities I meant I sit on national councils that advice congressmen on health legislation, I feel like that counts for something. I mean obviously I could be wrong, and yes I do have physics related stuff as well. No publications as of yet.
 

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