Quantum optics grad school for a ee major

[Abdul Wadood]

I'm a EE major with a senior design project/thesis on developing FPGA based counting module for Photon Coincidence and Correlation Experiments. It's an interesting mix of Electronics, Digital System Design and Experimental Quantum Optics.
I've had a course in QM, and done research internships in Analog Signal Processing and Embedded systems.
I want to carry on studying this blend of QM, Optics, Electronics and DSP in my grad school. I've talked to a couple of people and all of them have advised not to apply to a Physics program, rather to a EE program with a strong optics component, or to an optics program. I've also been looking into Applied Physics programs, the likes of Cornell and Columbia.
I'm in a quandary as to where to apply? Should I contact individual professors and ask them of my prospects? And will applying to Applied Physics programs without taking the Subject test hurt my chances?

 

[wilsont23274]

Thanks in advance!Your best bet would be to contact each of the schools you’re interested in, and ask them what their requirements are for admission into their program. Many universities have different requirements for different programs, so it’s important to make sure you understand what’s needed for the program you’re interested in. You can also ask about the possibility of taking the subject test for the program you’re interested in, as some schools may waive this requirement for certain students. It is also a good idea to reach out to professors who specialize in the area you’re interested in, to get more insight into the admissions process and to gain access to any resources or guidance they can provide.