Things to ask the director of Medical Physics program?

[EricVT]

Hello all! I am a fourth year undergraduate physics/math major and I've had my eyes on graduate work in medical physics for about 3 years now. In a few weeks I'm going to be meeting with the radiation sciences director at our health sciences school here at my university about applying to the graduate program for a M.S. in Radiological Medical Physics.

It is a VERY competitive program here...usually about 8 people accepted per year out of the 60+ applicants. I've done all I know to do as an undergraduate academically to improve my chances of getting in (3.9 GPA, completed research with published results, worked as a tutor as an undergraduate, etc..), so now it's down to meeting with them and hopefully making a good impression that will make them look at my application a little more closely.

What types of things should I ask? Of course I want to know about employment opportunities in the department for graduate students, job placement assistance, meet with some faculty and students (time permitting), and learn a little more about the selection process for applicants to determine if there is any last minute things that can be done to help my chances (do they want letters of recommendation from professors or from clinical physicists, or both?).

What are some things I should know about this, from your experiences? This isn't an interview exactly, but close enough. Just some ideas of things to ask or bring up to really reinforce my interest in the program and my seriousness as a student seeking admission.

 

[Aaron Bex]

Congratulations on your interest in the medical physics field! It sounds like you have done a lot of research and worked hard to make yourself a competitive applicant. In order to make sure that you make a good impression during your meeting with the radiation sciences director, it would be helpful to ask about the department's expectations for graduate students and any resources they provide to help graduate students succeed. You could also ask about their selection process and what criteria they use to choose their applicants. Additionally, you could bring up any projects or research that you have completed and discuss the specifics of those. Regarding letters of recommendation, you could ask what types of letters they prefer or if they require any specific letters.

Good luck with your meeting and hope it goes well!

 

[piercas]

First of all, congratulations on your impressive academic achievements and your dedication to pursuing a graduate degree in medical physics. It is clear that you have put a lot of effort into preparing for this meeting and improving your chances of being accepted into the program.

I would suggest asking the director about the specific research areas and projects that are currently being conducted in the medical physics program. This will not only show your interest in the field, but also give you a better understanding of the program's focus and potential opportunities for research.

You could also inquire about the program's curriculum and any unique courses or hands-on experiences offered. This will give you a better idea of what to expect and how the program will prepare you for a career in medical physics.

Additionally, it would be beneficial to ask about the program's connections with industry and clinical settings. This will give you an idea of the potential job opportunities and networking opportunities available to students in the program.

In terms of the application process, it would be helpful to ask about the specific qualities and experiences the program looks for in applicants. This will give you a better understanding of how to present yourself and your strengths in your application.

Lastly, I would recommend expressing your enthusiasm and passion for the field of medical physics and asking the director for any advice or tips they may have for someone starting their graduate studies in this field. This will show your dedication and commitment to the program and leave a positive impression on the director.

Overall, it is important to come prepared with specific questions that demonstrate your interest in the program and your readiness for graduate studies. Best of luck with your meeting and your future endeavors in the field of medical physics!