Please send your request to the "Graduate Admissions
Advisor" at the Physics Department address below, and the application materials will be mailed to you.
Other Application Materials:
In addition to the above application forms, the following documents are necessary to complete your application to the Physics Graduate Degree Program:
Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
Official GRE Subject Test in Physics score
One official transcript of all previous study
Letters of recommendation from at least two former professors, advisors, or supervisors.
Also, foreign students should submit:
Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score
The graduate application form provides an opportunity for applicants to give a personal statement. Often, students are unsure what to say in this statement, so we offer this advice:
Be concise. Brevity and clarity are the hallmarks of good science writing. We don't use the statement to gauge English ability, so there is no need to impress us with flowery prose.
Explain any unusual aspects of your academic background. This is the most useful thing you can do with your statement. For example: if you attended a less-familiar undergraduate institution, describe it and say why you chose it. If you transferred schools, explain why. If you had a difficult semester at some point, acknowledge it and point out evidence that you have recovered. If you have been out of school for some time, tell us what you have been doing.
Briefly outline any research projects you have worked on. If you have any publications, list them.
State whether you are interested in any particular sub-fields of physics (nuclear, condensed matter, etc.), and describe how strong a commitment you feel to them. Note that not having any specific interests is perfectly fine.
Deadline for Application and Materials:
To be eligible for all forms of financial assistance, students should submit completed applications by February 1.
Normally all students admitted to the doctoral program receive financial aid. A number of well-qualified entering students are awarded tuition-free departmental or University-wide fellowships. Others receive tuition-free teaching assistantships, teaching assistantships supplemented by fellowships, or research assistantships. Duties required for teaching assistants will not exceed 20 hours per week.
CURRENT NUMBERS for the 2004-2005 academic year:
Nine-Month Stipend = $15,500
Summer Research Assistantship Stipend = $4,500 (pre-qualifier) to $5,000 (post-qualifier)
Nondiscrimination:
The University does not discriminate in any of its programs, procedures, or practices against any person on the basis of age, citizenship, color, handicap, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. The University operates equal opportunity and affirmative action programs for faculty, staff, and students. The University of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.
Go to this page to view the University of Virginia Nondiscrimination Statement, Nondiscrimination Policy, and current office holders who enforce these policies.
