by Ben Payne
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When to get started: freshman year.
-start studying for the general GRE
-start studying for the (Physics) subject GRE
Timeline:
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Freshman year:
-become a physics major
-figure out what specific fields are available
-pick a good professor and start doing research with that professor
-walk into their office and say "I'm interested in what you are doing, can I work with you?"
-if that doesn't work, wait another semester or pick a different professor
-there is no formal interview. JUST ASK!!!
Junior, sophmore year:
-get those non-physics classes out of the way
-continue research
-get an REU
-pick out grad schools, which professors to work with at those schools
-figure out who you are going to ask for letters of recommendation
Senior year:
-senior thesis
-ask for letters of recommendation, give writters pre-addressed envelopes, stamps, resume, personal statement, etc
-send in grad school applications, fees
GRE general and (physics) subject tests:
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these two tests cover things you learn during your college career. Besided being a
good practice test for the actual GRE tests, they give you an idea of what you
have to look forward to for subject coverage in Physics classes for the next
4 to 5 years.
You need to go to graduate school if you:
-want to get a Masters degree
-want to get a PhD (Doctor so-and-so)
-want to work in Physics
-want to become a college-level professor
Read journal articles of the professors you'd like to work with, or at least know about their field.
Interview:
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-dress up
-ask questions of them, don't talk about yourself
In no particular order:
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1 GPA
2 GRE, subject test
3 resume
4 references
5 personalstatments
6 application
7 interview
-The GPA and GRE scores are quantitative
-3-7 are things that you can affect. You have control over the outcomes.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
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-don't do chronological format
-"anecdotal format" recommended - a couple illustrative stories
-don't apologize
-what are your experiences?
-have a theme
-tone: conversational, comfortable
-"I am willing to contribute"
-don't shock
-introduction w. hook, body, conclusion
-write in the first person
-proportional detail for each sub-story
-avoid cliches. Your report will be one of hundreds
-explain motivation, individuality
-"I can work with others"
-make sure the stories highlight you
-keep to the set limits
-proof read: same words too often, sentance repetion, logical flow
three proof readers:
-knows you well
-grammer, spelling
-professional field
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
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-ask early
-"do you have time to write a great recommendation?"
give them:
-resume
-personal statement (this is where they will get the content of their letter)
-pre-addressed envelopes and stamps
-transcript
Make sure:
-am I dependable?
-have I succedded in the past?
-am I unique?
