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- To which schools should I apply?
- How do I write an effective essay/personal statement?
- When do I need to request recommendation letters?
- What is the minimum GPA required?
- Is it important to publish a paper?
- Should I visit my top choices for Graduate School?
- Will it hurt my chances if I take a year off before going to Graduate School?
- What does UT Astronomy look for in a successful application?
To which schools should I apply?
This online database will help you compare graduate programs:
A Guide for Potential Grad Students: Should You Go To Graduate School?
Read - Fran Bagenal's article in STATUS, Applying to Graduate School, (see Getting In).
Graduate Student Resources (pdf)
How do I write an effective essay/personal statement?
In Astronomy, an effective essay will be about 1 to 2 pages long with a description of your education and experience as it relates to your future graduate career. You should mention any research experience you have or special projects you may have done in a course, and maybe try to tie these, or other interests you have with a specific faculty member or researcher at the University to whom you are applying. One thing to remember is that this is very different than your essay to get into an Undergraduate program, you have things to cite from your last few years as an Undergraduate, don't spend too much time on any childhood wishes or experiences.
Write a winning statement of purpose
TIP: WRITE THIS EARLY and have many people proof it for you, friends, graduate students, faculty - whoever you can get.
When do I need to request recommendation letters?
Find out deadlines for schools you are applying to; most are December or January - so ask for letters at least two months in advance... but faculty can't send the electronic ones until you submit your online application. Make sure to let any recommender know the deadline, where to send/submit a letter, and send friendly reminders.
Timeline for your senior year of college -
- August - Notify your recommenders that you'd like to ask them for a letter.
- October - Send list of the universities you are applying to with deadlines to your recommenders. It's a good idea to give your recommenders a resume listing your research and work experience.
- November - Remind your recommenders that you'll need a letter (or online recommendation).
TIP: Ask your recommenders at least two months before the letter is due.
What is the minimum GPA required?
UT Austin enforces a minimum 3.0 GPA for all of its graduate programs. Beyond that, the UT Astronomy Department does not have a GPA cutoff that it uses in reviewing applications to our program.
Is it important to publish a paper, or can I just try to get research experience?
Publishing a paper in a refereed journal (co-author or author) would be the best outcome from a research experience, but more often students are able to create a poster and possibly present it at a conference. This is invaluable experience even if it doesn't result in a full length paper. When Graduate Admissions faculty are looking at your application, they will want to see something about research and listing a poster, presentation or paper is very important.
Should I visit my top choices for Graduate School?
It is a good idea to visit schools, if you can. You can see what the environment is like and if you think the school would be a good fit for you. If you visit before you apply, try to meet with faculty or researchers to be able to talk about what they are doing with their research when you write your essay. (You may also find out about their research on their department webpages.) Make sure and prepare some standard questions to ask at each school.
Will it hurt my chances if I take a year off before going to Graduate School?
No, especially if during that year you are getting more experience in research. Talk to your advisor before you leave for any time away (e.g. REU), keeping them in touch will assure that you are still fulfilling all of the residency requirements of UT.
**NOTE: many internships and Summer Research opportunities require that you are still a student, read the eligibility section closely.
TIP: GET RESEARCH EXPERIENCE BEFORE YOU GRADUATE
BUT - some of these opportunities will take graduating undergrads:
(also check their regular "job" sites for temporary or "internship" positions;
OR - find faculty that do research that interests you and contact them to see if they would need a research assistant, you might be able to get a paid research position after you graduate - you have to be proactive and search various university sites to make this happen)
UT CNS Site - information on jobs and internships for science graduates
LPI - Summer Program, they do consider graduating students
NRAO - has "Undergraduate Summer Research Assistantships" for graduating seniors
SULI fellowships are offered at 17 participating Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories/facilities
Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships
STSCi - Summer Student Program
The SSP is oriented around upper division undergraduates, but we have had students from all academic levels and a broad variety of backgrounds. There are no restrictions on who may apply, and the SSP is open to foreign students. Complete information may be found at:
https://www.stsci.edu/opportunities/space-astronomy-summer-program
Bell Labs - physics/computer science related internships (summer) - will consider graduating undergraduates
Bell Labs Summer Internship Program (internship info)
What does UT look for in a successful application?
Our admissions process is holistic and recognizes that there is no unique path that leads to success in graduate school. A successful applicant exhibits evidence of achievement or strong potential in areas that include:
- Research Preparation - Evidence of the cognitive and analytical skills necessary for research, and personal interest. Experiences include those from research, courses, extracurricular activities, etc.
- Academic Preparation - Demonstrates a thirst for learning astronomy and evidence of likely success in graduate level courses.
- Fit at UT - Would benefit from the UT Astronomy program and the UT Astronomy program would benefit from the applicant.
- Non-Cognitive Competency - Demonstrates perseverance, grit, optimism, and conscientiousness.
- Professional Maturity/Long-Term Goals - Has the professional maturity needed for a PhD program.
- Community Engagement and Leadership - Has capacity and interest in being an ethical and engaged community member.
Please address all relevant areas in your personal statement.
