Graduate Program Admissions Information

The selection of the Ph.D. students admitted to the Department of Physics is based on the student's academic record, the letters of recommendation, the scores on both the General GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and the GRE Subject test in Physics, the statement of purpose, as well as past accomplishments. Every year we receive approximately 400+ applications and offer admission to approximately 60 students. Applications must be submitted by the middle of December to be considered for the following Autumn Quarter. In January and February of each year, the Physics Department Graduate Admission Committee reviews each application and the admission decisions are made in early March. All applicants will be notified of their admission status by mid-March.

The Department does not offer a separate program for the M.S. degree, but this degree may be awarded for a portion of the Ph.D. degree work with approval from the Department.

Graduate students have opportunities for research in theoretical physics, low temperature physics, molecular physics, high energy physics, spectroscopy, atomic and quantum electronics, gravitation and astrophysics, and condensed matter physics. Opportunities for research are also available with the faculty at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) in the areas of theoretical and experimental particle physics and accelerator design. In Applied Physics there are opportunities in the areas of theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics, materials research, quantum electronics, and novel imaging technology.

TO OBTAIN APPLICATION INFORMATION & APPLY TO STANFORD VIA THE WEB:
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/gradadmissions/

To receive the Guide to Graduate Admissions, and information about graduate programs at Stanford, go to:
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/registrar/pdf/gradadmisguide.pdf

We strongly prefer that you submit your application via the Web. Your application can be processed more quickly and you will save money. If you are unable to apply electronically, see the Graduate Admissions web site for information about ordering a paper application and a copy of the Stanford Bulletin ($20.00 nonrefundable fee in addition to the normal application fee):
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/gradadmissions/applying/step2.html

Applications (both the on-line application, and the paper applications) are available in September.

The following application materials must be received by Tuesday, December 15, 2009:

• Completed Stanford University Application (on-line, including application fee)
  
• Three letters of recommendation, preferably including one from a research group
• Statement of Purpose
• Two Official Transcripts from EACH School attended
• A fax or photocopy of unofficial GRE Scores (General and Physics Subject both required) if you did not include them on your application. (Official GRE Scores must also be received directly from the Educational Testing Services.)
  • Cheating or misrepresenting your scores on any exam would be a violation of Stanford's Fundamental Standard.
  • If we don't have your GRE scores, please FAX your unofficial GRE scores to 1-650-723-1821 by December 15, 2009.
• TOEFL - required for applicants whose first language is not English. It must be taken within the last 18 months. The TOEFL is waived for applicants who have recently completed a Bachelor's degree, or a 2-year Master's program, in the U.S. or in another English-speaking country.
• Stanford University Application Fee for Fall 2009 entering class: $105.00 for all applicants. Students applying via the Web may use Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express cards.

Send supplementary required materials to:

Attn: Grad. Admission Committee
Stanford Univ. Physics Dept.
Varian Physics
382 Via Pueblo Mall
Stanford, CA 94305-4060

For further information, see the Graduate Admissions Office web page:
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/gradadmissions/

In general, the admissions forms for the academic year beginning in September are available in September of the previous year. All application materials must be submitted by December 15, 2009.

For other questions about the process, please contact:

phys-admissions@lists.stanford.edu.
Phone: 1 (650) 723-4344
Fax: 1 (650) 723-1821