#Physics gre how to

With all these strikes against it, why do departments still use it? Some claim that it helps students from smaller schools вЂњstand outвЂќ and allows for comparison of students from very different backgrounds since itвЂ™s standardized, unlike GPA or research experience. Studies have also shown that these exams do not correlate with the likelihood of finishing a doctorate, or the likelihood of earning a prize postdoctoral fellowship. ItвЂ™s even been shown to be biased against women, people of color, and students from lower socioeconomic status in fact, itвЂ™s a better indicator of these demographic characteristics than of an applicantвЂ™s potential for success in graduate school. With its $150+ price tag (which just adds to the growing costs of grad school admission), the PGRE can be a barrier to entry to graduate school for lower income students. Research done by both universities and external agencies has shown that the Physics GRE is harmful to marginalized students.

There was also recently an Astro2020 white paper calling for astronomy programs to eliminate both the subject-specific Physics GRE and the general GRE. The American Astronomical Society, the American Association of Physics Teachers, and the American Physical SocietyвЂ™s Bridge Program have all issued recommendations to limit the use of GREs in admissions, and many studies have looked into the effectiveness and bias of these standardized exams.

For the past few years, removing Physics GRE (PGRE) requirements for admission to graduate school has been a point of contention in many university physics departments. However, it usually fails in the endeavor to show off an undergradвЂ™s ability to do physics. The Physics GRE is a standardized test that has been used for over 35 years to showcase to graduate admissions committees how much fundamental physics an undergraduate knows. physics and astronomy program, chances are the Physics Graduate Record Exam (a.k.a. If youвЂ™re talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion in a U.S. CaballeroДЇirst authorвЂ™s institution: Department of Physics and Astronomy & Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering, Michigan State University However, when you do apply, we strongly recommend that you indicate potential supervisors on your OUAC or Supplementary Information Form.Title: The Physics GRE does not help applicants вЂњstand outвЂќДЄuthors: Nicholas T. You may contact potential supervisors either before or after applying.

#Physics gre how to

GSPAВ provides guidance on how to find your supervisor. Your goal is to stand out and make them notice you вЂ“ a great first impression. Be sure to tailor your email and message to each potential supervisor. Then contact the faculty member(s) and provide them with the information they would find valuable for determining if you would be a good fit for their research group.ДЄpproachingВ a faculty memberВ by email is a good first step. We recommend that you review departmentВ websites to identify the research areas and faculty members who you believe would be the best candidates to act as your supervisor and with whom you think you would like to work with. In addition to applying and meeting the admission requirements, admission into a graduate program requires matching with a faculty member that is willing to serve as your supervisor.