FAQ applicants to TAMU Physics

An application (see question 2), GRE scores, 3 letters of recommendation and a Bachelor's degree are expected. The degree must be completed by the time you enter the program here; it does not have to be completed when you send in your application.

2. How can I get an application to the Physics Department at Texas A&M?

The easiest way to apply is to complete the Texas Common Application.

However, you may request a paper application by sending email to apply@physics.tamu.edu, or writing to us at:

Graduate Admissions Committee
Department of Physics
Texas A&M University
4242 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-4242

In addition, you can phone the department at (979) 845-7717 or toll-free at (866) 409-4693.

If you fill out the Texas Common Application, send all supporting documents to the department.

3. What are the application deadlines?

The review of applications will begin on January 15th. To ensure full consideration for both admission, assistantships and Fellowships, prospective students are encouraged to have all their materials submitted directly to the department by that date. Applications after this date will be considered until all of our positions are filled.

4. What is the application fee?

U.S. Citizens and permanent residents: $50.00
International Applicants: $75.00

Some students may be eligible for reimbursement of the application fee. For more information, please click here.

5. Do I need recommendation letters with my application?

Yes; have 3 (at least) recommendation letters sent to the department. A recommendation form is available in PDF format.

6. How can I find out if my application is complete?

Email apply@physics.tamu.edu.

7. What is the procedure for transferring from another graduate school?

Please use the regular application.

8. What level of undergraduate preparation is necessary for admission?

We particularly value core physics classes, such as quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and classical mechanics.

9. Should I apply to Physics or Applied Physics?

That decision is up to you, based on your interests. For more information on the Applied Physics program. Physics and Applied Physics are separate PhD programs.

10. What are my chances of being admitted?

This is a competitive process and depends on your qualifications.

11. When will I know if I've been accepted to Texas A&M?

Admissions are accepted on a rolling basis, so there are no definite dates. However, letters for early applicants are usually posted before March.

12. If I am not accepted, is it possible to apply the following year?

Yes.

13. What things will improve my application?

Clear research preferences, early submission, both general and subject GRE scores, research experience, awards and prizes, high GPA, presentations, and publications will all help your application.

14. Is the GRE offered internationally?

Information on the GRE can be found on their website at http://www.gre.org.

15. My GRE scores/letters/transcripts/TOEFL may not arrive before the deadline, what should I do?

Send the department whatever information you have, even unofficial information. Then send the official information when it arrives.

16. What if my GRE/TOEFL score or GPA is below your cutoff, should I still apply?

There are no hard cutoff scores; low GRE scores can be balanced by a higher GPA, and a low GPA can be balanced by a higher GRE score, etc.

17. Is the TOEFL required of all international applicants?

Yes.

18. How can I find out about research at Texas A&M?

We have a great variety of exciting and novel research going on at A&M. For more information, look at our research information.

19. How can I contact the admissions committee about my latest research project?

Sending the same letter to multiple professors is counter-productive. Send information to apply@physics.tamu.edu and indicate the faculty to whom it should be forwarded.

20. What kind of financial aid is available?

The stipend amount for a Teaching Assistant, effective the end of August, 2004, will be $1,750 per month. Most admitted students will also receive either full or partial tuition remission from the department. In addition, we have many very lucrative fellowships which can be used in lieu of or in addition to an assistantship. Note: there are early deadlines for some fellowships.

21. Do I need to reapply for financial aid in subsequent years?

All students are eligible for Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships for all following years. Assistantships are granted based on performance. The vast majority receive support.

22. When is a good time to visit campus?

Anytime is fine. Please contact us at apply@physics.tamu.edu and we can set up something.

23. What is ELPE? What is ELI?

ELPE is the English Language Proficiency Examination, and ELI is the English Language Institute. This applies only to non-US citizens.

24. Where can I find more information for international students?

More information is available from International Student Services.

25. Where is Texas A&M located?

Texas A&M University is located in College Station, TX. For directions from the nearest major cities, click here.

Map courtesy of MapQuest.com