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FAQs for Incoming Physics Graduate Students
Now that you're coming to Texas A&M...
BACK TO ADMISSIONS
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| 1. What should I do when I arrive? |
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U.S. citizens and permanent residents: You will need to come by the department prior to the first class day to check in. If you received a teaching assistantship, you will have to attend two days of training toward the end of August. International students: The university has a two-week check-in schedule for you to attend. You will need to come by the department at some point during this time to check in and to find out what courses to register for. More information for international students is available at International Student Services.
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| 2. How can I get financial aid? |
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Contact Student Financial Aid at http://financialaid.tamu.edu. However, living here is cheap, and the vast majority of students do not need financial aid.
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| 3. How are physics graduate students paid? |
| Most students have a Research Assistantship (RA), Graduate Assistantship - Teaching (GAT), or a Graduate Assistantship -
Non-Teaching (GANT).
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| 4. What are the typical RA, GAT, GANT and Fellowship stipends? |
For more information, click here.
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| 5. If I join a theory group, will I have to TA every year? |
| Many, but not all, theory students teach. It depends on the advisor.
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| 6. How can I get an Assistantship during the summer of my first year of classes? |
| There are a limited number of Teaching Assistantships available. Research Assistantships depend on the funds of the
Research Advisor.
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| 7. Can I switch research groups if I find something else I would rather do? |
Yes; that decision is up to the student. Frequent switching, however, is strongly discouraged.
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| 8. What courses should I take? |
For degree requirements. You should also meet with your graduate advisor.
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| 9. Can graduate level courses I've already taken be transferred to Texas A&M for credit? |
| No, but you can take the final exam for a class to receive credit for it.
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| 10. What are the requirements to graduate? |
| Requirements for all degrees offered can be found at here.
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| 11. How long does it usually take to get a Ph.D. in physics? |
| It depends on the thesis topic and preparation and dedication level of the student. Some students take 4 years; most are done before 7 years.
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