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Start Preparing for Graduate School

Graduate school may be an important step in obtaining your dream career. Utilize the resources on this page to better prepare yourself for applying, accepting and completing a graduate program. 

Students should start preparing for graduate school their sophomore year. By preparing early, you afford yourself the opportunity to develop working relationships with faculty, obtain research experience, become a mentor, complete community service, and much more. 

Join a Student Organization (Year 1)

Why is joining a student organization important?

You'll get a break from school work
You'll gain opportunities to network
You can give back to your community
Build your resume

SunDevilSync Department of Physics Student Organizations

Build Your Network (Year 2)

Networking can lead to professional relationships, letters of recommendation, job offers, and much more.
LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a great way to stay connected, even after your graduate.

ASU Mentor Network

The ASU Mentor Network is an online community that helps connect students with professionals in their field of interest.

Conferences

Attending conferences is a great way to meet other like-minded individuals. Conferences also provide you a chance to interact with individuals outside of your home institution, which can help steer your future research or job search. 

Gain Research Experience (Year 2-4)

Research is an important part of your graduate school application. Having this type of experience shows your level of competency in a lab, your ability to work with other students and faculty, and your eagerness to contribute to the physics community.
Department of Physics Research
Research Experiences for Undergraduates

The Graduate Record Examinations® (GRE®) (Year 4)

For information on test prep, go to career.asu.edu/grad-school-and-test-prep
General Test

The GRE (R) General Test is completed by students who wish to attend graduate school. Students are encouraged to check graduate school admissions for their specific prgoram to determine if the GRE General Test is required. The Princeton Review Test Prep is available to ASU Students FREE of cost. Click here to register for a review.

Physics Subject Test

The Physics Subject test is important and required for most physics PhD programs. The test may also be required for physics master's programs. To determine if this exam is required, check the admission requirements at your intended graduate school. 

Fall Dates: September and October 

Spring Dates: April 

Finding a Graduate Program (Year 3)

Finding the right graduate program is more than just a great location. Students should consider a university's specific faculty, funding, notable research, and research area openings.
GradSchoolShopper

GradSchoolShopper.com is a database that compiles information on graduate programs within the physical sciences. 

Inclusion

If you would like information on the climate for women in physics, APS has compiled 92 surveys from various institutions regarding inclusion. 

Graduate School Comparison Worksheet

Use this document provided by Career and Professional Development Services to help narrow down graduate programs. 

Applying to Graduate School (Year 4)

Recommendation Letters

Students should start communicating with their faculty recommenders first semester of their senior year. Students should seek letters from internship supervisors, faculty research advisors, faculty mentors, and instructors. The best recommendation letters are from faculty who can attest to a student's character outside of the classroom. 

Personal Statement
Create A CV

Creating a CV for graduate school will help showcase all of your achievements that may not be visible on your transcript. You'll want to include any research, internships, or community service you have participated in.