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Frequently Asked Questions for Applicants
General Questions Regarding the Ph.D. Program in Physics
> Must I have a degree in physics in order
to apply to this graduate program?
> What are the requirements to complete a PhD?
> Can I take courses at other schools nearby?
> How many years does it take to complete the
PhD requirements?
> Is there a fixed period of financial support?
> How many applications are submitted each year?
How many students are accepted?
> What are the minimum GRE, IELTS and GPA scores
for admitted applicants?
> What factors are considered in the application
review process?
The Application Process
> How can I arrange a visit to the Physics Department?
> When is the deadline for applying to the Ph.D.
program in Physics?
> What is the difference between September
and February admission?
> My GRE and/or IELTS test scores will not
be reported before the application deadline-- can I still apply?
> Does the Department of Physics provide application
fee waivers?
> Does the Department of Physics provide IELTS
score waivers?
> Can I receive an update on the status of
my application?
> When will I be notified of a final decision?
Must I have a degree in physics in order
to apply to this graduate program?
Usually applicants have a B.A. in physics, or the equivalent, with
no specified requirements of content when they apply to this program.
However, if you have an undergraduate degree in an area other than
physics, you may still apply.
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What are the requirements to complete a PhD?
The requirements of the Graduate School are a two-year residency,
doctoral examination, and thesis. In addition, the Physics Department
requires that you take two physics-related courses in fields that
are not your specialty, plus two specified graduate courses in your
field of specialization. In consultation with your advisor, you
will decide how to best prepare for the doctoral examination, which
consists of two written and one oral examination. The exams are
given twice a year and nearly every student passes.
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Can I take courses at other schools nearby?
Yes, free cross-registrations are available with Harvard University
and Wellesley College.
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How many years does it take to complete
the PhD requirements?
From 3 to 7 years, averaging 5.6 years.
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Is there a fixed period of financial support?
We have always been able to support students who enter with MIT
support or external fellowships, throughout their program, provided
that their progress is satisfactory.
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How many applications are submitted each
year? How many students are accepted?
Although the number varies each year, the Department of Physics
usually receives approximately 650 applications. The number of students
in the incoming class for the last few years has averaged between
30-40.
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What are the minimum GRE, IELTS and GPA
scores for admitted applicants?
Because many variables are considered in the application review
process, there are no minimum standards for test scores or grade
point averages.
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What factors are considered in the application
review process?
The three main factors that are reviewed in the application process
are GRE scores (both general and Physics subject scores), transcripts
of past grades, and letters of recommendation. In addition, any
past research experiences are extremely helpful, particularly if
they are in the area(s) of the applicant's interest(s).
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How can I arrange a visit to the Physics Department?
If you will be visiting the Boston area and/or MIT, you are welcome to visit the Physics Department. Click here for additional information.
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When is the deadline for applying to the Ph.D.
program in Physics?
The deadline for reciept of an application for September admission is December 15th. Supplemental material such as letters of recommendation, test scores and Fall transcripts are due by January 1. The deadline
for all application material for February admission is November 1st.
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What is the difference between September
and February admission?
The Department primarily accepts graduate students for September
admission. We can accept applications for February admission. However,
since these are considered after financial commitments for the year
have been made, the likelihood of financial aid availability is
much less than that for September admission.
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My GRE and/or IELTS test scores will
not be reported before the application deadline--can I still apply?
Applications will not be considered complete and will not be reviewed
until all materials have been received. However, candidates are
encouraged to submit the written application, statement of objectives,
and financial information by Nov. 1 for February admission and January 1 for September admission. In some
cases, test scores and/or letters of recommendation may arrive after
these deadlines. In these cases, applications will be reviewed
as they are completed.
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Does the Department of Physics provide application
fee waivers?
In fairness to all applicants, the Department of Physics does not
waive the $75 application fee. Applications without the fee will
be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.
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Does the Department of Physics provide IELTS
score waivers?
The IELTS exam is required of all applicants who were born in a
country where English is not the primary language. Exceptions to
this policy will be considered for candidates who received their
undergraduate degree at a U.S. college or university. In these cases,
candidates are asked to provide a letter from a faculty member attesting
to their English proficiency.
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Can I receive an update on the status of
my application?
You will receive an e-mail from the Physics Graduate Office acknowledging
receipt and status of your application. If your application is incomplete,
a second e-mail will be sent only when all missing items have been
received. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications
that are received, no additional e-mails or telephone inquiries
can be answered. It is the applicant's responsibility to assure
that all items are sent.
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When will I be notified of a final decision?
Decisions are rendered and sent to applicants for September admission
via mail anytime between the middle of February and the end of March.
For privacy and security reasons, we cannot notify applicants of
final decisions via e-mail or telephone.
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