Applicants


Thank you for considering the Ph.D. program in Physics at MIT. Information regarding our graduate program and our application process can be found in the following comments and within the links on this page. If your questions are not answered after reviewing this information, please contact us at physics-grad@mit.edu .

Graduate students with faculty member Steve Nahn

A Ph.D. from MIT certifies high ability and significant accomplishment in physics. Because research is central to graduate study in physics, in your application be sure to describe your research aptitude and achievements as completely as possible. Applications are evaluated only when they are complete. It is to your advantage to have the application evaluated during the early stages of the admissions process.

The graduate application can be referenced and submitted online via the link below. Supporting materials (i.e., test scores, transcripts, etc.) should be sent to the Department of Physics, Academic Programs, Room 4-315. Receipt of your application will be acknowledged. Applications must be submited by December 15th for September admission. Supplemental material such as letters of recommendation, test scores, and Fall transcripts are due by January 1. All application material for February Admission must be submitted by November 1st. We will contact you via e-mail when your application is complete.

Your completed application must include:

> MIT Graduate Admissions Online Graduate Application

> Department of Physics Graduate Aid Preference Form

> Your most current undergraduate transcript

> An early report of your Fall term grades

> A current graduate transcript (if applicable)

> Satement of Purpose (This essay need not be long. Summarize concisely your interests, academic and scientific achievements, and any research experience. There is no need to outline the courses that you propose to take.)

> Three Letters of Recommendation (Letters of recommendation are extremely important to us. If you have been involved in research, please solicit recommendations from scientists with whom you have worked. Seek letters from people who can provide concrete and detailed information about you and your scientific abilities. A comment such as "he/she got an A in my course" adds little. To avoid delays, try to include them in your applications.)

> The Graduate Record Examination (Both the general and the physics subject tests, are required. Arrange to take these examinations so that we will receive the results by January 1st.)

> IELTS (International English Language Testing System) (Applicants whose first language is not English must take the IELTS test.)

Again, additional information can be found by reviewing the links on this page.

Best of luck in the application process.

Sincerely,

Krishna Rajagopal
Professor of Physics
Director, Graduate Admissions