Advice

We have made a number of pages to provide advice on topics of interest to physics undergraduates:

• Recommendations on classes to take at MIT
• Tips on applying to graduate school
  • Schools to consider based on physics subfield
• How to study for the physics GRE (recently updated with more resources!)

Other words of advice:

• Research experience is extremely important as preparation for a career in experimental science, and graduate schools heavily favor applicants with this type of background. Various programs within MIT and at other institutions offer research opportunities for undergraduates:
  • Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) at MIT
  • NSF Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) Summer Programs in Physics

• Apply for science scholarships and fellowships. On top of the financial assistance they provide, these awards build your resume and are heavily favored by graduate admissions and hiring committees. We made a list of various award programs that may be applicable to you as a physics major:
  • Scholarships & Awards
  • Research Fellowships

• Get involved! Join professional organizations related to physics and your subfield of interest:
  • American Physical Society (APS)
  • American Astronomical Society (AAS)
  • American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)