FAQ for Graduate Admissions, Department of Physics & Astronomy

(more coming soon)

 

If you don't find what you need here try the grad school FAQ.

 

When will I hear if I have been accepted by the Department of Physics & Astronomy?

Do I have to fill out both the Graduate School form and the Department of Physics & Astronomy form?

What do I send where?

Can my letters of reference be sent electronically?

Is there a minimum GRE requirement?

Is there a Subject GRE requirement for Physics?

Is there a minimum TOEFL requirement?

 

 

When will I hear if I have been accepted by the Department of Physics & Astronomy?

v      The admissions committee begins reviewing applications shortly after February 1st. This can take several weeks. We usually begin making our first round of offers in the first two weeks of March. (The deadline for accepting/declining our first round of offers is April 15. Any places not filled results in a second round of offers after April 15.)

 

Do I have to fill out both the Graduate School form and the Department of Physics & Astronomy form?

v      Yes. The Graduate School and the Department of Physics & Astronomy have separate and independent admissions procedures. Complete both applications (see here for instructions).

v      The Graduate School determines whether you meet the University of Kentucky requirements for graduate study.

v      The Department of Physics & Astronomy determines whether to admit you to our program.

 

What do I send where?

v      The Graduate School requires ORIGINAL transcripts and OFFICIAL GRE and TOEFL scores reported DIRECTLY from ETS to the Graduate School institution code R1837 (see here). COPIES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE!

v      We (the Department of Physics & Astronomy) ask for COPIES of transcripts and COPIES of GRE and COPIES of TOEFL results to be sent directly to us (see here), NOT to the Graduate School. We use this unofficial information (and your online application and statement of purpose and letters of reference) to make a decision about your application.

 

Can my letters of reference be sent electronically?

v      No. Currently we require hard copies of all reference forms and letters to be sent directly to us from your referees (see here for forms).

 

Is there a minimum GRE requirement?

v      No. The Graduate School requires you to take the GRE (General test). We use the scores in our assessment of applicants. Each case is considered separately and there is no minimum cutoff.

 

Is there a Subject GRE requirement for Physics?

v      No. We do not require the Subject (Physics) GRE for admission to Physics & Astronomy.

 

Is there a minimum TOEFL requirement?

v      Yes. The University of Kentucky requires a minimum TOEFL score of 213 computer-based (550 paper-based, IBT 79) for all international students whose first language is not English. International students who receive college degrees from US universities and universities in other designated English-speaking countries may be exempted from taking the TOEFL test (see here). For example, if you obtain an MS degree from a US University you do not need the TOEFL.