<p>Hello, all.</p>
<p>I'm a rising senior at MIT with a cumulative physics GPA of about 4.8/5.0 and a cumulative GPA of about the same. I'll be graduating with a physics degree and possibly a mathematics degree in June of 2007. I've been a bit nervous about applying to graduate school lately, so I wanted to ask a couple of questions to see how other people might look at my profile. </p>
<p>General GRE not taken yet.
Physics GRE: 990/990. (i'm a domestic student too)
Courses taken in QM (3), Stat mech (2), EM (2), mechanics (1), astronomy and astrophysics (3), and also special relativity. </p>
<p>I've participated in some research involving x-ray timing and data analysis and also binary star modelling. the former <em>may</em> result in two publications in e.g. ApJ. but will definately result in an undergrad thesis. </p>
<p>I'm thinking of applying to CalTech, berkeley, MIT, Harvard, Princeton, UCSB, and a couple of other places. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>wow so I don't know much about astrophysics grad school, but a 4.8/5.0 from MIT should get you just about anywhere. Congratulations.</p>
<p>we could always use one more i suppose</p>
<p>No, as a matter of fact I am not. I'm looking for feedback. I see lots of people with higher GPAs than me/more research experience, and I'm looking to see whether physics grad students at good schools have profiles similar to, or better than, mine. </p>
<p>And I am glad that you joined this forum simply so you could call me an egotist, Addwit. That was very adult of you.</p>
<p>Seems like you have everything covered that you need to get into a great graduate school. Your next step should be contacting professors that share research interests to gauge who is and who isn't taking students for the 2007 academic year. You can have the best stats in the world, but if they aren't taking students, they aren't taking students. Be professional, leave out the statistical information about you in your email. Just be cordial and mention what research you've helped out with and where your research interest is focused and ask what kinds of projects they have in the works for the coming years. </p>
<p>One last thing, I wouldn't ask for advice on where to apply on a website. Ask your advisors at MIT and search around on departmental websites your own. Shop for an advisor that can get you places, not necessarily the name brand school you were shopping for when you went into undergrad.</p>
<p>Stop it, Addwit; he's seriously asking, not trying to boost his ego.</p>
<p>For the OP --- have you taken any grad-level courses? This is important for math graduate school, so I think that it could also matter for physics grad school. Also, have you considered Cambridge? The Cavendish is one of the best places for physics graduate school.</p>
<p>Stats look very strong, but I can't say more than that 'cuz I'm not an astrophysicist.
Basically what ophiolite said. I would start by asking a few current profs the "Here are my stats and goals, what are my chances?" question. That should give you a quick ball-park answer and advice and you would continue from there.</p>
<p>And Cambridge is incredible so that's a plus :)</p>
<p>thanks for the advice everyone. as for grad classes, i dont think they count too much for physics (though i didn't realize that they counted for math, so i could be mistaken), though i will be taking a few. anyone know if grad classes in the specific subfield in which you express interest help? like, since i'm going into astro, will having taken the intro astro grad sequence help? thanks.</p>
<p>Sorry for bumping such an old thread to the top, but I will be applying to Astronomy Grad school next year and this is the most recent thread.</p>
<p>I have no idea how to objectively rank people, but harrisrj, it looks like your chances are great- good luck finding the perfect program!</p>
<p>So Harrisrj,
It's closing in on 2 years since you asked this question. Are you in grad school now, & where did u go?
I have a son finishing his 3rd year in physics & astronomy at OSU. His future plans include grad school and a career in academia. This summer will begin the process for grad school. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>He's only had three posts on the forum ever, and they were all in this thread, so I don't think he'll be popping back in to answer. :(</p>