Do I need more safeties?
Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2016 8:10 pm
I'm applying for programs starting Fall 2017. I have my application list mostly finalized, but I wasn't sure if it was too top heavy. I feel like I have a fairly strong application, but I've heard particle physics (especially theory) is very competitive. Any help/input would be appreciated!
Undergrad Institution: Top 20 or 30 public school
Major(s): Physics (main) and mathematics
Minor(s): Astrophysics
GPA in Major: 3.96
Overall GPA: 3.85
Length of Degree: 4 years
Position in Class: Not sure, probably above average
Type of Student: Domestic white male, gay (not sure if that helps)
GRE Scores : (revised)
Q: 168
V: 170
W: 4.0
P: Not yet taken, but estimating somewhere in the 900s based on practice exams
Research Experience: 2.5 years in astroparticle physics at home institution (mostly computer work, no presentations or publications but will have an honors thesis). I also spent a month in New York helping build a prototype telescope.
Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Various school scholarships, offered departmental scholarship (declined for complicated reasons), Dean's list 5/6 semesters, invited into Sigma Pi Sigma
Pertinent Activities or Jobs:
Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:
Special Bonus Points: Taking graduate quantum senior year
Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:
Applying to Where: Expressing interest in HEP-ex and HEP-th, with emphasis on experiment
Princeton - Physics
Stanford - Physics
UCSB - Physics
Columbia - Physics
Michigan (Ann Arbor) - Physics
University of British Columbia - Physics
Maryland - Physics
Washington - Physics
Minnesota - Physics
Wisconsin - Physics
Undergrad Institution: Top 20 or 30 public school
Major(s): Physics (main) and mathematics
Minor(s): Astrophysics
GPA in Major: 3.96
Overall GPA: 3.85
Length of Degree: 4 years
Position in Class: Not sure, probably above average
Type of Student: Domestic white male, gay (not sure if that helps)
GRE Scores : (revised)
Q: 168
V: 170
W: 4.0
P: Not yet taken, but estimating somewhere in the 900s based on practice exams
Research Experience: 2.5 years in astroparticle physics at home institution (mostly computer work, no presentations or publications but will have an honors thesis). I also spent a month in New York helping build a prototype telescope.
Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Various school scholarships, offered departmental scholarship (declined for complicated reasons), Dean's list 5/6 semesters, invited into Sigma Pi Sigma
Pertinent Activities or Jobs:
Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:
Special Bonus Points: Taking graduate quantum senior year
Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:
Applying to Where: Expressing interest in HEP-ex and HEP-th, with emphasis on experiment
Princeton - Physics
Stanford - Physics
UCSB - Physics
Columbia - Physics
Michigan (Ann Arbor) - Physics
University of British Columbia - Physics
Maryland - Physics
Washington - Physics
Minnesota - Physics
Wisconsin - Physics