FAQs

https://gradschool.uky.edu/admissionsFAQ for Graduate Admissions
Department of Physics & Astronomy
University of Kentucky


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

Will I be offered a Teaching Assistantship (TA)?
When will I hear if I have been accepted by the Department of Physics & Astronomy?
Do I have to fill out both a Graduate School form and a Department of Physics & Astronomy form?
What do I send where?
Can my letters of reference be sent electronically?
Can I include unofficial transcripts and GRE/TOEFL/IELTS scores with my application?
What parts of the Supplemental Materials section must I submit?
Is there a minimum GPA requirement?  What is the average GPA accepted?
Is there a minimum GRE requirement?
Is there a Subject GRE requirement for Physics?
Is there a minimum TOEFL or IELTS requirement?

 

Will I be offered a Teaching Assistantship (TA)?

  • In general, all students in the Ph.D. program are supported with a Fellowship, Teaching Assistantship, or Research Assistantship. These all include complete tuition scholarships as well as stipends to cover all living expenses.  M.S. students generally do not receive financial support.  See https://www.uky.edu/studentaccount/tuition for graduate tuition and fees.

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

  • The admissions committee begins reviewing applications shortly after January 1st. This can take several weeks. We usually begin making our first round of offers in the first two weeks of February. (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 a Graduate School form and a Department of Physics & Astronomy form?

  • No. All applications are now routed through the Graduate School form.

What do I send where?

  • Follow the instructions on the Graduate School application form. See also below.

Can my letters of reference be sent electronically?

  • Yes. Follow the instructions on the Graduate School application form.

Can I include unofficial transcripts and GRE/TOEFL/IELTS scores with my application?

  • Yes. You may self-report your GPA and standardized tests, and attach unofficial reports in your application packet.  However, if you are accepted, you must bring official copies with you, and deliver them to the Graduate School upon arrival.

What parts of the Supplemental Materials section must I submit?

  • Everyone should upload a current copy of their Resume/CV, and their Personal Statement. You may optionally submit one of your publications under "Writing Sample".  The other sections: "Additional Information", "Assistantship Application", "Portfolio", and "Alternative Score Upload" are generally not applicable and do not need to be uploaded.  All Ph.D. applicants are automatically considered for an Assistantship.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement?  What is the average GPA accepted?

  • Yes. An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work is required by the Graduate School (see here).  We do report the average GPA because acceptance depends on many factors.

Is there a minimum GRE requirement?

  • No. However, if you have taken the GRE you may self-report the scores. This will be helpful in our review of the applicants.

Is there a Subject GRE requirement for Physics?

  • No. We do not require the Subject (Physics) GRE for admission to Physics & Astronomy, but you are strongly recommended to take it. It is very helpful in our review of applicants.

Is there a minimum TOEFL or IELTS requirement?

  • From https://gradschool.uky.edu/admissions: International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. The University of Kentucky requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based). For IELTS, a minimum mean band score of 6.5 is required. Students may also use the Duolingo English Test (only tests taken after July 15, 2019 will be accepted. The minimum score will be 115, and students recommended for admission may also be interviewed by a CESL evaluator. TOEFL essentials may also be used and the minimum overall score is 9.