Graduate Admissions

Admission to the PhD program in Physics is based on a comprehensive and individualized review of each application, including academic performance, research experience, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and Physics GRE scores. Applicants are primarily evaluated on the strength of their accomplishments, demonstrated commitment to and enthusiasm for research, intellectual creativity, and talent for research in physics.

The Physics GRE subject test is strongly recommended. It provides applicants with an important way to demonstrate their proficiency in solving basic physics problems, and thus, the lack of a Physics GRE score may adversely impact the application. However, Physics GRE scores are not absolutely required, because we acknowledge that preparing for and taking the Physics GRE may present financial or logistical challenges for some students. To help mitigate this, we provide information about exam fees, fee reduction programs, and preparation resources. If there are significant barriers to taking the Physics GRE, students should note these barriers in their application.

Some resources to support Physics GRE preparation:

APS Video: Preparing for the Physics GRE: Strategies for Success

• Preparing for the Physics GRE: Resources from OSU Physics
• Preparing for the Physics GRE: Resources from MIT Physics

Information about the Physics GRE Fee Reduction program are at https://www.ets.org/gre/score-users/reducing-barriers/fee- reductions.html

Applications must be submitted by the middle of December to be considered for the following Autumn Quarter. In January and February of each year, the Physics Department Graduate Admission Committee reviews each application. All applicants will be notified of their admission status by March 1st.

The Physics Department recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

The Department does not offer a separate program for the M.S. degree, but this degree may be awarded for a portion of the Ph.D. degree work with approval from the Department.

For the purpose of generally matching needs and funding availability with students’ interest, we ask applicants to select the broad area of physics: theoretical physics, experimental physics, or astrophysics best matching their interest.  Within those broad areas, graduate students have opportunities for research in theoretical physics, AMO physics, ultra-fast lasers, particle and nuclear physics, condensed matter physics, quantum information and control, cosmology, astrophysics, and gravitation. Opportunities for research are also available with the faculty at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in the areas of theoretical and experimental particle physics, cosmology and astrophysics, accelerator design, and photon science. In Applied Physics there are opportunities in the areas of theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics, materials research, quantum electronics, and novel imaging technology.

Stanford commits to funding five years of doctoral programs for all admitted students in good academic standing.  However, while opportunities to move between the three broad areas of physics that the student has selected at time of application (theoretical physics, experimental physics, or astrophysics) sometimes exist, they are not guaranteed.

The application deadline for this academic year 2024-25 (2025-26 admissions cycle) is 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time, Monday, December 16, 2024. The application submission deadline is a hard deadline and no late applications are accepted, no exceptions. We strongly suggest you do not wait until the last day to submit in case you encounter any difficulties.

• Three letters of recommendation, preferably including at least one from a research group.
• Transcripts for each postsecondary institution you have attended as a full-time student for one year  (i.e. three quarters or two semesters) or longer.
  • Upload one scanned version of your official transcript(s) in the online application (see File Upload Requirements).  Official transcripts are preferred, however, if obtaining official transcripts is financially burdensome, we will accept unofficial transcripts at the time of application.  For those that are offered admission to our program, we will require submission of official transcripts for accepted students before matriculation.
• The TOEFL exam is required for applicants whose first language is not English. It must be taken within the last two years. The TOEFL is waived for applicants who have recently completed or will complete a Bachelor's degree, or a 2-year Master's program, in the U.S. or in another English-speaking country.  See the Graduate Admissions GRE/TOEFL FAQ for detailed information.
• The GRE General and Physics exam scores will be accepted but are not required in the 2025-26 application cycle (2024-25 academic year).

The Department of Physics welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. Review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays in order to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.

The department is interested in understanding and mitigating barriers to access to all of our programs, including barriers based on citizenship status, accessibility, or financial or logistical challenges.  If you are interested in our graduate program but there are barriers that limit your ability to apply given our current procedures, we would appreciate hearing from you.  Please fill out this brief form about Stanford Physics program accessibility.
 

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