Virtual Q&A for Physics PhD Applicants - 12.5.23

	A	B
1	Add questions to the left column, we'll provide answers on the right! link to this page: https://go.wisc.edu/02dlt1
2	Questions	Answers

3	I have applied for both MS (M.S. in Physics–Quantum Computing (MSPQC) program) and PhD Physics program for Wisconsin. Reason for this is the research work in the quantum area prominently into the hardware side . Will applying into the MS program affect my acceptance into the PhD program?	Admissions for PhD and MSPQC are considered separately as the two programs are very different in nature. Decisions are made independently.
4	Are ongoing research academic in nature or is it driven by collaboration with Quantum Computing commercial entities/companies?	It is both. Quantum research at UW-Madison is absolutely academic; however, we sometimes collaborate with industrial partners. Our research is not “driven” by collaborations with industry. But our partnerships are mutually beneficial.
5	How much GPA is weighed in the admission process?	Applications are reviewed holistically and no single data point is weighted more or less than another. Multiple reviewers read each application, thus insuring that we maintain this holistic approach.
6	Is it possible for students to start doing research right in the first-year ? Or is stipend only through assistantship (for first years)?	Students start research once they connect with an advisor, although much of the first 2 years is often taken up with coursework.
7	Is there a way for international students to receive a waiver?	The UW-Madison Physics Ph.D. program has now distributed the limited number of application fee waivers available for the Fall 2024 application season. The Department has no additional waivers to provide, but we encourage you to apply for fee grant from the Graduate School if you qualify.
8	1) GRE is optional for the Physics PhD program. What will be the impact if someone does or doesn't submit GRE scores?	Scores submitted will be reviewed. We particularly encourage applicants who are interested in Theoretical Physics to submit scores.
9	2) For students from non English speaking countries (India) whose undergraduate education has been in English, submission of TOEFL score is waived. However, there isn't any provision on the application portal to upload any document that will validate that the undergraduate institution's official language of instruction is English. Please clarify the issue.	We review all applications to determine whether TOEFL is required. We base that determination on the Graduate School guidelines which can be found here: https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/
10	3) Can changes be made in the application after the payment of the application fees as long as it is done within the deadline?	(checking on this with the Grad School as they manage the application system)
11	what sort of outreach do we do in the community?	Physics has many outreach opportunities for graduate students. A general overview of our community outreach can be found here: https://www.physics.wisc.edu/outreach/. In addition, graduate students can apply to be Wonders of Physics Outreach Fellows which allows you to go into the community and local schools to do outreach.
12	Should I have my offical IELTS report sent now as part of my application or only if offered admission?	now, please!
13	reach out to advisor beforehand?	You can definitely reach out to faculty beforehand. However, we recommend being specific in that communication so that they don't just ignore it.
14	Is it okay to switch research interest once you are admitted and arrive?	Absolutely! We will never force you to pursue the research area that you indicate you're interested in on your application.
15	What should be in the statement of purpose?	SOP should be written for an audience that is looking to learn what you've done and what you want to do. Career goals and research goals are important to mention. Talk about your past experience with your research advisor, and if you don't have a letter from them, explain that to us. Should be around probably no more than two pages. Essentially, the admission committee should come away understanding that you are serious about a Ph.D. in Physics, demonstrate potential to accomplish that, and have critically thought about what your goals are after accomplishing that. Strong applicants will clearly communicate their motivations for pursuing a PhD in Physics, and how their research interests and experiences align with the strengths of the UW-Madison Physics PhD program. This statement is also an opportunity to provide any other personal information you would like the admissions committee to know that is not clear from the other submitted materials.
16	Does UW Madison require a Personal Statement, and if so how do Personal Statement and SOP fit together?	UW-Madison only requires a Statement of Purpose to be submitted with the application.
17	I have requested the official IELTS test reports to be sent several times, but they haven't been received. Can I request the IELTS official organization to send you the links so that you can verify my IELTS scores through the links, with my registration number or TRF number?	If scores were sent recently, it could be that your test results just haven't been processed yet. However, if you believe you had an official test result sent to our institution over a week ago, please send the following information to GradAdmissions@grad.wisc.edu : Personal Info • Campus ID / Application ID • Birthdate • Name changes or discrepancies Test Info • Appointment number (16 digits) for TOEFL or TRF number (18 digits) for IELTS • PDF of test report • Date of the test • Date the scores were sent • Delivery method (e.g., mail) • Receipts or email confirmations Please note that when submitting your score(s) electronically, IELTS does not require a code. Select our account name UW-Madison Graduate School. Please note that TOEFL scores must be submitted electronically through ETS. You will need to send the TOEFL scores via ETS to institution code 1846 (no department code needed).
18	What criteria are considered for a strong application?	Everything. We look at each application holistically so no one part of the application is more important than the other. Every aspect of your application is read and considered by multiple faculty.
19	Do we need to TA/RA to recieve funding?	As a graduate student, you are guaranteed five years of funding by our department. You will need to either be a TA/RA, however, to receive that funding.
20	Does it help to have the recommendation letters submitted before the deadline?	Yes. Everything should be submitted by that date. Remind your recommenders as often as you need to get those in on time.
21	Given the program provides stipend, I suppose it does not come in the form of a work-study application, yes?	That's correct. The stipend is payrolled as part of your appointment, so it works more like a traditional job than undergraduate work-study.
22	When are the admission decisions made available to students?	End of January hopefully. You will have until April 15th to decide to accept or not.
23	Should we submit an updated transcript later this month? If so, how should we do so?	No, we understand that we will not have your (or anyone else's) Fall grades. Once we recommend you for admission to the Graduate School, they will then request an official transcript. And the summer before admission, if you finish your degree this Spring, the Graduate School will again request another official transcript.
24	I've done a lot of work unrelated to physics that helped me develop my skillset, such as teaching experience (unrelated to physics), or managing a very large society and being in a leadership position, but the society had more to do with the animation industry. Is it wise to talk about these experiences, given how unrelated to my field they are?	Yes, it's worth talking about these experiences, but you should think/talk about how they prepare you for physics research.
25	How many reference letters does the admissions committee read?	We require 3 so faculty will at least read three. You can submit four, but there's no guarantee they will read all four. Do not submit more than that.
26	What to do if I'm unable to retrieve transcripts from a post-secondary institution I attended but didn't earn a degree at or transfer any academic credit from	You could note that institution - and what you did there - on your CV.
27	What is housing in Madison like?	Leases typically run from August 15 - August 14. Once admitted, email other grad students to figure out the best places to live (away from undergrads and loud bars - unless that's your thing). You'll be able to find housing once you are admitted, but we recommend starting as soon as you know you are attending.
28	Do GRE scores have to be sent officially?	If you are submitting subject GRE scores (they are optional), we DO need official scores.
29	What's the timing like for the admissions process?	Applications are due 15 December. Faculty will begin reviewing them very soon after. We hope to have decisions out by the end of January. Admitted applicants are invited to visit campus in early March. Decisions are due April 15.
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100