What are the basic requirements to apply to the department?
An applicant for admission must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and must have the necessary academic preparation to participate successfully in graduate level courses. The applicant must be able to score competitively on the GRE Subject (Advanced) test in Physics

Can I defer my application fee?
If application fees are not received within 30 days of submitting the online application, the application will be dropped from the system.

What is the admission timeline for Physics and Astronomy?
The Astronomy division and Physics division have separate admission committees. Both committees begin evaluating applications mid-January. Offers of admission are typically made in February and March.

What does the department look for when making admission decisions?
Both divisions look at undergraduate grades (official transcripts), GRE general and subject (physics) scores, letters of recommendation, and the Statement of Purpose.

Do I need to choose between the physics and astronomy divisions when I apply?
Yes. Although we are one department, each division has it's own admission committee and its own curriculum.

What is the procedure to transfer to UCLA from another graduate program?
All applicants use the same application form. The department will recognize graduate level courses completed in other institutions if verified by an official transcript.

What is the department's application deadline?
We strongly suggest you submit your application form online by December 15 and submit (to the department) the additional application materials by December 15.

What additional application materials are required by the department?

• Department Student Questionnaire
  
• General and Advanced Physics GRE exam scores (both are required AND should be taken by October, but no later than December).
  
• TOEFL or IELTS exam scores for international students
• Two sets of official transcripts
• Supplementary Information (Part B in paper application)
• Statement of Purpose (Part C in paper application )
• Three Letters of Recommendation (Part D in paper application)
  
• Confidential Financial Statement (International Applicants only)

Do I need to submit all application materials before my application will be reviewed and evaluated?
Applications are not submitted to the committee until the application fee is paid and the department has received all application material.

Who should author my letters of recommendation?
At least two of your letters of recommendation should be from academic references; if you have a M.S., we would like letters from both your B.S. and M.S. institutions. You may print the appropriate forms from the on-line Application Process.

What is necessary to qualify as a resident of California?
U.S. citizens or permanent residents can usually become California residents after living in the state for one year. If you are admitted to the graduate program, you should contact the Registrar's Office, Residence Classifications (1113 Murphy Hall) upon arrival at UCLA for complete details on establishing California Residency.

How will I know if I have been recommended for admission?
If you are recommended for admission, the department will inform you of its decision and financial package via post and email. Typically, all recommendations for admission are made by April 1. You may also check admission decisions online at www.gradadmissions.ucla.edu by clicking on "Decision Status" and using your same email address and password as when you applied.

What type of financial support may I expect if I am recommended for admission?
Typically graduate students are awarded at least a Teaching Assistantship for up to twelve (12) quarters. International students are eligible for a Teaching Assistantship after they pass the Test of Oral Proficiency (TOP) administered by UCLA's Office of Instructional Development

What are your code numbers for test scores
•Institution - 4837
•GRE Physics - 0808
•GRE Astronomy - 0802
•TOEFL - 76

What test dates are acceptable?
We will accept GRE scores from tests taken within the last 5 years and TOEFL scores within 2 years.

What test scores are acceptable?
•GRE subject - preferably 650 minimum
•TOEFL - 570 (paper) - 230 (computer)
•TOEFL IBT - 88
•IELTS - 7.0

Who is exempt from the TOEFL and/or ESLPE requirement?
International applicants who hold a bachelor's or higher degree from a university located in the United States or in another country in which English is the spoken language and the medium of instruction, or who have completed at least two years of full-time study at such an institution, are exempted from both the TOEFL requirement and the ESLPE.