Q: What is the application deadline?
A: The application deadline for international students is December 8, 2008. The application deadline for domestic students is January 15, 2009.  Applications must be received by these dates.  Supporting materials, including test scores, must be received in the department by January 4^th for international applicants and January 25^th for domestic applicants.

Q: Does your department still accept the computer-based GRE score?
A: Yes.

Q:  What is the institution code I should use when reporting TOEFL and GRE scores to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor?
A:  The institution code for both the GRE and TOEFL exams is 1839.

Q:  What are the department codes I should use when reporting TOEFL and GRE scores to the Physics Department at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor?
A:  The department code for the GRE exam is 0808.  The department code for the TOEFL exam is 76.

Q: Is it possible to obtain a fee waiver?
A: No, the application fee cannot be waived or reduced. In addition, an application fee must accompany your application in order to guarantee proper processing.

Q: What is the minimum GRE score for admission?
A: There is no minimum. Applicants are judged on the basis of all application materials. Letters of recommendation figure as prominently in the equation as GRE scores.

Q: What is the minimum GPA for admission?
A: Again, there is no set minimum. We do look for at least a B average in your core undergraduate physics courses.

Q: What is the minimum TOEFL score for admission?
A: The department requires that you attain a minimum total score of 600 on the paper based exam or a minimum total score of 250 on the computer based exam or a minimum of 100 on the internet based exam. Note: these minimums are higher than those set by Rackham.

Q: If your department admits me will I receive funding?
A: Yes, all students who are admitted into the Ph.D. program are guaranteed one year of full funding. Generally the first year of funding consists of fellowship and a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) appointment. After the first year you'll need to find support either through a GSI appointment, a Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA) appointment or a combination of the two.

Q: Can I mail my letter of recommendation in the same packet as my application?
A: The preferred method of receipt for recommendation letters is via the Embark application site.  If your recommender is unable to access the site, then he/she can email the letter directly to the Physics Department.

Do you have questions that weren't answered here or on the Application Checklist? If so, you can reach the U-M Physics Graduate Program by emailing: phys.app.questions@umich.edu