What are the admissions requirements?
Prerequisites for graduate work in astronomy are at least fifteen to eighteen semester hours of upper-division coursework in astronomy and physics, including courses in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, statistical physics, and quantum mechanics; and a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examinations Physics Test. The Physics Test must be taken in addition to the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations, which is required for admission to the Graduate School. An applicant who does not present a satisfactory score on the Physics Test may, on recommendation of the Graduate Studies Committee, be granted a conditional admission to the program requiring removal of deficiencies in physics. A detailed evaluation is made of each new student’s physics and astronomy background to identify any deficiencies that should be removed.
The program looks for students with strong academic backgrounds and evidence that the candidate can perform well in a rigorous academic program. All applicants are required to take TOEFL (unless otherwise exempted) and obtain a minimum score of 250 (computer-based) or 600 (paper-based). Because students are expected to participate fully in classroom discussions, a high level of English proficiency is critical. Occasionally, students are accepted on the condition that they take an English class at Boston University’s Center for English Language and Orientation Programs (CELOP) during the summer before the fall semester. In addition to transcripts and letters of recommendation, the application also asks for a personal statement. All promising candidates receive a telephone interview with the Director and/or the Assistant Director.
The SPRIE IEF program at Stanford University is designed for an elite group of leaders who play leadership roles within their region as well as for their region internationally. To add to the rich learning experience for participants, admission is selective and based on professional experience, range of responsibility, and ability. Fellows must be proficient in written and spoken English, in order to apprehend the course materials and to take an active part in the learning environment. You must also have the academic and practice credentials necessary to benefit fully from the program and contribute to the discussions. In addition, if the program fee is paid by a company/organization, the program requires participants to have full company sponsorship, including a signed Sponsors Statement.
The basic criteria are a competitive grade point average, an essay, and a letter of recommendation. The admissions committee will also consider supplemental writing samples and additional letters of recommendation, as well as work experience, political activity, community service, and other extracurricular activities. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. It is to your advantage to apply early, as the number of spaces in each semester is limited.
Degree-seeking students seeking full-time or part-time admission are required to complete an application form, provide official high school and/or college transcripts, official ACT or SAT scores, and a $30 application fee. Students are admitted based on a minimum ACT score of 18 (SAT=860) and their ACT/GPA product (ACT score multiplied by high school GPA). A minimum product of 45 is required for full acceptance; products of 38-44 may be admitted on academic probation. Transfer Students with 10 hours or more, who have successfully completed college course work with a GPA of 2.0 or above, will be considered for admission. Students with less than 30 hours of transferable college credit must also submit an official high school transcript. If you have other questions, please call our office at 1-800-TABOR-99 to speak with an admissions counselor or see our catalog.
