If you are considering applying to graduate school, you need to know where your chances are the best. One way to do this is to look at the acceptance rate. The acceptance rate is calculated by dividing the number of applicants into the number of applicants that are accepted. If the acceptance rate is 10%, that means 90% of applicants were not accepted.

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Graduate Admissions

The selection of the Ph.D. students admitted to the Department of Physics is based on an individualized, holistic review of each application, including (but not limited to) the student’s academic record, the letters of recommendation, the statement of purpose, past accomplishments, talent for research in physics, the scores on the General GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and, if available, the score on the GRE Subject test in Physics.  Applicants should keep in mind that attributes such as persistence, enthusiasm, creativity can play a very significant role in evaluating the aptitude of a candidate to graduate school.   While the GRE subject test in Physics may be submitted with the application file, the Department has decided to make this optional, on a trial basis, for the applications filed in Fall 2019.

In recent years, we receive approximately >700 applications and, because of limited resources, can only offer admission to approximately 60 students.   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 1.

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.

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.

With a Physics PhD from Stanford University, you have one of the highest chances of being accepted into a prestigious physics program. In addition, you’ll be prepared to transfer the credits from your master’s program toward a Doctoral degree. You’ll also be well-prepared for future physics jobs with our job market sorted list of all the different fields each school is training students for, as well as past experiences from those who have graduated from that program “X” years ago.

Graduate Courses

The purpose of the master’s program is to further develop knowledge and skills in physics and to prepare students for a professional career or doctoral studies. This is achieved through completion of courses, in the primary field as well as related areas, and experience with independent work and specialization. The Ph.D. is conferred upon candidates who have demonstrated substantial scholarship and the ability to conduct independent research and analysis using the tools of  Physics. Through completion of advanced course work and rigorous skills training, the doctoral program prepares students to make original contributions to the knowledge of physics and to interpret and present the results of such research.

Please make every effort to submit all additional required application materials listed below in a timely manner. 

• Three letters of recommendation, preferably including at least one from a research group.
• Your GRE Scores (note that the Subject GRE in Physics is optional).  If you take the GRE in November, your application will be processed after the scores are sent electronically to Stanford.
• General GRE Test Dates
• Subject GRE Test Dates
• TOEFL – required for applicants whose first language is not English. It must be taken within the last 18 months. 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.
• You must upload one scanned version of your official transcript(s) in the online application (see File Upload Requirements)
• For each postsecondary institution you have attended as a full-time student for one year (i.e. three quarters or two semesters) or longer, you must arrange for two (2) official paper copies of transcripts (academic records) to be mailed to the address below. If your college/university provides secure electronic transcript delivery, instruct your school to send the secure electronic certified transcript to phys-admissions@lists.stanford.edu.  Please note that the secure electronic certified transcript must be printable.  Check with the registrar’s office of your college/university to see if they provide a printable electronic certified transcript service.  If your university does not provide electronic transcripts that meet our requirements you must arrange for your official transcripts to be mailed.

stanford physics Acceptance rate

We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds to apply to our program. We recognize that there are many different aspects to identity, including culture, socioeconomic and educational background, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, life experiences, hobbies, and interests. Providing this information in the application assists the admissions committee in its goal of creating a diverse class. 

	School name		Acceptanc rate
163	Stanford University	Physics	9.57%	794	76	36

Stanford Physics PhD Requirements

• Full Time Enrollment:  In order to receive a salary from the university, you must be registered as a full-time student.  For Physics graduate students, this means you must enroll in courses and/or research adding up to 10 units each quarter during the academic year or for the zero-unit TGR course PH802 if you are on TGR status.  Enrollment levels for Summer quarter will vary according to your total RA/TA appointment percentage.
• Eligibility to work in the United States:  All students, scholars and fellows receiving financial support or wages from Stanford must have a U.S. social security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) on file with the University and an I-9 form on file with Payroll.  In addition, foreign students must have a current visa and passport.
• English Proficiency for Teaching Assistants (International Students Only):  The University requires that International graduate students who wish to be appointed as TAs  must first be screened by proficiency in the English language. The screening is conducted by the English for Foreign Students Program in the Stanford Language Center.  More information on the screening exam can be found at https://language.stanford.edu/programs/efs/languages/english-foreign-students/international-teachingcourse-assistant-screening. We strongly recommend that students get screened at least one quarter prior to the quarter in which they wish to TA.
• Tax declaration:  All students must have submitted a form SU-32/W-4/DE-4 Employee’s Tax Data (includes federal and state withholding certificate).
• Performance Expectations:  A Physics Department Teaching Assistantship, like any other form of employment, has required duties that must be fulfilled. Employees must have a positive attitude and performance must meet or exceed expectations or the employment may be terminated, even if in the middle of a term.
• Attendance:  Please plan to be here the entire quarter and do not plan to leave campus for a vacation, conference, etc., until the final exam for the course is graded.
• Evaluations:  TA performance is evaluated on an on-going basis throughout the quarter.  Feedback regarding TA performance will be compiled from mid- and end-quarter student feedback, from instructor feedback, and from Head TA feedback for courses that have Head TAs.  Continued employment as a Physics department TA is contingent upon, but not guaranteed by, positive feedback and timely correction of any deficiencies.

Applied Physics program

PhD program

The Applied Physics Department offers a Ph.D. degree program; see Admissions Overview for how to apply.  The deadline for the 2021-22 admissions is December 15, 2020.  The Ph.D. is conferred upon candidates who have demonstrated substantial scholarship and the ability to conduct independent research and analysis in applied physics. Through completion of advanced coursework and rigorous skills training, the doctoral program prepares students to make original contributions to the knowledge of applied physics and to interpret and present the results of such research.  The specific departmental requirements for the Ph.D. degree include the following, which are also discussed in the Stanford Bulletin:

1. Courses. Current listings of Applied Physics (and Physics) courses are available via Explore Courses. Courses are available in Physics and Mathematics to overcome deficiencies, if any, in undergraduate preparation. It is expected the specific course requirements are completed by the end of the 3rd year at Stanford.

Required Basic Graduate Courses.  39 units (quarter hours) including:

1. Basic graduate courses in advanced mechanics, statistical physics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, and an advanced laboratory course. In cases where students feel they have already covered the materials in one of the required basic graduate courses, a petition for waiver of the course may be submitted and is subject to approval by a faculty committee.
2. 18 units of advanced coursework in science and/or engineering to fit the particular interests of the individual student. Such courses typically are in Applied Physics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering, but courses may also be taken in other departments, e.g., Biology, Materials Science and Engineering, Mathematics, Chemistry. The purpose of this requirement is to provide training in a specialized field of research and to encourage students to cover material beyond their own special research interests.​

​Required Additional Courses.  Additional courses needed to meet the minimum residency requirement of 135 units of completed course work. Directed study and research units as well as 1-unit seminar courses can be included. Courses are sometimes given on special topics, and there are several seminars that meet weekly to discuss current research activities at Stanford and elsewhere. All graduate students are encouraged to participate in the special topics courses and seminars. A limited number of courses are offered during the Summer Quarter. Most students stay in residence during the summer and engage in independent study or research programs.

See following link for tips on getting into graduate school.  https://humsci.stanford.edu/prospective-students/guide-getting-grad-school.

2. Ph.D. Candidacy Review.  This is required by the end of the 6th quarter of registration at Stanford, excluding summer quarters. The review consists of a seminar given by the candidate on a suitable physics or technical topic as well as questioning by a departmental faculty committee on that topic and related material. The purpose of the examination is to demonstrate a broad competence in physics. The candidate’s academic and research performance at Stanford is also reviewed.

3. Dissertation Research.  Research is frequently supervised by an Applied Physics faculty member, but an approved program of research may be supervised by a faculty member from another department.

4. Research Progress Report.  Students give an oral research progress report to their dissertation reading committee during the winter quarter of the 4th year.

5. Dissertation.

6. University Oral Examination.  The examination includes a public seminar in defense of the dissertation and questioning by a faculty committee on the research and related fields.

Most students continue their studies and research during the summer quarter, principally in independent study projects or dissertation research. The length of time required for the completion of the dissertation depends upon the student and upon the dissertation advisor. In addition, the University residency requirement of 135 graded units must be met.

Rotation Program

We offer an optional rotation program for 1st-year graduate students.  Entering graduate students may choose to rotate in a research group for a quarter, rather than join the group outright.  Up to three rotations in the first year are permitted.  Rotations are funded 50/50 by the department and research group hosting the student.  While a rotation is not necessary and a student may join a group without rotating anywhere else, the goal of rotations are to gain some experience for the purpose of aiding their Ph.D. research area and group choice.