University of Washington

ASTRONOMY DEPARTMENT

Every applicant to Astronomy's Graduate Program is formally applying to the Graduate School of the University of Washington. Although all acceptance decisions are made within the Astronomy Department, the Graduate School determines the admissions procedures. They also impose certain minimum admissions requirements.

1. Take the Physics Subject and General GRE. * Note: For admission in autumn 2008, you must take the Physics and General GRE no later than December 15, 2007. Scores from tests taken after this date will not arrive in time to be considered in your application.
   
   
2. Apply online and pay the application fee through the graduate school by the Astronomy Department deadline. A limited number of fee waivers are available for US citizens.
   
   
3. Submit documents online:
   • Online application.
   • Resume/C.V.: include your GPA from all non-astronomy related Physics courses.
   • Statement of purpose: this one-page essay must address the reasons why you wish to pursue a graduate program in Astronomy at the University of Washington. It should also describe any exceptional experiences and achievements that might help to support and strengthen your application.
   • Three letters of recommendation: you must designate three people to write letters and submit them online.
   • OPTIONAL: GO-MAP Personal Statement.
   
   
4. Mail documents to the Department:
   • Signed copy of graduate school application
   • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended for more than one semester/quarter - Official GRE scores (General and Physics subject tests) sent electronically from ETS (school code: 4854; Department code: 0801). You are encouraged to self-report your scores through your online application as soon as you receive them.
   
   Department mailing address (via USPS):

   Graduate Program Assistant
   Department of Astronomy
   University of Washington
   Box 351580
   Seattle, WA 98195

   * For overnight services such as FedEx or UPS, replace Box 351580 with Phys/Astr Bldg Rm. C-319, 3910 15th AVE NE.
   * All documents must be received by the Astronomy Department deadline. For identification, please use your application ID number on documents.
   
   
5. Check your application status online by logging back into your online application. You will see which recommenders still need to submit letters and which documents the Department has received.

Our graduate program assistant (grad@astro.washington.edu, 206-543-2888, 8am - 5pm pacific time) can explain the application procedures and check on the status of the materials that are on file with us. You can also check your application status online.

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The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations.