University of Washington

ASTRONOMY DEPARTMENT

General Admissions

Transcripts and Test Scores

Letters of Recommendation

Funding

General Admissions

How can I check the status of my application?
Log in to your online application. You will see what letters of recommendation are still outstanding and which documents the department has received.

What is the difference between a statement of purpose and a personal statement in the online application?
The statement of purpose is where you tell us why you wish to pursue the graduate program in Astronomy at UW. It should also describe any exceptional experiences and achievements that might help to support and strengthen your application. The personal statement is an optional statement for U.S. applicants. Consistent with our goal of enhancing the intellectual and social enrichment of the University community, the University of Washington actively seeks and welcomes students from diverse backgrounds. This statement should address educational, cultural, and economic opportunities and disadvantages that you have experienced, and ways those experiences have affected the development of your special interests, career plans, and future goals. The personal statement is intended to complement--not to replace-- the statement of purpose listed above.

What if I can't submit documents online?
Please email your documents to the Graduate Program Adviser at grad@astro.washington.edu.

I've changed my address/phone number/email. How do I inform the department?
Log in to your online application. Click on update profile located on the top bar. Change necessary information by choosing the appropriate option from the yellow bar. The department will be notified of your changes automatically. We encourage you to keep this information updated as this is our only way to contact you regarding admissions decisions.

Where do I mail application materials?
Only transcripts should be mailed to the department.

Graduate Program Adviser 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.

Will I be notified if I am put on the wait list?
Yes. We aim to notify waitlist applicants by mid March. If you have not received any notice regarding your status (accpted, denied, waitlisted) by mid-March please contact the graduate program adviser (grad@astro.washington.edu).

Do you accept applicants for winter, spring or summer quarters?
No. We will only accept applicants for autumn quarter.

Whom can I contact if I have more questions?

Admissions questions: Sarah Garner Graduate Program Adviser 206-543-9590 grad@astro.washington.edu

Graduate Program questions: Prof. Suzanne Hawley Graduate Program Coordinator 206-685-2236 slh AT astro.washington.edu

Transcripts and Test Scores

How do I submit my self-reported GRE scores?
Log in to your online application and click edit for your program application. Select self-report GRE scores. Your self-reported scores will be sent to the department automatically.

Where do I have ETS send my GRE/TOEFL scores?
Institution code 4854; University of Washington. Scores are sent to one University database, department codes are not required.

When should I mail in my transcripts and GRE/GRE Physics Scores?
Mail them in as soon as you can. All paper documents will be matched with your electronic application upon receipt. Once you have submitted your application, log back in to your online application to see if we have received your mailed in documents. Note that it can take up to 2 business days to process an online application and mark which documents have been received. If your application has not been updated within 2 business days, please email grad@astro.washington.edu.

What if my GRE/GRE Physics scores arrive after the deadline?
You should have your official scores sent as soon as possible. In the mean time, please self-report your scores online or to the graduate program adviser (grad@astro.washington.edu).

My transcripts will arrive after the deadline, what should I do?
Please upload to your application or email to the graduate program adviser an unofficial transcript to use as a placeholder until your official transcript arrives.

I want to apply but missed the testing dates for the GRE Physics exam, can I still apply?
No, GRE Physics scores are required to review an application. Please see our page on how admissions decisions are made.

How can I find out more about the GRE and GRE physics exam?
Visit www.gre.com and the new blog etsgre.org.

What are the minimum GRE and GRE physics scores accepted?
Please read our page on how admissions decisions are made.

Quantitative: 500
Verbal: 500
Analytical: 30
Physics: 500

What is the minimum TOEFL score accepted?
Paper-based: 580
Internet-based: 92

Letters of Recommendation

Is there a form my recommender should fill out if he/she is not submitting a letter online?
Yes. If your recommender is not submitting your letter of recommendation online, please have him/her fill out the form by clicking here.

Funding