Is my Astronomy school selection reasonable?
Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 9:10 pm
Hello all, I was wondering if someone could evaluate my chances at these programs given my profile.
Institution: Probably unknown for astronomy and physics
Astronomy and Astrophysics Major
3.5 GPA
GRE Scores: Q - 78th %
V - 83rd %
W - 82nd %
P - Let's just say, if a school doesn't require the PGRE, I won't send my score.
Research: 1 summer of research at my university trying to determine if a system had an exoplanet. Didn't have enough data only resulted in a paper submitted to the Council of Undergraduate Research. Now I'm working with a different professor on a new project involving stellar evolution that I hope to present on at AAS in January (assuming all goes well). I was also technically the 5th author on a paper out of 5 since all I did was help take images.
Letters: Should be strong, in theory.
Random stuff: Grader for Astro classes for 2 years, Astro lab TA, Sigma Pi Sigma Honor Society member
List:
Reach Schools:
Arizona
Hawaii
Texas
Washington
Colorado
Not quite as reach schools maybe:
Florida
Texas A&M
Vanderbilt
Penn State
New Mexico State
Arizona State
Virginia
Since I've lived in Florida all my life, my main goal is UF, but the more I look at the program I'm not sure if they offer what I want (stellar evolution focus) compared to other, more reputable locations.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Institution: Probably unknown for astronomy and physics
Astronomy and Astrophysics Major
3.5 GPA
GRE Scores: Q - 78th %
V - 83rd %
W - 82nd %
P - Let's just say, if a school doesn't require the PGRE, I won't send my score.
Research: 1 summer of research at my university trying to determine if a system had an exoplanet. Didn't have enough data only resulted in a paper submitted to the Council of Undergraduate Research. Now I'm working with a different professor on a new project involving stellar evolution that I hope to present on at AAS in January (assuming all goes well). I was also technically the 5th author on a paper out of 5 since all I did was help take images.
Letters: Should be strong, in theory.
Random stuff: Grader for Astro classes for 2 years, Astro lab TA, Sigma Pi Sigma Honor Society member
List:
Reach Schools:
Arizona
Hawaii
Texas
Washington
Colorado
Not quite as reach schools maybe:
Florida
Texas A&M
Vanderbilt
Penn State
New Mexico State
Arizona State
Virginia
Since I've lived in Florida all my life, my main goal is UF, but the more I look at the program I'm not sure if they offer what I want (stellar evolution focus) compared to other, more reputable locations.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!