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UC Irvine no longer considers Physics GRE scores

Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2018 5:16 pm
by EverydayQuantum
Just wanted to bring to your attention that the UC Irvine Physics & Astronomy department has recently voted to exclude the use of the Physics GRE score in its admissions process. We are the first Physics PhD program to do so. We will still seek to recruit excellent graduate students by considering a student’s complete application, this includes their recommendation letters, personal statements, CV and coursework.

Please note that submission of a physics GRE score is still required for the official application (our vote did not come in time to change this year’s online application), but it will not be factored in by the internal admissions committee. More details can be found on our application page
https://www.physics.uci.edu/apply

Speaking now as just one faculty member’s opinion, I feel this change is important and reflects a growing impression that the physics GRE is not a great predictor of success in physics graduate school, especially when trying to recruit from diverse backgrounds.

Re: UC Irvine no longer considers Physics GRE scores

Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2018 6:19 pm
by AHipp
Hello, I was wondering if you happen to know if this sentiment is shared at other UC schools and if their departments are taking the same approach.

Re: UC Irvine no longer considers Physics GRE scores

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2018 10:17 pm
by EverydayQuantum
I have not heard of any other initiatives in this direction for Physics departments, UC or otherwise. Astronomy departments are starting to move in this direction though, so it could push Physics departments to do the same eventually.