Heliophysics/astrophysics Grad School

[cosmojo]

I've started to look at graduate schools and I am really interested in doing solar physics, although I am very interested in more general astrophysics as well.
Of course we all want to go to a great school but I want to be realistic about where I can get in ect. Location is a big deal to me as well. I'd like to go out to the East coast somewhere but I don't have to of course.
I've been looking into Boston University, Yale, Pitt, UC-San Diego?,University New Hampshire, possibly MIT.

How hard is it to get into schools like this? I know I'm all over the spectrum here but I want to get a feel for it.
background- GPA around 3.6 or 3.7, havn't taken PGRE yet, amazing list of extra-currics, and have research experience.

Also I hope this doesn't sound bad but do I have a better chance because I'm a female and I have a disability? I have heard people say that before..

 

[eri]

Top schools for solar physics are Harvard, Berkeley, Montana State, and U Colorado (Boulder). UNH has a smaller program. I don't remember anyone at MIT doing solar physics, and they're not big on astro either. Neither is Montana State; they only have a couple astrophysicists.

Activities don't matter for grad schools unless they're directly related to your field. Research experience is great, but everyone applying to the top schools has that, so you'll need great letters and hopefully publications or at least conference presentations.

 

[Stengah]

The schools you list are pretty top notch and a decent amount of people will have you beat with your GPA. I think you need to do really, really well on the PGRE. I would focus on that and raise your GPA as much as possible. I would also apply to some lower level schools to fall back on. Better to have something than nothing.

 

[cosmojo]

By Activities I meant I sit on national councils that advice congressmen on health legislation, I feel like that counts for something. I mean obviously I could be wrong, and yes I do have physics related stuff as well. No publications as of yet.

 

[Matrix0]

As a fellow scientist in the field of heliophysics/astrophysics, I understand your interest in pursuing graduate studies in this area. It's great to hear that you have a passion for solar physics and general astrophysics, as these are fascinating and important fields of research.

In terms of getting into top graduate schools, it can be competitive and there are many factors that are taken into consideration, such as your academic background, research experience, letters of recommendation, and GRE scores. With a GPA of 3.6-3.7 and a strong list of extra-curricular activities and research experience, you have a good foundation for a successful application. However, it's important to note that admissions decisions are not solely based on numbers, and other factors such as fit with the department and research interests of potential advisors also play a role.

In terms of location, it's great that you have a preference for the East coast, but I would encourage you to also consider schools outside of that region if they have strong programs in your field of interest. Ultimately, it's important to find a program that offers the research opportunities and resources that align with your interests and goals, regardless of location.

As for your question about whether being a female and having a disability will give you a better chance of admission, I cannot speak for the admissions process at specific schools. However, I can say that diversity and inclusion are important values in the scientific community, and your unique background and experiences can certainly add value to a graduate program. I would encourage you to highlight these aspects in your application, but ultimately, your qualifications and fit with the program will be the primary factors in the admission decision.

Overall, I would encourage you to continue researching and considering different graduate programs, and to also reach out to current students or faculty members at these schools to get a better sense of the program and its culture. Best of luck in your graduate school journey!