How Competitive Is Graduate Study in Quantum Information Theory?

[mcabbage]

I'm interested in pursuing graduate studies in Relativistic Quantum Information (looking into universities affiliated with the ISRQI) as well as other fields related to quantum information theory (Quantum Computing - QKD protocols, Quantum Channels). I think it would be cool to apply QIP to other fields of physics (quantum simulation for biophysics, RQI in cosmology, etc).

I was wondering how competitive these fields tend to be. I know that HEP (so the cosmology and black hole parts of RQI) is super hard to get into and I will need like a 90% average, but what about quantum information theory as a whole? What sub-fields seem to be less "bloated" so-to-speak?

Just for reference I'm at the University of Waterloo and I might have a USRA (similar to a URA) at the Institute for Quantum Computing next year (end of second year). My grades are in the 70s (Bs in Canada), so I'm only around a B/B+ range student on average - I am trying to bring them up to 80s (As in Canada) in the upcoming terms. This is because my mathematics courses are so much harder than my physics courses (to me at least - many students have the opposite experience) and I struggle with some personal issues.

Any advice? Any cool universities and groups doing work in fields I mentioned? Any knowledge I can get related to these fields is helpful. Thanks!

 

[wilsont23274]

It is difficult to say how competitive these fields are as it depends on the university and the specific program you are interested in. Generally, quantum information theory as a whole is becoming increasingly popular and competitive as more and more research is being done in the field. However, some sub-fields may still be less competitive than others, such as quantum computing and QKD protocols.If you are looking for universities and groups doing work in these fields, some good options include the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo, the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen, the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information in Austria, and the Center for Quantum Information and Control at the University of New Mexico.In terms of advice, I would suggest that you focus on getting your grades up to an A/A+ range if possible. This will help you when applying to graduate programs. Additionally, it would be useful to build up your research experience by participating in research projects, attending conferences, and networking with other researchers in the field.