Undergraduate Preparation:
Applicants are expected to have a degree in physics or a related discipline from an accredited institution.

Standardized Tests:
Scores from the GRE General or Physics subject exam are not required to apply but will be considered if submitted. For example, Physics GRE scores can be useful in evaluating applicants with a non-standard path to graduate study in physics. All applications will receive full consideration whether GRE scores are submitted or not.

TOEFL Exam:
The TOEFL exam is required for all international students, but a waiver may be requested if English is the primary language of instruction at your undergraduate institution. The minimum iBT TOEFL score is 90, with sectional minimums of 22 in speaking, 22 in writing, 23 in reading and 23 in listening. Applicants may submit scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as an alternative to the TOEFL exam. The minimum IELTS score requirement is 7.0 in each section. Exceptionally qualified applicants may be considered even if they do not meet these expectations and TOEFL PBT - 600

The statement of purpose should indicate your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the University of Virginia and describe your preparation for this field of study, research interests, future career plans, and intellectual or life experiences in order to aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. Your commitment to a selected field of study is presumed in the receipt of your application, instead, please discuss specific issues in the field that engage you. Please limit your submission to between 500 and 1,000 words.

Applicants must upload unofficial transcripts of their entire post-secondary academic record to the online application, including all undergraduate- and graduate-level coursework. Applicants are expected to have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate programs.