Expert: Philip A. Stahl - 12/26/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi Phil,
I want to pursue research in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics. I have done my M.Sc. in Physics with 1st class and 5th rank. in this regard can you help me in search of universities where GRE is not required and where i can get an admission. i had passed my M.Sc. in 2003. currently im working as a Senior Telecom Eng for a British Telecom project in Wipro Technologies, India.

ANSWER: Hello,

Your query presents an intriguing dilemma, and alas, one for which I am unable to offer much help.

All the universities with which I am familiar in the U.S., to pursue the specialty you want, require GRE scores. (Often also, taking the Physics GRE as well). The reason is that these scores are then used to determine and assign teaching or research assistantships.

Without the scores it is very hard to make standardized assessment on which to base the assignments.

The only other university I know of that doesn't require a GRE test is the university I graduated from - The University of the West Indies- Cave Hill, Barbados. (In my case, I'd already sat the GRE before entering, and still offered the test score to support my other credentials since I'd socred very highly in all the segments)

However, a check of their website shows no current specialist provisions there for astronomy or astrophysics. At least when I was there, the university at Cave Hill had one plasma physicist who served as my co-advisor, while another solar physicists based at St. Augustine (Trinidad) served as my chief advisor.

Sorry, I can't be of more help. Any particular reason why you wouldn't want to include the GRE in your academic arsenal? You should be able to find a place to take it in India.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: there is no particular reason. the thing is that im a working professional and dont get much time to study. i cleared my toefl ibt with 99 marks. but i didnt study for it at all. im thinking to appear in gre. what about Canada?? do all universities there require GRE??? if thats the cae then hmm iguess i will have to appear in gre asap.
anyways thanks and hoping to hear from you.

Answer
Hello,

Actually - study time isn't much of an issue since the GRE is first and foremost an *aptitude* test. So it is not anything you can really, specifically study for - unless we are talking about the subject tests, e.g. in physics, or math.

My suggestion, then, is to go ahead and try to make arrangements to take it. It can't hurt and could very well help - given what I have already said.

As for Canada, I can't help you there, but it's a good bet many Canadian universities that offer advanced physics degrees would require it. Again, it's a useful, standardized measure to sort out grad students for TA or RA duties, or the amount of help given overall.

Another thing, if you don't like the GRE scores the first sitting, it is possible to retake the test, and sometimes students find their scores can go up one or two standard deviations on repeat sittings.

My advice then would be to sit the GRE and not worry about it. It is a good thing to add to your academic arsenal and if you did well in your courses for your first degree, etc. you really should have nothing to worry about.