Transcription
Eric PrebysAccelerator Division, FermilabPhysics Department, UC Davis
ØØHome town: Phoenix, Arizona1984: BS in Engineering Physics, University of ArizonauØ1984-1990: Grad Student, University of RochesteruØuucolliderExperimentalHEPWorked on Superconducting Super Collider (Texas)Belle e e- Experiment at KEK, JapanLaser-electron scattering experiment at SLAC (Stanford)2001-Present: Scientist, FermilabuuØWorked on OPAL Experiment at LEPe e -1992-2001: RA and Assistant Professor, Princeton Univ.uØPhD topic: Photon Production in Hadronic Interactions (FNAL)1990-1992: CERN Fellow, CERN (Geneva, Switzerland)uØGot a job in an HEP group (after being fired from a gas station).Past:u MiniBooNE short baseline neutrino oscillation experimentu Proton Source (Linac Booster) Department Headu Director of LHC Accelerator Research Program (LARP)u Director of Joint University-Laboratory PhD ProgramPresent:u Mu2e rare muon conversion experimentu Integrable Optics Test Accelerator (IOTA) proton injectionu Program director for Lee Teng Undergraduate Internshipu Occasional Instructor at US Particle Accelerator SchoolSep. 2017-?: Professor of Physics, UC DavisuuMu2eDirector of Crocker Nuclear LaboratoryE. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolAcceleratorPhysics (mostly)Bit of bothSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 20172
In retrospect, I think I had a lot of misconceptions whenI was applying to grad school.Ø I’ve served on graduate admissions committees at twouniversities (Rochester and Princeton)Øu Competitiveuniversities must make tough choicesu Surprisingly few no-brainers at either end of the spectrum.u Many sort of “in the middle”u Process much more subjective than most people thinku Little things can matterØCaveatsu Theseare entirely my personal opinions – mostly correctopinions, but opinions nonetheless.u I am in no way representing Fermilab or anyone else.u Some of my information may be a bit out of date.u particularly Masters vs. PhDE. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 20173
ØThis talk is aimed at people applying to physics graduateschoolu Specificallyin experimental physicsu Mostly applicable for theory, too, but It’s probably pretty similar for all “hard” sciences, andprobably not far off for engineering, but if those areyour interests, you definitely want to do furtherresearch.Ø For the record, I use more or less identical proceduresfor things for internships, fellowships, and scientifichiring committees.Øu Lesson#1: Grad school is more like a job than school!E. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 20174
ØØØIf you really want to do physics, you probably have to go to gradschool.Do you really want to do physics, or do you just want to do achallenging job which uses a lot of the same “tools”?Graduate school usually takes about 6 years, and pays very little.u Duringthis time, people you went to college with will be buying theirfirst house, BMW, etc.u Consider practical factors (living area, support, etc)ØThe only reason to go to physics graduate school is for exactly thesame reason you would go into art or music.u ThereØis no practical reason to go to physics graduate school.Even if you do decide to go to graduate school, think long and hardwhether there’s anything you need to “get out of your system” first(join the Peace Corps, climb Mt. Everest, etc).u Thisis the last time for many years you can do such things withimpunity!!!E. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 20175
ØFirst of all, you don’t have to pay for it (this comes as a surprise tosome people).uuIf admitted, you will usually be offered a support package (teaching, research,fellowship) which pays tuition plus a monthly stipend.There are rare offers of admission without support. Don’t take themu Exception: if you already have support from somewhere elseu Youwill generally take classes for two years, during which you willchoose your thesis topic (or at least course of research).This involves finding a adviser/group willing to support you for the remainder ofyour tenure!Depending on the school, there may be a qualifying exam or exams to establish yourofficial candidacy.Note: most schools will not admit you for a terminal Master’s degree.u This may be changinguuuØAfter that, you will concentrate full time on your thesis researchuuØTo the exclusion of just about everything else in your life!Might involve getting shipped off to some remote placeIn the end, you will defend your thesis:uuUsually a formality once your advisor is happy.Some universities require a published article.E. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 20176
ØHow broad is their program?uØSupport considerations?uuØuuTalk to students and find out about the atmosphere.Is it easy finding research projects/support?Do they get to go to conferences, schools, etc?Fraction passing qualifying exams:uuØLike most things, it’s a market. Prestigious schools know they don’t have to payas well to attract students.u Stipends are usually similar, but other support may vary, for example If you’re sent to remote lab, what is their cost of living allowance policy (thesecan vary greatly)?u This can make the difference between this being the best time of your life orat time of hardship and near starvation.General treatment?uØImportant if you’re not absolutely certain about what you want to do.Most schools won’t admit you if they don’t think you will pass their exams, BUTSome schools need bodies to teach class sections, whom they then try to cullthem out with difficult exams (beware big engineering schools!)How long does it usually take?uShort is good!!E. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 20177
ØGraduate schools are not necessarily looking for the“smartest” students. They are looking for:u Studentswith potential to do first rate research.u Students who are capable of completing their program.u Students who the believe likely will complete their program.u Students whose interests are compatible with the researchprogram at their institution.u Students who they are willing to deal with for several years.Ø“Smart” only matters to the extent that it affects thefactors above.u Thereuuare correlations, but there are also outliersGreat students who are useless at anything practicalLesser students who really shine in the labE. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 20178
ØKeep your grades up, but don’t obsess about pure academics.uØTry to get involved with research!uuuØuuuuØAsk about the research people are doingDevelop relationships with your professorsNot only will this help you learn, it will help them write better reference letterswhen the time comesEducate yourself about scienceuØSummer internships!Work study programsHonors projectsTalk to people!uØI can’t stress this enoughAgain, talk to researchersAttend talks and seminarsSurf the web, read WikipediaInvestigate grad schoolsuTalk to peopleuSurf the web, email studentsThese things have neverbeen easier!Prep for the GREE. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 20179
ØAll schools now use online applicationsuAØlot less work for everyone involved!The application consists of u Thingsprovided by applicant:u All relevant personal information.u An essay or essays regarding background, goals, etcu Application fee ( 50- 90, depending on school and residency)u Things provided by others:u GRE scores§ General and Physics Subject Test, sent directly by ETSu Official Grade Transcript§ Sent directly by registrar§ If you’ve transferred, you might need one from each school.u 2-3 Letters of recommendation§ Submitted directly by refereesu TOEFL score for non-English-speaking foreign studentsØThis is remarkably little information on which to judge someone!E. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 201710
ØApplication deadlines vary by school, with the earliest inmid-Decemberu Thisis the date by which the school wants to have ALL requiredmaterial in hand (not “sent”, “requested”, “postmarked”, etc)!u Late applications will generally NOT be considered.u A straggling letter or transcript might be forgiven, but why takethe chance?ØEven in this incredible, wondrous Information Age, noteverything can be done instantly, in particularu Ifa school was not on your original GRE list, the ETS requires 5days plus mailing time to deliver your scores.u Transcripts are still usually sent by mail, and there may also beprocessing time (check with your school!!).u Although reference letters can be submitted electronically, it isNOT acceptable to email a professor and say “I need a referenceletter and the deadline is in three hours, OK?”.u I’ll discuss letter etiquette shortlyE. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 201711
An admissions committee is formed out of regularfacultyØ ( 350) Applications are divided out amongst (3 or 4)groups of two.Ø Each pair meets to divide their applications into threegroups: A, B, and C, A being the best.Ø Each member of the committee reads all the Aapplications and assigns each a numerical score. Theseare combined to rank order them.Ø The committee meets to decide on and rank the top(60) candidates, to whom offers are made.Ø B applications are kept on hand so the rest of thedepartment can consider making a case for them, or ifspecific subfields are found lacking.Ø C applications are thrown away.ØDetails may vary, but not muchE. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 201712
No hard and fast rules or formulae. Chairman of thecommittee gives guidelines, but it’s up to each memberhow they rank applications.Ø Can be quite subjective. Ultimately, it’s the overallimpression of the application. Very small factors caninfluence this.Øu Morethan a few “A”/”C” splits between two readersA single member’s opinion, one way or the other, canstrongly influence, or even determine, the outcome on aparticular application. This might involve factorsbeyond your control.Ø A significant fraction of the committee has probablynever done it before.ØE. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 201713
ØØIt’s very hard to make yourself look better than you are.It’s very easy to make yourself look worse than you are.u Portrayingyourself accurately will make you look good relative tothose who don’t.ØAlways keep in mind:u Yourapplication is being read by smart people who areknowledgeable about physics, so you are unlikely tosuccessfully bullshit them.u They were all once where you are now, and are generallysympathetic.ØBe honest!E. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 201714
ØØLetters of recommendation.GRE scoresu Havetheir flaws, but u the only standard metricØPersonal statementu Notas important as some other things, BUTu The only thing over which you have total control!ØThis has movedupGradesu Prettygood (A’s and B’s)?u Consistent with what is said in letters?u Beyond that, can’t really compare from one school to another sonot very useful in detail.ØDiversity considerationsu Ruleskeep changing. Not usually a big factor.Note! Always on the lookout for anything odd orinconsistent in the application.E. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 201715
Arrogant, annoying,affected, weird, etcCutsWhere youwant to beIntelligent, creative, diligent,motivated, effective, etcE. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 201716
ØAlthough people are impressed by broad interests(particularly if they’re unusual combinations), the exactwording of your diploma isn’t that important (e.g. your“minor”, “second major”, “certificate”, etc).u Themeaning of these things varies too much from school toschool to have much meaning.u Talk about your broad interests in your personal statement!ØAlthough people are impressed by academicachievement, no one generally cares if you’ve taken anygraduate courses or a particularly heavy load.u Possiblya bit for theoryE. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 201717
ØPerfectuØsomeone for whom you done an independent project, who is in aposition to compare you favorably to specific students who havegone through the program.Goodsomeone who can comment in detail on your motivation,creativity, independence, etc, in any sort of scientific ortechnical project.u someone who can comment on outstanding performance in aclass.uE. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 201718
ØNeutralu academicletters which merely back up what’s already in yourtranscript (“She earned an ‘A’, ranking 3rd in a class of 20”).ØBadu negativeletters. Be sure you understand the referee’s opinion ofyou.u letters from famous or “connected” people who don’t reallyknow you.u letters that have nothing to do with scientific or technical ability.u letters from relatives (I shouldn’t need to say this, but )E. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 201719
ØDon’t be shy about asking people for letters. Professors and othersupervisors understand it goes with the territory, but be courteous:u Figureout whom you want to write letters to particular schools.u Ask(!) them if they would be willing to write you letters, and try to get afeel for what sort of letter they would write.u “Would you be comfortable ” is a good way to ask if there’s doubt.u Give them plenty of timeu At least 3 weeks is bestu Give them the information they need (usually access to onlineapplication system).u Politely remind them when half the time has passed.u Repeat until you confirm that the letter was submitted.u Verify with the schools that they have received letters and all othersupporting materials.u This is much easier now, since almost all schools handle applicationselectronically. It used to require forms, envelopes, stamps, and evenphone calls!E. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 201720
ØØThe only thing in your application over which you have completecontrol, and an excellent opportunity to shoot yourself in the foot.The goal is to get the reader on your side.u TryØØKeep it short!!!!! One page max, half page better.First and foremost, address any rough spots or possible issues in the restof your application.uØvery hard to make your statement say something unique about you.Don’t whine and rationalize, but Say as much as you know about your interests and what you want to do.u Betotally honest here!!u Make specific comments about how your interests line up with thedepartment (ie, take the time to read their webpage)ØPoint with pride to experiences or qualifications which you feel makeyou a good candidateu Makesure they are backed up by the appropriate letters.u Feel free to provide a URL, particularly if it highlights your contributionu Draw attention to impressive stuff on your transcriptØTake the time to double-check spelling, grammar, etc!!E. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 201721
ØØMaking it too long!Long rambling boiler-plate about your love of physicsu “WhenI was a small child, I looked at ripples in a pond ”Trying to make up an overly specific thesis idea in anarea you clearly don’t understand very well.Ø Sounding pompous.ØBe honest Be concise! Say something unique about yourself Say something specific about the department E. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 201722
ØAcceptable:u Publicationsor technical documents you have written, or playeda large part in writing.u A URL to something you have done which you feel displaysrelevant motivation and/or technical abilities.u Not just a personal website!ØSometimes acceptableu Oncein a great while, it’s appropriate to have an extra lettersent, if it’s someone who has something relevant to say aboutyou who doesn’t quite fit into the standard categories:§ eg, a recent post-doc who went through the program§ If you do provide an extra letter, explain it in your statementØUnacceptable:u Writingsthat have nothing to do with scientific or technicalabilities (e.g. poetry – yes, I’ve seen poetry).u Computer program source code!!E. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 201723
ØRemember, it’s ultimately about you!u Keepan open mindu Look aroundu Ask yourself honestly if you’re on the right tracku Don’t lock yourself into an unsatisfying path out of “loyalty”.ØDon’t be afraid to be assertiveu You’retrying to establish yourself as a leaderu Find something that excites you and go for itØDon’t be afraid to market yourselfu Nevertake credit for something you didn’t do, but make sure youget credit for the things you did.No matter how specialized your own work is, never losesight of the “big picture”Ø Once you decide what you want to do, the mostimportant thing is to finish up and get out!ØE. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 201724
ØThink long and hard about whether you really want to goto graduate school.u andif so, when.Apply to lots of places.Ø Don’t get your heart set on one place!!Ø Once you’re in graduate school, look around and keepan open mind about what you want to do. Remember,it’s your life.Ø The most important thing, once you’ve decided whatyou want to do, is to finish up and get out!Ø If you have questions about applying to graduate school:Øu Don’task your fellow students; they haven’t been to grad school.u Don’t ask graduate students; they don’t know how they got in.u Ask people who have served on graduate admissions boards!E. Prebys: Applying to Graduate SchoolSummer Intern Talk, July 6, 201725
Ø Home town: Phoenix, Arizona Ø 1984: BS in Engineering Physics, University of Arizona u Got a job in an HEP group (after being fired from a gas station). Ø 1984-1990: Grad Student, University of Rochester u PhD topic: Photon Production in Hadronic Interactions (FNAL) Ø 1990-1992: CERN Fellow, CERN (Geneva, Switzerland) u Worked on OPAL Experiment at LEP e e-collider
