Graduate Studies - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a way to apply by mail rather than submitting an on-line application?

A: All applications are now to be submitted on-line. Applying on-line offers many benefits to applicants such as real-time application status, the ability to request recommendations electronically, attach additional documents, and check the status of the receipt of credentials. It also provides multiple fee-payment options.

Q: Do all admitted students receive financial aid?

A: Yes. A University stipend, Teaching Fellowship and full tuition are provided by Yale (typically for the first 3 or 4 semesters). After that time, you will join a research group and be supported on a Research Fellowship. In addition, students are provided a fellowship for health coverage.

Q: How do I send my GRE and TOEFL scores to Yale?

A. To prevent delay, the best method is to specify the Yale University Graduate School (code 3987) and have your scores electronically transmitted to the Graduate School. If you didn’t list Yale Graduate School as one of the schools to receive your scores, you will need to make that request. Unofficial scores will not be accepted by the Graduate School.

The Physics GRE is optional but strongly recommended. If an applicant chooses to supply a self-reported Physics GRE score, the official score will need to be received well before the start of the academic year and any irregularities between the official and self-reported scores will result in immediate revocation of admission.

Q: What are the minimum GRE scores that I need to be admitted?

A: Applicants are not required to obtain certain minimum scores to be admitted. The Physics GRE is optional but strongly recommended, and there have never been cutoff scores.  

Q. What is the minimum TOEFL score that I need to be admitted?

A. The required scores are determined by the Yale Graduate School so the applicant should seek information at the general Yale Graduate Studies site.  Typically, a total score TOEFL score of 100 or better with 27 SPEAK score are required (ILETS is also an acceptable test, recognizing that the scoring is different, 7 to 8 speaking score is needed). 

The exam must be taken no more than two years prior to the Yale application deadline.

In some limited cases, entirely at the admissions committee’s descretion, for applicants with low scores, we will conduct Skype or other direct interviews to assess speaking ability.

Q. I am an international student who has studied in the United States. Am I still required to submit TOEFL scores?

A. The TOEFL is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. This requirement is waived only for applicants who will have received a baccalaureate degree, or its foreign equivalent, prior to matriculation at Yale, from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction. If you qualify (on the basis of your answers to specific questions in the application), no waiver form is necessary. If you do not qualify for a waiver but have taken the TOEFL within the last two years you will need to have your TOEFL scores released to us (code 3987). If your scores can no longer be released, you will need to take the test. The test should be taken as early as possible to ensure that your scores are received in time to be incorporated in your file. Normally TOEFL scores will not be released if they are older then two years. If you took the TOEFL before and ETS will release those scores then you should not have to retake the examination.

International English Language Test System (IELTS). You may substitute IELTS for TOEFL.

Q. I was not able to take the GRE Physics Subject test. Can I still be admitted?

A. The GRE Subject Test in Physics is optional but strongly recommended.  Historically, the Physics GRE has been more helpful than a hindrance to admission.

Q. I can’t take the GRE test until December and the score won’t be reported until
mid-January. Will my application still be reviewed?

A. Yes, but only if you ask ETS to officially report your score to Yale University Graduate School (code 3987). This will ensure that your scores will arrive in time for our review.

Q: I cannot afford to pay the application fee. Can I ask for a fee waiver?

A: Fee waivers are only granted in special circumstances. Please see the Graduate Admissions page on Application Fees & Fee Waivers for more information.

Q. Can I apply as a transfer student?

A. The Graduate School does not award transfer credit for graduate work completed before matriculation at Yale. You would need to apply as an incoming first year student and be in the regular applicant pool. However, the Director of Graduate Studies in Physics can, with the approval of the Graduate School Dean, waive a portion of the Ph.D. course requirements in recognition of previous graduate level work done elsewhere in a graduate level program.

Q. Should I mail my supporting documents directly to the Physics Department?

A.No, this will only delay your application. All supporting documentation should be submitted online.

Q. Who do I contact if I have additional questions that are not answered here?

A. Please visit the Admissions web site for additional FAQ’s - http://gsas.yale.edu/admissions/admissions-faqs. If you still have unanswered questions, please e-mail the Physics Department at graduatephysics@yale.edu.