There are two steps to the application process for admission to graduate study in the Department of Physics at Colorado State University. Step 1 involves a “preliminary Graduate School application” in which copies of transcripts and test scores are allowed. Applicants are not required to pay the application fee for preliminary Graduate School applications. The preliminary Graduate School application is used to (1) provide the applicant with a more rapid evaluation of his or her status and (2) delay the remission of the required fee until after the department has decided on their recommendation for admission. Step 2 is the official application to the Graduate School in which official transcripts, test scores, and an application fees are required.

Step 1:  Preliminary Graduate School Application

Prospective graduate students are expected to complete the Preliminary Graduate School Application and provide additional items (see below), and then wait for a status advisement from the graduate admissions committee before moving to Step 2, the official Graduate School application. Note the application fee is NOT required during this step.

In the Preliminary Graduate School Application, the applicant is required to upload the following to their application:

  • Copies of transcripts (in English).
  • Copies of the general GRE (verbal, quantitative, and analytical).
    • The GRE will NOT be required for Fall 2024 admission applications.
  • Copies of TOEFL score or IELTS score. (For international applications only.)
  • Note that the minimum TOEFL score acceptable to the University for admission is 80 (internet based)/215 (computer exam). The Department of Physics gives a strong preference to applicants with TOEFL scores of at least 100 (internet based)/250 (computer).  The minimum IELTS score acceptable to the University for admission is 6.5. The Department of Physics will give strong preference to applicants with an IELTS score of at least 8.0.
  • CV or Resume
  • Personal statement.
  • Three reference letters. The reference letters must be submitted to your application by the recommender.

Applications will be reviewed by the Physics Department Graduate Admissions Committee after all of the above items have been uploaded or submitted. Applicants recommended for admission will be notified and advised to proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Official Graduate School Application

Applicants recommended for admission will be provided with instructions for completion of the official Graduate School Application. IMPORTANT. No applicant in Step 1 should proceed to Step 2 without notification of a recommendation for admission.  The $60 (U.S. citizen/permanent resident), $70 (international) non-refundable application fee will be required in Step 2.

Address for mailed materials:

Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

Domestic Students: Electronic transcripts may be sent on your behalf to gradadmissions@colostate.edu directly from your prior institution school to CSU.

Special Advisement to Foreign Student Applicants

Proof of financial support is required before a student visa can be issued. Satisfactory proof of finances covering all required expenses must be provided before Colorado State University will issue an I-20 or IAP-66. Your recommendation for admission letter can be used as proof of financial support.

Deadlines

The application deadline for full consideration for Fall admissions is January 15th. Applications received after the deadline will be considered as they come in until all positions are filled.