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Grad School/GRE Prep

Application Timeline

  1. End of Freshman Year: Start looking for a research advisor at NU.
  2. Fall of Sophomore Year: If interested in summer research/internships, begin applications. Many programs have January deadlines.
  3. Fall of Junior Year: if interested in summer research/internships, begin applications. Many programs have January deadlines.
  4. Spring of Junior Year: Take April Physics GRE (optional, but gives you the option to take it again in the fall if you don't do well enough).
  5. Summer before Senior Year: Prepare for the GRE and Physics GRE. Register to take both exams before November 1. Note: to ensure a good testing location, be sure to register at least 2-3 months in advance.
  6. September and October: Take GRE and Physics GRE. Note that the Physics GRE is offered once in September and once in October. Most graduate schools will accept score from tests taken as late as October 31.
  7. October (or earlier): Begin graduate school applications and secure letters of recommendation (most application require three).
  8. Late November: October Physics GRE scores become available. Arrange to have GRE and PGRE score sent by this time.
  9. December 15 (typically): graduate applications due. Note that some programs have earlier deadlines.

Physics GRE Exam Prep

Recommended Book: Conquering the Physics GRE by Kahn and Anderson.

A number of old exams are available online. Solutions can be found here.  Registration for the GRE can be done here.


For more information, email the Director of Undergraduate Studies at dusphysics@northwestern.edu. 

For advice from Current/Former Physics Majors, join the Facebook Group.