Undergraduate Study

Thorough undergraduate preparation in physics and mathematics is necessary for graduate study. Courses should include thermodynamics, mechanics, electricity and magnetism, atomic physics (including quantum mechanics), and mathematics at least through complex variables and differential equations. Click here for a more concise list. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of planetary science, a broader range of undergraduate preparation is considered.

Research

Many applicants have completed undergraduate research (e.g., an REU program or in-depth senior thesis, publication or conference poster). Evidence of such successful research is highly regarded. Be sure to include a clear description of what part of the project you were responsible for.

Test Scores

Applicants are instructed to have any required official test scores sent to Institution Code: 4841. Applicants may self-report their test score information when they complete the online application.

GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL scores are received directly from Educational Testing Services (ETS)

GRE (Optional)

The GREs are optional. You should consider taking the GRE and reporting a score to us if you think there is some attribute in your academic performance that the GRE would help offset.  As an example, if you felt your GPA was quite low but you got a good score on the GREs, you might use those to argue that your academic preparedness was stronger than reflected by your GPA. Not having a GRE score will in no way whatsoever negatively affect an application. 

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International Students

Please find the English proficiency requirements here. 

    International Application ($80)

    International application and instructions

    You are also required to provide:

    • Personal statement
    • One unofficial copy of your transcript. If admitted, you will need to provide an official transcript.
    • Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score report from ETS (if from a non-English speaking country).
    • 3 letters of recommendation.
    • Financial Statement (This will only be required after you have been admitted into the APS program)

    All International Applicants: Transcripts and other supporting materials required by your department should be sent directly to:

    Office of Admissions
    University of Colorado Boulder
    3100 Marine Street
    65 UCB
    Boulder, CO 80309-0065
    U.S.A

    Domestic Application ($60)

    Domestic application and instructions

    You are also required to provide:

    • Personal statement
    • One unofficial copy of your transcript. If admitted, you will need to provide an official transcript.
    • 3 letters of recommendation.