Applying to Grad School In A Time of Uncertainty

Applying to graduate school is a big decision. That may sound obvious, but many physics and astronomy majors apply to grad school because they feel like it’s what they’re supposed to do. But it’s YOUR future—take the reins!

With a foundation in physics and astronomy, you’re already primed for a wide variety of careers. Some of them require or benefit from a graduate degree in one of those fields, others from a graduate degree in engineering, education, medical physics, or another related field. And still others are wide open to those with a bachelor’s degree. It’s important to spend time thinking about what you want for your future, and what will help you get there.

You should also know that the landscape of graduate admissions is currently in flux. In the United States, the federal government is the primary funder of basic scientific research at universities. These dollars support everything from lab space to equipment, operating costs, and personnel, including graduate student stipends. But over the last 18 months the government has cancelled, delayed, and rescinded science grant allocations at levels that have alarmed the scientific community. And the administration has requested dramatic cuts to science funding agencies for the 2027 fiscal year, which begins in October. The situation has left many physical science graduate programs uncertain about how to plan for the future.

Another complicating factor is that changes to visa and immigration policies are making it harder for some international students to get visas to study in the country—even if they are accepted by programs— and assurance that they can stay in the US long enough to complete a PhD. (For the latest science policy news, see aip.org/fyi.)

The massive uncertainties around federal funding and international students are “making admissions challenging for both students and departments,” says Steven Rolston, chair of the physics department at the University of Maryland. Many departments are accepting fewer graduate students. A preliminary report by the American Institute of Physics (of which SPS is a member society) indicates that in 2025, physics graduate enrollment declined by 7–9%, primarily driven by funding concerns.

“Most [department] chairs believe the decline in enrollment, both among US citizens and non-US citizens, will continue, and be even larger, in 2026,” according to the report.

Even PhD programs that haven’t lost funding yet are being cautious; they don’t want to accept students for a 6–8 year program and not be able to support them through the finish line. “We don’t want to be in a situation where someone’s fourth, fifth, and sixth years are coming up and it’s not clear how to fund them,” says Jonathan Fortney, chair of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of California, Santa Cruz. There’s always a certain amount of risk in assuring future funding for graduate students, he says, but the situation is currently so uncertain that departments are being “tremendously more cautious.”

What does this all mean for you?

Programs are telling the SPS Observer that what they’re looking for in graduate students is still the same—motivated, engaged students who demonstrate interest in their specific program and are likely to succeed. With all of this in mind, here are some tips for moving forward. Explore a variety of options

1. Explore a variety of options

If graduate school is a vital part of your future plans, go for it! Approach the application process with flexibility and creativity. Apply to a variety of programs, not just the top results in online searches. Look for lesser known programs with a track record in your field to broaden your options, and consider international programs, masters degree programs (not just combined masters and PhD programs), and programs in fields such as materials science, engineering, and atmospheric physics.

2. Do the basics well

Invest time in writing an effective CV and personal statement. Look for gaps in your skillset and fill them in. Complete your applications early and ask mentors, friends, and your career center to give feedback. Remind your letters of recommendation writers about projects you’ve worked on together and challenges you’ve overcome to help them write strong letters. (For expert advice on these tasks, see page 25.) Do your research

3. Do your research

Applications that are personalized to the program, demonstrating how your research interests align and that you could see yourself being successful in that program, will stand out to admissions committees. Take the time to seriously investigate each program on your short list and revise your application package accordingly.

4. Seek external funding

Coming in with a fellowship can make you a more attractive candidate. Investigate fellowships in your field early—they often have application deadlines earlier than graduate school programs. Invest time and care in your applications and work with your research advisors and mentors to create the strongest possible package. Be flexible

5. Be flexible

Admissions committees consider a range of factors in their decisions, including those unique to their program and funding landscape. Many have far more qualified applications than positions. Rejections don’t mean that graduate school isn’t for you, but in this uncertain time, getting into your top program, or any program at all, may require more patience and persistence. If things don’t work out as you hoped, it’s okay to be disappointed. Bridge programs, which help students bridge the gap between undergraduate programs and PhD programs, can be great options and often have spring deadlines. Another common path is to work in a lab for a year or two and reapply. Many new graduates take a year to unwind from academia and focus on their applications, strengthen their skills, or gain work experience outside of a lab—all of which can enhance grad school applications. Still others begin teaching or working in industry, find that they love the work, and decide not to reapply. You have options.

Graduate Stipends & Fellowships

Most physical science graduate students don’t pay for a PhD. Instead their tuition is waived and they receive a stipend—a fixed amount per year paid as a salary—to be a teaching assistant or research assistant. Graduate fellowships are merit-based awards given to individuals. They typically cover the cost of graduate school and provide a monthly stipend for three years. That means fellows enter a graduate program with their own funding; they don’t need a teaching or research assistantship from the department until later in their tenure.