The Interview

The interview is conducted in English. It usually takes place online and requires video as well as audio. It consists of three parts, which all together require about 75 minutes on average.

Part I: an oral exam where the applicant is asked to present three topics, one from each section, selected by the exam committee from a separate list for Physics, Chemistry, and EEME applicants. The goal of this part of the interview is to ensure that all graduate students begin with a good grasp of the basic tenets of their field at the undergraduate level. During your exam 3 topics will be picked at random and you are expected to present each of these topics briefly, with the relevant equations. Even if you feel quite confident, you should definitely plan on doing some preparatory revision. Notes may not be used. The presentation of the selected topics is the point of departure for questions from members of the exam committee. The scope of the exam encompasses the standard undergraduate physics curriculum. This is not a formality, so please prepare thoroughly. We often have very otherwise promising applicants who appear unprepared. Please note, that in case of online examinations, you are expected to be alone during the exam and refrain from using any supporting materials such as notes or other resources, on paper as well as digital. Applicants need to pass this part of the exam to go onto the next stage.

Part II: a short (10 minutes) presentation of the applicant’s research experience (such as undergraduate thesis work). A blackboard will be available as well as a computer connected to a projector.

Part III: applicants will typically be asked to read an article beforehand and present its main points (10 minutes). Notes or other materials may be used. The form of this part of the exam may differ depending on the requirements of external funding agencies.