Advice Requested on Physics Phd School Selection for Husband and Wife Applying Together

xraymancs
Thu, 10 Sep 2015 04:39:25 +0000

You really need to apply to programs that are in a geographically dense region (a number of physics Ph.D. programs). You are facing a situation where you need to both get a funded Ph.D. position. Unless the program you apply to is very large, the odds are not great. If you apply to several programs which are relatively close together, you increase your chances of both finding a spot. Looking at the programs on your list, I think your best chances are with the three in the D.C. area and the two in the Philadelphia area. If you can find another metro area where you can apply to several programs, that would be a good idea. Of course, you need to consider those programs which have strengths in the area that you are interested in unless you are open to changing.