Resources

The pGRE is a comprehensive 100 multiple choice question exam administered by the ETS for graduate admissions. The GRE is usually offered three times a year, in September, October, and April. You can register for the GRE here (please keep in mind you must register at least one month in advance to avoid late fees!). Below are some study resources we've compiled to make the GRE a less scary experience!

• Conquering the Physics GRE by Kahn and Anderson is the most comprehensive book to review from for the pGRE, covering all the topics in the exam while proving lots of practice problems
• Trinity University also has a study guide, which gives a summary overview of all the topics you're expected to be familiar with for the pGRE
• Alex Lang's blog has study tips and study plans, and most importantly all released official exams
• Case Western Reserve University has compiled a set of flash cards with concepts and formulas needed for the pGRE
• University of Arizona's Powerpoint on tips for the GRE
• The University of Washington, Ohio State, and Troy University pGRE resource pages. These include registration deadlines, past exams, and sample study materials and timelines, and many more resources
• The Physics GRE Forum which has tons of posts discussing review materials and study strategies, as well as general topics such as grad-school admissions and research

American Physical Society

American Physical Society (APS) has a useful page for Women and Minorities in Physics with links for:

• Conferences
• Grants
• Statistics
• Opportunities (internships, fellowships, and more)
• and helpful tips on effective practices and skills development

Make sure to check them out for resources for women and minorities! APS also provides statistics on female-friendly graduate programs here.

Other links:

• For potential fellowship and funding opportunities, check out the American Association of University Women's (AAUW) fellowships and grants page
• Check out the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) page for conferences, mentorship opportunities, and more!
• If you are curious about the historical contributions of women to physics, UCLA has compiled a list here

Physics Student Groups

• The Climate, Diversity, and Inclusion (CDI) Committee organizes townhall meetings, office hours, and other events guided towards creating a more inclusive community in the physics department
• The Society of Physics Students (SPS) is a student-run undergraduate group that organizes talks, social events, and other activities of interest to physics majors
• The Physics Graduate Council (PGC) organizes events for the graduate student body and communicates directly with the physics department's leadership and committees to advocate for physics Ph.D. students
• Columbia Blueshift is a community of undergraduates with a common interest in astronomy and astrophysics
• Columbia Research & Diversity is student organization dedicated to supporting, uplifting, and ​promoting underrepresented minorities and first-generation low-income students in STEM research at Columbia

Links to Other URM STEM Student Groups on Campus

• Society of Women Engineers
• Women in Science at Columbia
• National Society of Black Engineers at Columbia
• CU Chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
• Columbia Women in Computer Science

Counseling and Psychological Services

If you are feeling overwhelmed and need help, please reach out to a professor, TA, friend, and/or CPS and make sure you are getting the support you need.

• More than 50% of undergraduates will visit CPS at least once in their 4 years at Columbia.
• How to make an appointment:
  • Call counseling to request an appointment at 212-854-2878
  • They will have an initial phone call interview to determine who to match you with (do you have preference or requests?)! This is super chill and nothing to worry about
  • Then they will make you an appointment! 
• Drop-in Counseling (hours vary per location)
  • 100 Carman Hall
  • Intercultural Resource Center, 552 W. 114th St.
  • 210 East Campus
  • Lerner 5
  • 115 Hartley Hall
  • 649 Jerome Greene Hall (Columbia Law School)
  • 600 W. 113th St, Room 2BB
  • 208 Uris Hall (Columbia Business School)
  • Broadway Residence Hall, 556 W. 114th St., Room 102
  • 530 Mudd Building

Columbia Websites to Check Out for Health and Wellness:

• Wellness resources
• Columbia health events
• Tips to help you succeed at Columbia
• Alice! health
• Nightiline Peer Listening

Outside Wellness Resources:

• Headspace is a mindfulness app with tons of guided meditations. Students get a huge discount with a yearly subscription price of $9.99
• NYC Parks often offers free classes, concerts, and more across NYC parks
• ClassPass allows you to go to pretty much any gym/exercise studio in the city. Currently they are advertising a free month!

Online Counseling:

• BetterHelp and Talkspace provide confidential, online therapy with a licensed counselor

• Sexual Violence Response (SVR) is a confidential resource providing support, prevention programs, and workshops focused on ending gender and power-based violence
• The Ombuds Office is a confidential resource providing a safe space for faculty, students, staff and affiliates to discuss work-related issues, academic concerns, clarification of policies and many other concerns and issues
• The Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) office works to implement policies and procedures that address discrimination, harassment, gender-based misconduct, as well as receiving and responding to allegations of policy violations
• Columbia policies and procedures regarding discrimination and harassment can be found here