Resources

The pGRE is a comprehensive 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

Physics Student Groups

• The Society of Physics Students (SPS) is an undergraduate group that organizes talks and social events
• The Physics Graduate Council (PGC) leads events for and represents the graduate student body
• Columbia Blueshift is a community of undergraduates interested in astronomy and astrophysics

More STEM Student Groups

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

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.

More links:

• For potential fellowship and funding opportunities, check out the American Association of University Women's (AAUW) fellowships and grants 
• 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

Check out this directory for a list of faculty and professionals who are available to answer your questions! 

Counseling & Psychological Services (CPS):

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
• To start individual counseling:
  • Request an initial appointment by calling CPS at 212-854-2878
  • CPS will schedule a phone call interview to determine who to match you with (you can share specific preferences and requests!). This is super chill and nothing to worry about
  • CPS will then make you an appointment! 
• Drop-in Counseling is also offered across campus

Columbia Websites on Health and Wellness:

• University Life Wellness Resources
• Columbia Health Events 
• Tips to help you succeed at Columbia
• Alice! Health
• Nightline Peer Listening

• 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 students, faculty, staff, and affiliates to discuss work-related issues, academic concerns, clarification of policies and more
• The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) works to address all reports discrimination, harassment, and gender-based misconduct made by students, faculty, staff, and affiliates
  • The OIE's full list of confidential and non-confidential university resources can be found here
  • Information on mandatory reporting can be found here
• Columbia's policies on discrimination and harassment are here