Difference between revisions of "Incoming student portal"

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If you're starting a graduate degree in the Stony Brook physics department, here are some of the things you need to know
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==Helpful information for incoming PhD and masters students==
  
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'''This information was compiled by past and present graduate students to provide incoming students with information they believe will be helpful'''
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===Academic decisions and success===
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There are many ways to succeed in the Stony Brook Physics graduate program, and what you make of your degree really depends on your own background, your interests, and the kinds of research opportunities you are searching for. Collaboration, building a network of peers, and taking advantage of the opportunities that abound in the grad student community, broader department, and university can improve your likelihood of success, however you may define it.
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Here we have compiled suggested paths towards success based on our collective prior experience:
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*[[Advice:No prior graduate experience|Advice]] for students who '''did not take''' graduate courses during their undergrad (especially important for those who intend to do theory).
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*[[Advice:Prior graduate experience|Advice]] for students who '''did take''' graduate courses before or already have masters degrees.
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*[[Advice:Background outside of Physics|Advice]] for students whose previous degrees are not in physics.
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*[[Advice:Terminal Masters degrees|Advice]] for students who want terminal masters degrees.
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===More general resources===
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*[[Self-diagnostic test]] - for evaluating your preparation for the core courses (note: ''for masters students'' these courses are not required; ''for PhD students'' these do not need to be taken immediately, and can be taken after remedial courses if necessary).
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*[[Guide to living on Long Island]] - recommendations for living a balanced, healthy, and fulfilling life on Long Island and New York.
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*[[Advice:Students to contact|Students to contact]] - current grad students whom you can contact for additional information
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<!--*[[Advice:Research groups]] - current professors and research groups with brief descriptions and advice for joining and collaborating - (password protected)-->
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*[[Working Outside the Department Advice]] - research opportunities outside of the physics department at Brookhaven, the Laufer Center, and Cold Spring Harbor
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==Practical Information for SBU==
 
===Before you arrive===
 
===Before you arrive===
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The 2019 orientation schedule is not yet available. It will be linked here once it is.
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*[[Getting to Stony Brook|Getting to campus]] - for when you first arrive, especially if you're flying in
 
*[[Getting to Stony Brook|Getting to campus]] - for when you first arrive, especially if you're flying in
  
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*[[Supplies to bring to campus|Things to bring]] - what to pack before you leave
 
*[[Supplies to bring to campus|Things to bring]] - what to pack before you leave
  
===Once you arrive
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*[[Course placement]] - what to know about placing out of courses
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*[[Mentorship program]] -  the status of the mentorship program in 2018 has not yet been determined
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*[[Methods of transportation#Parking passes|Getting a parking pass]] - if you're coming with a car, how to get a permit to park
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===Once you arrive===
 
*[[Methods of transportation]] - for getting around the Stony Brook area once you've arrived
 
*[[Methods of transportation]] - for getting around the Stony Brook area once you've arrived
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*[[Fees and finances]] - What you need to know about the money situation of a new student
  
 
*[[Taking the comps|Taking the comprehensive exams (Should I take the comps?)]] - Tips on whether or not to take the comprehensive exams, and information for if you decide to
 
*[[Taking the comps|Taking the comprehensive exams (Should I take the comps?)]] - Tips on whether or not to take the comprehensive exams, and information for if you decide to
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*[[Social Security Numbers]] - an essential part of living and working in the US
 
*[[Social Security Numbers]] - an essential part of living and working in the US
  
===For master's students===
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==For master's students==
*[[Applying for PhD Programs]] - tips for Masters (or undergraduate) students who are planning to apply
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*[[Advice:Applying to PhD programs|Applying for PhD Programs]] - tips for Masters (or undergraduate) students who are planning to apply
  
 
[[Category:Incoming student portal]]
 
[[Category:Incoming student portal]]
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[[Category:Guides]]

Revision as of 17:48, 18 June 2019

Helpful information for incoming PhD and masters students

This information was compiled by past and present graduate students to provide incoming students with information they believe will be helpful

Academic decisions and success

There are many ways to succeed in the Stony Brook Physics graduate program, and what you make of your degree really depends on your own background, your interests, and the kinds of research opportunities you are searching for. Collaboration, building a network of peers, and taking advantage of the opportunities that abound in the grad student community, broader department, and university can improve your likelihood of success, however you may define it.

Here we have compiled suggested paths towards success based on our collective prior experience:

  • Advice for students who did not take graduate courses during their undergrad (especially important for those who intend to do theory).
  • Advice for students who did take graduate courses before or already have masters degrees.
  • Advice for students whose previous degrees are not in physics.
  • Advice for students who want terminal masters degrees.

More general resources

  • Self-diagnostic test - for evaluating your preparation for the core courses (note: for masters students these courses are not required; for PhD students these do not need to be taken immediately, and can be taken after remedial courses if necessary).
  • Guide to living on Long Island - recommendations for living a balanced, healthy, and fulfilling life on Long Island and New York.
  • Students to contact - current grad students whom you can contact for additional information
  • Working Outside the Department Advice - research opportunities outside of the physics department at Brookhaven, the Laufer Center, and Cold Spring Harbor

Practical Information for SBU

Before you arrive

The 2019 orientation schedule is not yet available. It will be linked here once it is.

  • Getting housing - if you don't know where you'll be living when you get to campus yet, or you're thinking of moving out of on-campus housing
  • Mentorship program - the status of the mentorship program in 2018 has not yet been determined

Once you arrive

For international students

  • SIM cards - Information about SIM cards for international students who will be arriving without working phones

For master's students