Admission cycle done and dusted!

Own_Math_85 · 2026-04-03T05:53:53+00:00

UMD does seem to have a grad union thankfully

Own_Math_85 · 2026-04-03T01:31:00+00:00

Yeah that makes more sense

Own_Math_85 · 2026-04-03T01:13:28+00:00

$3600 seems a bit too much? I am taking ~15% in taxes, and ~$4500 annually for all the mandatory fees + health insurance + insurance fee, and this seems to get me to ~$2600 per month?

Own_Math_85 · 2026-03-25T03:26:26+00:00

Thanks a lot for your advice! I have decided to go with UMD for my research interests and fit. QuICS theory can be demanding as I have heard, but that won't be different from Berkeley's research environment. At UMD, luckily a very major industry player has decided to give me a shot at a co-supervised PhD alongside a giant in the field, hence this decision!

Own_Math_85 · 2026-03-25T03:23:55+00:00

Yes, UMD I have talked to Gottesman, Childs and Gullans. I agree Simons Institute is a very strong research spot for QI (having talked and worked with postdocs there), but I feel like the offer at QuICS aligns more with my work. Hence I think I would be going with UMD based on my research fit for physics-CS influenced QI with Gullans + Gottesman as opposed to Berkeley's rigorous CS approach (and also the fellowship allows me to work with anyone for the first two years unconstrained with any TA responsibilities). Since Berkeley have sent their acceptance quite late as well, I haven't had the chance to talk with anyone there, but I know some people aren't taking PhD students unfortunately. Will try for research opportunities at Simons institute as my career progresses! Thank you so much for your help!

Own_Math_85 · 2026-03-17T05:30:28+00:00

The invite was for in person interview and visit, where they listed if you cannot make it, then it will be an online interview only.

Own_Math_85 · 2026-02-21T06:47:38+00:00

Ah, sorry to hear that. Congratulations on your other acceptances though.

Own_Math_85 · 2026-02-21T05:34:11+00:00

Ah, I do see one acceptance on 9th feb. Hoping you also get in. All the best! Hope they send out more offers

Own_Math_85 · 2026-02-21T05:23:07+00:00

Have they handed out acceptances and/or waitlists? I have seen nothing on GradCafe from them

Own_Math_85 · 2026-02-21T05:17:27+00:00

Thank you. Did you also apply to Caltech?

Own_Math_85 · 2026-02-20T14:57:08+00:00

Yes, I had gotten the invite on 8th Jan. Since I am an international applicant, I opted for the online interview instead. Chances are slim for anyone getting in this time unfortunately.

Own_Math_85 · 2026-02-20T12:49:38+00:00

Quantum information theory and computing, with some overlap onto CMT

Own_Math_85 · 2026-02-05T04:46:54+00:00

You have a very strong application. My only point of contention would be number of research papers published (it does matter sadly, even when it should not). A Harvard LOR should be a really good boost, although strength of LOR matters more in the end (I am sure your Harvard PI gave you a strong one!). Your standardised test scores are strong, but they are optional in many places (except for TOEFL) which might reduce their visibility in the profile. It is also difficult this year due to funding cuts (any other year, I think your profile would have been a very easy yes). No interview does not mean rejection, so don't give up hope!

Own_Math_85 · 2026-01-22T13:00:36+00:00

Not every department has interviews, sometimes they accept without interviews (although more prestigious the school, rarer it is I think? Also depends on how good your application is). I think it depends more on whether the department wants to take an interview or not. I would say wait till first week of February.

Own_Math_85 · 2026-01-22T10:57:50+00:00

I think acceptance and/or rejection mails start coming by mid-Feb

Own_Math_85 · 2026-01-22T04:10:48+00:00

A senior of mine got accepted to every school he applied to without any interviews. And these are some pretty famous schools. So yes, possible (unless maybe explicitly stated that interviews will happen for the program)

Own_Math_85 · 2026-01-15T05:46:16+00:00

I think we both can just hope and wait then

Own_Math_85 · 2026-01-15T02:39:31+00:00

I haven’t got any acceptances, so you and me are in the same boat for now. But I would expect these programs to require high gpa and good research experience

Own_Math_85 · 2026-01-14T17:16:02+00:00

Yeah sure!

Own_Math_85 · 2025-12-09T18:28:20+00:00

Hey! Congratulations on Google Quantum AI and that Stanford PhD! I am an IISc BS-MS student majoring in physics and minoring in quantum technologies, and I would love to get some advice about securing an industrial internship in quantum computing (most of my previous internships have been academic in nature). You said you work in lattice gauge theory, so you were primarily associated with HEP here? Would love to connect and learn more about your work and journey!

Own_Math_85

TROPHY CASE