Advice for undergrads without astro backgrounds interested in astro PhD programs:
- Taking an intro astro class: somewhat helpful but not a huge application
boost. Reading on your own is just as good if you're motivated to do that. The
main benefit of background reading (or an intro class) would be familiarizing
yourself with the extensive astro jargon.
- Taking an upper-level physics class: a little more helpful than intro astro classes! This could give you
exposure to the fundamental equations and concepts you would see in astro grad
school.
- Getting research experience (in any field): this is the MOST helpful
thing. The goal here would be to learn what research is like and see if you
enjoy it (so you can write about that with specifics in your applications).
- Most important thing for PhD applications in this kind of case is crafting a
well-written "statement of purpose":
- Show that you understand what research and grad school are about.
- Explain/show you have a passion for doing that kind of work
(and not just a passion for the romantic idea of astronomy).
- Explain why you are applying for astro programs specifically, i.e.,
give reasons that are about astro specifically and couldn't be applied
to something similar/related like physics. What is inspiring you to
pivot away from your background?
- Make sure to highlight your long-term plans, to show that you've given
them at least a little thought.
- Don't be afraid to be very specific if you have those dreams (for
example, "I want to find the next Earth-like atmosphere using JWST.").
- BUT if you don't have any hyper-specific goals like this, don't force
yourself to come up with some. It's ok (and really normal) to be
open-ended. Most people's goals change during grad school anyway.
- Include specific examples of how your background has given you skills
and perspective that will be an asset in contributing to science.