DETERMINE YOUR AREA OF INTEREST
Consider what your interests are...choose a branch (or branches) of chemistry or physics that you would like to pursue research in.
You may also want to find out more about what research in each of the branches of chemistry or physics entails!!

FIND SCHOOLS
You will want to begin making a list of schools that offer programs in the areas that interest you...the following link may be helpful.
graduate school locator

NARROW YOUR LIST
You will eventually need to narrow your list of schools to a number that is reasonable to submit applications to...

Some things you may want to consider are...

• the location of the school--keep in mind that attending graduate school probably means relocating.
• the competitiveness of the program at each of the schools to which you'll apply--most of the department web pages will have a link that lists admission criteria.
• there is an application fee for each school--the cost typically ranges from $40-$80.

TAKE THE GRE
GRE is an acronym for Graduate Record Exam, and is the standardized admission test for graduate school. There is a general GRE (verbal, quantative & writing), which is computerized and a subject area GRE, which is (still) paper-based.

Just about all graduate programs require you to take the general test, and most programs recommend that you take the subject area test. (This is typically a euphemism for "if you want to be considered for admission, you need to take the exam.")

Be sure to study for the GRE. All applications received for graduate programs are sorted by some basic criteria...e.g. GRE scores. While these scores don't mean everything, these scores (like your GPA) will put you in one of three categories: yes, maybe or no. To avoid this being as issue for you, study for these tests and do as well as you are able to.

Also, when registering for these exams, keep in mind that it takes 6-8 weeks to receive your (official) scores. Be sure to plan ahead, enough that this doesn't interfere with application deadlines.
The general exam is offered almost daily at the Sylvan/Prometric Test Center on Eisenhower; you need only register a few days ahead of time. The subject area exam is, however, only offered at select locations on select dates.

The cost of each portion of the GRE is currently > $100. The exact cost as well as general and registration information can be found at the following link: GRE Information

APPLY
You will want to begin the application process as early as possible, as it can be a somewhat time-consuming process...
You will want to determine, as early on as possible, the following things specific to each school, as the details of the application process will vary from institution to institution.

(i) the application format (paper vs. on-line)
(ii) the application requirements and procedure
(iii) the deadline for applications
(iv) the address for any supplemental materials

The general requirements for application packets (in addition to the application itself) are as follows:
*transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
*three letters of recommendation
*GRE test scores
* personal statement (this is usually a concise, well written essay about your background, academic & career goals and how the program to which you're applying will help you achieve your goals.)