I receive, almost on a daily basis, many requests seeking projects
(undergraduate research in summer) and inquiring or seeking admission
to master's or graduate (PhD) program and occasionally career advice.
Disregarding genuine inquries is rude but many of these inquries are
mass mailings. If you are still interested in contacting me please
continue to read.


<p>

<b>Summer research for undergrads</b>. Caltech has a summer research program for undergrads
(SURF). Our group has the ability to support a two fellowships per
summer. The target group are students who have finished second year or
third year. 
<p>

I am only interested in taking well prepared students (i.e.
your academic score has to be very high, particularly in
physics and mathematics) and with some 
research experience. The procedure for applying is as
follows.<ol>
<li> Please ask a well known astronomer or an astronomer known
to me to mail me a formal letter (not email) 
addressing your academic preparation, aptitude for research and 
accompliments and communications level.  
<i>Please provide this URL to the letter writer.</i>
<li>
If this letter is 
satisfactory I will contact you and request your transcripts
and CV. If those turn out to be satisfactory then I will inform
you that I am prepared to support your application to the SURF
program. 
<li> Between December and January the selected candidate
will work with me or a junior colleague (post-doc or senior
graduate student) and help you develop a formal project
proposal to the SURF office (due date is February).
<li> 
The SURF office will inform
you of their decision by March of the next year.
</ol>
Please note that I will not respond to any requests after
December 1 of a given year.

<p>

<b>Graduate Program. </b>
Students to the Caltech astronomy graduate program are 
admitted by a graduate admissions
committee and NOT by the professor.  The committee reviews your academic
score, letters and statement and then decide. Please note that Caltech
astronomy only admits students for the PhD course (i.e. we do not take
purely students interested in the Master's program).
You need to apply to the program
(the deadline is usually the end of the year). 
<p>

Separately, my view is that a PhD should be for truly excellent students
(first rate academic preparation, passion).  I am aware that this
demand for excellence (and in particular a rigorous undergraduate
education in physical sciences and mathematics) is not required in many
(most) PhD programs, worldwide. Having clarified my views I remain
interested in
identifying worthy students and help them, when feasible.
If you satisfy these requirements then pleasei forward this 
URL to well established scientist (ideally an astronomer or
physicist) and request them to mail me, on official letter head,
a letter
addressing your academic preparation, aptitude for research and
accompliments and communications level.