How Timothy Zaklama, an American Scholar, Secured Three Years of Full Funding for Graduate Study in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States Through the Dean of Science Fellowship

I’m Timothy Zaklama, a 5th-year grad student at MIT in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics from Westchester, NY. I played a lot of sports growing up before studying Mathematics and Physics at Vanderbilt University. I then became a quant trader for IMC Trading in Chicago for a couple of years before coming to MIT in the fall of 2022. I had always loved math, and fell in love with physics in high school, when I realized how much you can describe the physical world from first principles. The marriage of theoretical modeling and real-world application was highlighted during my research experiences at Vanderbilt and in Tokyo, and after a brief stint building algorithms for quant firms, I really wanted to see how far I could develop my technical skills to solve real-world problems. This led me to condensed matter physics over high-energy physics, since physics is the most fundamental science and condensed matter physics is all about the math of emergent phenomena, which can undergird any real-world effective theory. The theoretical condensed matter department is second to none, and I am incredibly privileged to be in the program and learn from the best in the world.

MIT Dean of Science Fellowship Details

I was generously given the Dean of Science fellowship from MIT, which is awarded to around 20 graduate students each year, with full funding for the first 3 years of graduate school, in addition to a small stipend of discretionary funds.

Educational Background

Other than my current program, I hold a bachelor’s degree in both Mathematics and Physics, with a minor in economics. I graduated with highest honors and a near-perfect GPA in physics, and overall graduated cum laude. My educational background (growing up in the United States) equipped me with the important writing and narrative skills to curate a strong graduate school application. My high school and college education prepared me well for the standardized tests (which most Americans take each year and prepare quite rigorously for the college preparatory exams (SAT/ACT). Most of all, however, Vanderbilt equipped me with the best professors who took a real personal stake in my success, and their letters of recommendation were certainly the most important component of my application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)?

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I just applied online, purely through word of mouth. I did not apply to any bespoke scholarships, and I took the GRE Physics in preparation for grad school. I took the ACT before college. I prepared for these tests by buying a test preparation booklet and studying the material in addition to taking practice tests.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the MIT Dean of Science Fellowship?

I focused quite heavily on the narrative of my essays and personal statements, but did not do any particular preparation for any particular scholarship

How is Your Experience at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)?

My experience was top-class; I cannot recommend MIT enough (especially physics). All students are supported, and there is so much research to go around. It is truly an intellectual dream to be there.

How Do You Rate Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Academically?

Top; the rankings speak for themselves

How Does Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Support International Students?

MIT has a massive international student community, probably one of the best in the world.

What Did You Pursue After the MIT Dean of Science Fellowship?

A startup.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

As I mentioned above, the letters of recommendation are the most important aspect of the application by far.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I would apply to more fellowships and try to secure funding. I would also scrutinize professors more and try to make connections with them before applying.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Get to know who is evaluating the applications and try to understand what is most valued that given year. Above all, just be authentically yourself. It is all a bit of a crapshoot.