Stretching to a Double Major: Is it Worth It for Grad School?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to pursue a double major in physics and mathematics or to focus solely on physics to improve GPA for graduate school applications, particularly to prestigious institutions like Berkeley and Caltech. Participants explore the implications of GPA, the value of additional degrees, and the importance of recommendation letters and research experience.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant considers graduating in three years with a BS in physics but questions if this will be viewed negatively by top universities due to a lower GPA.
  • Another suggests that maintaining good grades in both physics and math is crucial for future opportunities.
  • Some participants argue that focusing solely on physics may yield a better GPA than attempting to double major, while others advocate for the value of a math degree alongside physics.
  • Concerns are raised about the impact of lower grades on graduate school admissions, with one participant suggesting that having two degrees might not compensate for a lower GPA.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of recommendation letters and research experience over GPA alone when applying to competitive programs.
  • One participant emphasizes that the choice should reflect personal interests rather than solely focusing on GPA, suggesting that filler courses may not impress admissions committees.
  • Another point raised is the potential advantage of having recommendations from two different departments if pursuing a double major.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the value of a double major versus a higher GPA in a single field. There is no consensus on the best approach, as some prioritize GPA while others emphasize the benefits of additional knowledge and skills.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of admissions criteria at top universities, including the weight of GPA, coursework relevance, and the importance of research and recommendations, but do not resolve these factors definitively.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering graduate school in physics or related fields, particularly those contemplating double majors or the impact of GPA on admissions decisions.

Pengwuino
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Ok so I have something to consider. I have enough units and will ahve enough units through summer class to be able to graduate in just a total of 3 years with a bs in physics but i figure that's not going to look that great to berkeley or caltech with a not so good GPA so i have 2 options. Should i stretch it to the normal 4 years and take easy classes as fillers to boost my GPA or should i stretch it to 4 years and attempt to get a BA in math too (not not a minor, the degree)?

Also, if I am unable to finish the math degree by graduation, can i still continue it if i attend the same school for my masters in physics (with plans on later attending those better colleges for my phd)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
1) Get good grades in physics

2) Get good grades in math and get the Math degree.

I understand keeping your grades up is hard, but you really have to push it, your future depends on this. :p
 
Are you presenting me with 2 options or shold i do both lol.

The thing is, I am pretty sure i would be able to get better GPA and better grades in physics classes if i stuck with physics only for 4 years then i would overall if i tried for both degrees in that 4 year period.
 
Like retaking physics classes to get better grades? Screw it. Take the math degree and do well in it. If you're going to spend another year doing something, it might as well be learning something knew instead of repeating stuff you know for no real reason.

PL
 
No, i wouldn't get grades bad enough to allow for grade changing (D's and F's). I was thinken maybe in all my physics classes i would get a 3.0 if i went for the math major and maybe 3.5 if i didnt.

What i want to know is what's better, a say, 3.0 GPA overall and the 2 degrees (masters in physics and ba in math) or a 3.5 GPA and just the masters in physics. These GE classes are just beating me down for some reason (even though there so easy! which pisses me off even more)
 
I don't know then. Knowing the extra math would be a plus in physics, but having lower grades would be bad...

PL
 
Yah but what would berkeley or caltech think when it comes to admitting me.
 
I don't know. I am not Berkely or Caltech. Since people here have said the amount of time it takes to you get your degree(s) is irrelevent, then they will say "he has two degrees, but he's so-so at both".

PL
 
Yah that's how i think it'll be. Its going to be "hmm, so so with 2 degrees" or "wow he's really good with physics". I feel iffy about emailing someone at both universities because i think last time i asked a question like that, i pretty much got a useless answer from them.
 
  • #10
INAAE (I'm Not An Admissions Expert),

but isn't a 3.5 (even in sciences) low for graduate studies at Caltech?

You will some -really- excellent recommendation letters and even an undergraduate research project under your belt.

At least, that's what I'd think for somewhere like Caltech...
 
  • #11
It shouldn't be about gpa, it should be about learning what interests you. That's idealistic, but keep it in mind. I have nothing to do with admissions either but if I had to choose between two candidates:

1)Has A/B average in physics classes and A's in irrelevant filler courses giving an A average.

2)Has A/B average in physics classes and B's in a math major (or even minor) course requirements giving a B average.

I'd take 2) everytime. Easy filler classes aren't likely to impress anyone, an A in underwater basic weaving does not mean you're suddenly better at physics since your gpa is higher. In the US, don't you have to send your entire transcripts (or at least the last two years) so they'll see any junk you've taken?
 
  • #12
Another advantage to consider is that if you double major, you'll have two departments from which you could solicit recommendations!
 
  • #13
make sure you make the cut off grade...have decent projects underyour belt...and good recommendations...if y0ou can guarantee that then i'd gof ro the double major...added bonus if you can code in C/C++
 

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