Recent content by gsmith

This may be a potentially stupid question. I have gone my entire undergraduate career without getting anything but As until today when I got an A- in Thermal/Statistical Physics. Of course, I understand that this is much better than most ever do, but since I still plan on applying to top...

So a lot of the detail of your questions are beyond me, but I can answer some of the simpler aspects of your questions. Physics majors are generally well received applicants to materials science programs - especially if you have focussed on condensed matter in your undergraduate studies. I...

Do you have any idea if the Physics degree counts against them at all? For instance, would I be able to get into a top program with good financial support? Or is it more of a scenario that they tolerate it and it is not preferred?

I am having a rather inconveniently timed crisis/realization. Halfway through my Physics bachelor's, everything is going well. 4.0 GPA, member of a great research group, an REU already under my belt - but I am coming to the realization of how insurmountably difficult it will be to actually get...

For the past few months I have been working in an CM experiment lab at my university (I just wrapped up my first year of undergrad) and am now working for the same professor in an REU over the summer. Though my work, I have come into a lot of contact with nanofabrication techniques...

First semester as an undergrad student! Mechanics Calc II Computer Science (C++ and Matlab) Human Geography (stupid gen-Eds) Physics Seminar

I wish you the best of luck moving forward!

This statement says a lot to me. I am not saying that if you don't like basic physics you won't like any physics, but the fact that you found it "so boring" doesn't say much for your zeal about the topic. You seem to have much greater interest in the chemical/biomedical option. Particle...

WannabeNewton, how important is Cornell to you? It seems to me that your problem would be easily solved by finishing out your undergrad at Stony Brook or similar institution. Another thing to remember is that because you have an undergraduate degree in physics, does not mean you cannot...

I assume that you are either a Freshman or Sophomore. When you take it really doesn't matter, just as long as you do take it eventually. I, personally, did not take physics (in a traditional classroom setting) until my senior year. Learning about the universe is far more complicated than just...

That is my understanding as well. Biophysicists, I believe, work in a similar capacity to Molecular Biologists. Then there is the field of Medical Physics which deals more with imaging and treatment options (i.e. MRI or Gamma Knife development).

Thank you! I neglected to mention that another reason I turned down UPenn was because Biophysics isn't really my thing! More of a Condensed Matter guy, myself.

So since this thread seems to have been raised from the dead, I thought I might reply with how my college search worked out for the benefit of those now in the position I was a few months ago. After being deferred at Chicago and getting accepted to Pitt, Penn State, and Case early in the game...

Thank you! Tremendously helpful!

To clarify, I am majoring in physics, but am unsure about my ability to excel in the field. As such, I am looking for options that, if I decide that Physics grad school is not right for me, I can pursue right out of college with a Bachelors degree in Physics.