What is Physics graduate: Definition and 92 Discussions

The GRE physics test is an examination administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The test attempts to determine the extent of the examinees' understanding of fundamental principles of physics and their ability to apply them to problem solving. Many graduate schools require applicants to take the exam and base admission decisions in part on the results.
The scope of the test is largely that of the first three years of a standard
United States undergraduate physics curriculum, since many students who plan to continue to graduate school apply during the first half of the fourth year. It consists of 100 five-option multiple-choice questions covering subject areas including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, wave phenomena and optics, thermal physics, relativity, atomic and nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, laboratory techniques, and mathematical methods. The table below indicates the relative weights, as asserted by ETS, and detailed contents of the major topics.

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  1. tetrahed

    Other Do I need a physics degree to get into a physics graduate program?

    I know this might be a stupid question, but I am serious. Some of my friends are in graduate programs not much related to their major (a number of my friends majored in math but are in computer science grad programs, and vice versa), so I am curious whether the same holds for physics. In my...
  2. vassalloef

    Physics graduate school advice

    Hello everyone, I'm a first-year international student at Denison University double-majoring in physics and mathematics (or that's at least the plan). I'm currently taking my second course in undergraduate physics here and at the same time a course in linear algebra and differential equations...
  3. U

    Admissions COVID-19 and Physics Graduate Admissions

    Several universities say that taking courses pass/no-pass or credit/no-credit during terms disrupted by COVID-19 will not necessarily harm those applying to their graduate program. There are also more open-ended invitations for applicants to discuss how the pandemic has impacted their lives. In...
  4. hagopbul

    Physics What kind of a career path would a physics graduate have in medicine?

    Hello all: I had a debate about physics and medicine. The topic of that debate is can a physics graduate , enter medicine by studying radiology for few years less than it requires , for normal high school students, for example 2 years The other topic is about radiology equipment, how much...
  5. J

    Schools What are my chances of getting into physics graduate school with a 3.00 GPA?

    Hello everyone! I graduated from UIUC with a 3.00 GPA in physics last year. (I managed to get this exact number) And my GPA of physics courses are not much higher than my overall GPA as well. I plan to apply for grad school this year and go to grad school next year. And currently I am working...
  6. AndresPB

    Programs Medical Physics Graduate Programs

    Good night to all, I would really appreciate if everyone could give me their opinions on: MS in Medical Physics in Duke University MS in Medical Physics in Columbia University MS in Medical Physics in Vanderbilt University MS in Medical Physics in Cleveland State University Ph.D in Radiological...
  7. V

    Programs Thoughts on Caltechs Applied Physics Graduate Program

    Why is it paired with materials science? I have not been able to find too much about it online apart from their own stuff. How different is it from their pure physics PhD program? It seems that they have a lot of required courses, although you do not need to take them if you have a sufficiently...
  8. E

    Programs Choosing a field of study for Physics Graduate Degree

    Hello, I've found some similar posts, but as the answers heavily depend on the individual, I decided to present my own case. I want to apply for the physics graduate programs of the big universitie MIT, Harvard, Standord and UC Berkley. For this I need to decide on a specific field of study for...
  9. mercenarycor

    Schools Advice on shopping for Physics Graduate Schools

    Hello all! I'm preparing to transition out of the military, and will have about 4 courses left on my BS when I do. I think it's about time to start looking at grad schools! (YAY!) However, as I look, the possibilities seem almost overwhelming! My question, therefore, is not about how to...
  10. S

    Schools Suitable list of schools for an MS to apply for a PhD program in Optics

    Fifth Year BS-MS Student from one of the premier institutes in India CGPA: 8.1/10 GRE : 310/340 168Q 142V 4AWA TOEFL: 104/120 22R 27L 26S 29W I am applying for graduate schools in the following universities. Is the list sufficient? Any suggestion is most welcome. The list is not priority-wise...
  11. Aaron M

    Engineering Recent BSc in Physics graduate, worried about my new job

    Hello all!, Backstory: I recently graduated with a BSc in physics a month ago. I have been looking to get hired by a certain company since the start of my senior year. The position I was after was a process engineer, however I have not heard back from the company for that position, which I...
  12. J

    Other Physics Graduate Study - Which Area?

    Hi everyone, For many years I have been planning to become a theoretical physicist. If everything goes well, next year I will be graduating with a MMath, having studied QFT, GR, cosmology, particle physics, black holes, differential geometry, etc. This fall I am going to apply for a PhD in...
  13. D

    Other Considering a Physics Graduate Program: Pros & Cons

    So I just finished up a masters in math (my undergrad was in physics) and I was considering applying for physics graduate school next year. However, I recently got accepted to a physics masters program. My question is whether I should accept the offer, or apply for a doctorate program next year...
  14. abilolado

    Schools Physics Graduate School in UK/Germany/Europe

    Hello all. I had a few questions about obtaining a PhD in UK and/or Europe. I am currently an Undergrad physics student from Brazil studying in the US, once I am done I will pursue my PhD in some other university, since my current one, unfortunally, does not have a Physics Grad program. My dream...
  15. R

    Admissions Questions about Applying to Medical Physics Graduate Programs

    Hey everyone! I am interested in applying to a medical physics graduate program, but frankly I don't know a whole lot on the process. I am currently a junior majoring in biophysics with 3.4 major GPA. I have taken a majority of the pre-med prerequisites (i.e organic chemistry), if it will help...
  16. Hercuflea

    Physics Physics Lecturer with Medical Physics graduate degree?

    Can one teach college level Physics classes with a CAMPEP accredited Master's or Ph.D. in medical physics? Do most departments look for pure physics graduates or is medical physics acceptable?
  17. txr534

    Schools Applied Math or Physics graduate school?

    Hi all, So I am currently an undergrad student majoring in math and physics wanting to pursue a PhD in either applied math or physics. I definitely lean toward the theoretical side of physics and really enjoy mathematics (which has become somewhat of a hobby). My question is, what program of...
  18. B

    Programs Physics Graduate Programs with No Official Background

    Dear Physics Forums friends, I am a college senior at US pursuing the mathematics and microbiology majors. Getting to the core of my question, I am curious if the graduate programs in physics (at least in US) also consider applicants from no official background in physics. I started out as an...
  19. F

    What is the best way to improve my understanding of physics?

    Hello folks, my name is Filipe, I'm new here. I'm on the last grade at high school in Brazil, English isn't my main language so "sorry by my english". I plan to graduate in physics on the next year. I hope y'all can help me in my physics doubts. Thank you! :smile:
  20. G

    Studying Can I Take Multiple Physics Courses During a Masters Program in Astrophysics?

    If I opt for a programme eg astrophysics in a uni for masters can I also take classes and have credit for some other course eg quantum mechanics during the same ?
  21. Joshua L

    Schools Best Physics Graduate Schools for QFT, GR, and HEP?

    Hey guys, just curious of your opinions on this matter. Which graduate schools are the best to earn a Ph.D. in physics theory from and research in concerning the theoretical sub-fields Quantum Field Theory, General Relativity, and Elementary Particle Physics (maybe String Theory)? Which has...
  22. S

    Engineering at Western or Mac (McGill)

    I am looking to apply to western for engineering ( go into mechatronics) and do a concurrent engineering and physics degree. Basically what that is, is a regular 4 year degree with a 5th year of pure physics. You then receive a bachelor of engineering and a physics major. I am also looking at...
  23. CjCastro

    Schools Physics Grad School for Non-Physics Majors: Schools & Options

    Hello all, I am currently an undergraduate studying chemistry with a question regarding physics graduate school. I know many threads have been started on whether or not one can get into a physics grad program and I have come to the conclusion that it is possible, so I won't ask that question. My...
  24. KylieVegas

    Physics Can an applied physics graduate be a theoretical physicist?

    Hello, can an applied physics graduate be able to be a theoretical physicist? Our school only offers applied physics major in instrumentation but they do send students to do interns/ojt (on the job training) to CERN and various universities all over the world. I know applied physics is more...
  25. I

    Physics graduate in need of career advice

    Hello, my name is Israel and I have a B.A. in physics from California State University Stanislaus. I graduated in 2011 in the worst economy ever and in the worst part of the U.S. to be hit by the great recession. I have substitute taught in every subject in K-12, but I am looking to get into the...
  26. coffee_cup

    Exploring High Energy Astrophysics with a Turkish Graduate Student

    Hi to all! I'm a graduate physics student in Istanbul Technical University, Turkey. I'm specifically interested in astrophysics, high energy astrophysics in detail. If you have any questions about this and that, please do not hesitate to ask! Hope to contribute well to this forum. Never stop...
  27. G

    Exploring the Frontiers of Modern Physics: Latest Advancements and Discoveries

    Hi everyone, I'm a Physics Graduate from a premium Pacific university... Have a nice day :)
  28. C

    Schools Physics graduate school in Spain

    Hi, how does physics graduate school work in Spain? What are the admissions tests?
  29. ZapperZ

    Schools Entering Physics Graduate School From Another Major - Comments

    ZapperZ submitted a new PF Insights post Entering Physics Graduate School From Another Major Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  30. ZapperZ

    Insights Alternative Careers for a Physics Graduate - Comments

    ZapperZ submitted a new PF Insights post Alternative Careers for a Physics Graduate Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  31. R

    Mathematical Physics graduate programs?

    I have a master's in physics. I'm looking at PhD programs, but I really don't want to take the same courses over and take comprehensive exams (or the damn GRE). I managed to squeeze in a few math classes before I finished. I would like to do research in physics, but from a more math-heavy...
  32. ZapperZ

    Schools Applying for Physics Graduate School - Comments

    ZapperZ submitted a new PF Insights post Applying for Physics Graduate School Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  33. P

    Programs Physics Graduate with Mathematics degree

    I'm about to enter University for a Chemistry major, but I've been throwing around the idea of a double major and also taking Mathematics. They do not offer a physics major, but it's my understanding that physics is heavily reliant on advanced math and that physics itself is so hard because many...
  34. S

    Schools U Of Toronto vs UBC in physics graduate school (condensed matter theory)

    I have to choose between U of T and UBC for my physics graduate school. QS ranking places UBC(46th) much higher than U of T (100th), but two of my professors told me the other way around. any ideas about the discrepancy? thanks~
  35. Beenigma

    Schools University recommendations for a physics graduate

    Good day, forum. Last year I finished my bachelor in physics, and due to a mess-up on my behalf, I could not begin on my masters degree at once. This has given me a one-year pause which I spend working, and most importantly, thinking about what I wish to do from now on. I've come to realize that...
  36. P

    Schools Computational Fluid Dynamics in Physics Graduate School

    I want to go to physics grad school, but I also want to be ready to go to into CFD for industry if academia doesn't pan out - what area of physics would prepare me best for that?
  37. J

    Physics Graduate Programs Involving Internships in Industry

    Hello PhysicsForums! I'm currently a senior undergraduate physics major looking at grad school options. I hope to pursue a future career in industry rather than academia. I've found a couple graduate programs that are very interesting to me. 1) Georgetown University Industrial Leadership...
  38. S

    Soon to be MS Physics Graduate (medical physics)

    Hello all, this fall I will be beginning my second year in a CAMPEP Medical Physics graduate program. I have a very big dilemma. with the new rules in by CAMPEP, I NEED to get into a CAMPEP residency in order to become ABR certified, however most of those residencies are either taken by PhDs...
  39. T

    Schools Grad School Admissions for Physics with Low GPA

    Hello all, I am entering my senior year. I have a over all gpa of 3.3. My subject gpa currently is 2.83 due to some bad classes my freshman year. I have 6 classes left towards my major so I have a chance to bring up my major gpa. But I study and work hard as it is, and can't get an A in my...
  40. A

    Schools Getting into Physics Graduate Schools as a non-Physics Major

    Hello, all, I am quite interested in pursuing a PhD in physics (preferably theoretical), but I've run into the slight problem that my undergraduate major is not physics. From what I've gathered, I pretty much have my choice of a graduate program in mechanical engineering from my...
  41. M

    AMO Physics graduate at UC Boulder

    Hello, I am a currently a masters student in biomedical engineering with an interest in optics and am planning on applying to UC Boulder for AMO physics for my Phd and was wondering if there are any graduate students from UC Boulder in AMO physics who can give me some advice with regards to the...
  42. R

    Schools Choosing physics graduate school.

    I live in a country within north east asia. I want to continue my education in US graduate school. GPA 4.0x/4.5 Physics GRE 990/990 No research experience. What university within what ranking should i apply to ? Is it possible to first get master degree in US then apply for better PhD...
  43. I

    Schools List of All Physics Graduate School Deadlines?

    Does anyone know if there exists a resource/web page on the Internet that lists all physics graduate school programs and their deadlines?
  44. C

    Medical and Health Physics Graduate Programs

    I graduated in May with a BS in Physics and I am interested in going into either Medical or Health Physics. I'm still trying to decide which I'd rather go to school for, but I will probably apply to both types of programs in the meantime. Does anyone have advice about what the best graduate...
  45. Z

    What are the financial prospects for physics graduates?

    Hi, I am currently in high school and I was planing on studying physics. After reading some threads and online articles, I have concluded that the opportunity to research is limited and the most graduates end up working with finance and insurance. If I had graduated with a phd in physics...
  46. P

    Schools Considering Physics graduate school, but I stutter

    Long time lurker here, this is just my first time posting. I've read through the 'So you want to be a Physicist' guide and just from experience I've noticed that in order to help pay for graduate schools most programs will have you TA for discussions or labs. Given my stutter, I know I...
  47. P

    Schools Math in Physics Graduate school

    How do courses work in graduate school? I'm in undergrad right now and even though I am a physics major, I am mostly free to take whatever class I want to. However, I know in graduate school one is supposed to be becoming more specialized so how does taking non-physics classes work in graduate...
  48. S

    News Physics Graduate Student killed himself because of unemployment

    Very sad story but true.Philip Elliott recently completed his doctorate degree in Physics. He was not able to find any job and decided to take a call center job. Graduate Programs are supposed to make people successful in academia. I feel very sorry for this guy. Here is the full story...
  49. C

    Mathematics Necessary for Physics Graduate Program

    So I was wondering what mathematics I will need under my belt before starting at a brand name graduate school(MIT, UChicago, UC Berkely, CalTech, Harcard, etc...) if I were going to specialize in particle or soft-matter physics. Thank you!
  50. L

    Usefulness to employers as a physics graduate.

    So as may be evident from other threads, I will be graduating this year with a BS in Physics. Since I failed to procure entry into a graduate program, I would like to know what I can do with the skillset I have, which I'll describe below. Namely, I'd like to know what kind of companies (with...
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