A Masters in Physics after a Bachelor's in Enginnering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations and challenges faced by a mechanical engineering student interested in pursuing a master's degree in physics, with aspirations for a PhD. It includes inquiries about admission odds, the impact of relevant experience, and standardized testing requirements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) expresses uncertainty about their admission prospects for a master's program in physics, given their engineering background and GPA of 7.45.
  • Some participants suggest that applying directly to a PhD program may be more advantageous than applying for a master's program, as the latter could put the OP at a disadvantage.
  • The OP seeks advice on whether working at a scientific institution, such as ISRO or BARC, would enhance their admission chances.
  • There is a question about the existence of an equivalent to the physics GRE in India, which is commonly used by US graduate schools as a metric for admissions.
  • Another participant mentions the possibility of taking the Advanced GRE or PGRE from a center in India as an option for the OP.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that applying to a PhD program may be preferable, but there is no consensus on the best approach to enhance admission prospects or the necessity of standardized testing.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about the admissions process and the relevance of work experience, which may depend on specific institutional requirements and individual circumstances.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a transition from engineering to physics graduate programs, particularly those interested in the admissions process and standardized testing requirements.

A1D1S
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Hello all,

This is my first and probably the most important post, I am a 3rd year student of Mechanical Engineering at BITS Pilani, India. However, my primary interests lie in Physics, please do not ask why my major is in Engineering then, it is a long story.

I will make my current position clear, I have a GPA of 7.45 on 10 which is a bit low I know, I did a course Theory of Relativity last semester and fared well in it, I am now pursuing a study project on the same. I plan to take an experimental project next semester along with an elective on Chaos.

Our college has an optional attendance policy, owing to which I attend Physics classes, I am currently attending Mathematical Methods and Quantum Physics. I will attend EMT and Quantum 2 next semester, of course it won't show on my final transcript.

The Physics department knows me well and I can get decent recommendations.

I plan on writing the TIFR exam in India and applying to some universities in US, Canada and Germany.
Could anyone give me advice on my odds of admission with some financial aid, I am very sure I will pursue a PhD as well. Would working at a scientific institution like ISRO or BARC , or maybe a research assistant somewhere increase my odds, for I really do not mind working an year or 2 after graduation. Would the AGRE exam help ? It seems manageable.

In case someone has gone through something similar or met people in the graduate department from engineering backgrounds please help.
I am really in quite a confused state, kindly help.
 
Last edited:
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Here is one suggestion:
Don't apply to an institution for a master's program in Physics if there is a PhD program there---apply to the PhD program... you get your master's degree along the way. (In my opinion, applying to the master's program there would put you at a disadvantage.)
 
Thanks for the reply robphy, I was thinking on similar lines.
Would you mind answering some of the other questions or maybe direct me to someone who could ?
 
Is there an equivalent to the physics GRE in India? That's really what physics graduate schools in the US use as a metric.
 
lisab I can give the Advanced GRE exam or the PGRE from a centre in India
 

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