A pharmacist wants to be a physicist

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a pharmacy student from Lebanon who aspires to transition into physics. The participant seeks guidance on preparing for a physics career, including inquiries about university requirements, standardized tests, and the feasibility of pursuing a PhD without a formal physics degree.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses a strong desire to become a physicist despite currently studying pharmacy and asks for advice on preparation and university requirements.
  • One participant suggests that transitioning to a physics degree may be necessary, indicating that self-study alone may not suffice for graduate school admission.
  • Another participant clarifies that while it is not impossible for self-taught students to gain admission to physics graduate programs, it is extremely rare and typically requires exceptional performance on standardized tests.
  • The original poster acknowledges the challenge of achieving high scores on the Physics GRE without formal training but expresses determination to try.
  • There is a request for clarification on the difference between a BA and a BS in physics, indicating a desire for more information on academic pathways.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of entering graduate physics programs without formal education. Some suggest that formal training is essential, while others acknowledge the possibility of success through self-study, albeit rare.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding specific admission requirements for physics programs in different regions, as well as the implications of pursuing a degree in a different field before transitioning to physics.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career change into physics, particularly those with non-physics backgrounds, may find the insights and experiences shared in this discussion relevant.

charming86
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Hi guys,
I really need ur help. I know nothing about physics universities, adminstration tests, scholar ships, and stuffs like that.
I'm from Lebanon and studying pharmacy.Yes pharmacy, i know it has nothing to do with physics, but simply i hate pharmacy:cry: and obsessed about physics:!) , being a physicist is my biggest dream.
I still have 2 years to finish pharmacy and i want to know if there are things i can do on my own in the mean time that can help me in the future. I don't know, maybe preparations for certain tests.
another question: can I take a Phd in one of the physics domains without having a BA in physics?
Please answer my questions if u can.
This means a lot to me.
thanks a heap.o:)
 
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You will have an uphill battle. I don't know what the requirements are where you live. However, if you want to compare your ability with what is expected in US institutions, then you may want to read this thread:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=64966

Zz.
 
thanks ZapperZ,
your thread helped a lot.
I'll try the tests.
 
I suggest you drop out of your pharmacy program and begin working on a BS in physics instead. It is essentially impossible to get a position in graduate school, studying physics, with nothing more than self-study.

- Warren
 
what do u mean by impossible? u mean no one has ever succeeded in that depending on self-study? frankly, ur post frustrated me some how, so please be precise.I can't drop out,not now.
 
I didn't say it was impossible -- I said it was essentially impossible. I cannot say that no self-taught student has ever been accepted to a physics graduate program, but it's certainly an extremely rare event.

If you're such a genius that you can achieve a truly stellar score on the Physics GRE, you will likely get strong consideration for graduate admission even if no one has ever heard of you. The difficulty, of course, is getting a stellar score without any formal training. I suggest that you get some copies of previous GRE Physics exams, and get a feel for the level of competency they demand.

Your best bet, if you must finish your pharmacy degree, is to continue in school for an additional year or two, studying physics in a formal environment. Go ahead and apply for graduate school once you have some formal training in the subject.

- Warren
 
thanks,I really appreciate ur help.
I already have some physics GRE copies and I'm pretty sure they demand a high level competency.
I'll try my best.
 
I want to know the difference between BA and BS in physics,please.
I usually try to find answers to such silly questions by my own, but it came to my mind that maybe having the answers from persons directly is better and easier.thanks.
 
i found the answer to that last questions, thanks anyway
 

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