Admission into Princeton Grad School

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on strategies for gaining admission to Princeton's Program in Plasma Physics (PPPL). The student, currently a sophomore with a GPA of 3.66, is actively participating in a Scientific Research Initiatives program and plans to engage in further research. Key recommendations include broadening the search for graduate programs beyond Princeton, focusing on upper-division physics courses such as Quantum Mechanics and Thermodynamics, and ensuring strong application materials, particularly in English proficiency. The importance of maintaining a competitive GPA and seeking proofreading assistance for application documents is emphasized.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of upper-division physics courses: Quantum Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with research programs such as REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates)
  • Knowledge of academic writing standards and proofreading techniques
  • Awareness of graduate school application processes and requirements
NEXT STEPS
  • Research graduate programs in Plasma Physics beyond Princeton, including MIT, Wisconsin, and Michigan
  • Explore Google Scholar for relevant research papers in nuclear fusion
  • Learn about effective academic writing and application strategies
  • Investigate summer research opportunities and competitive programs to enhance research experience
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate students pursuing graduate studies in physics, particularly those interested in Plasma Physics, as well as academic advisors and mentors guiding students through the application process.

DeltaHong
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Hi Guys! I'm a student studying undergrad Sophomore, pursuing Honors B.S. in Physics and Applied Math. I have been looking up Princeton Program in Plasma Physics (PPPL) and got very interested in their research in nuclear fusion. Any advice on how to get good/prepared enough to have high odds of get accepted?

Right now I got a GPA of 3.66. I am participating in Scientific Research Initiatives research program and I plan to work with faculty more on research after completing the program. I am also planning to either apply for competitive summer research program either locally or through REU (praying hard to get enrolled). I need to take upper division of: Quantum Mech, Electricity & Magnetism, Thermodynamics, Statistical Mech and Computation in Physics. And of course I need to complete an Honor Thesis along with those. For Applied Math degree, I will have to complete Foundations of Analysis, then introduction of: Probability, Numerical Analysis, Partial Diff, Complex Variables, and another elective deciding between Calculus of Variations or Intro Topology. Not sure if it helps at all, but I am also a member of a Fraternity, volunteering at Food Pantry, and planning to apply for Teaching Assistance in a year after gaining enough tutoring experience.

I'm trying my very best to get back to 3.7 GPA and maintain it until graduate. Please tell what and how can I do better. Should I push for 3.8? How much is to much? Also, any course suggestions? I plan to take more.
 
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Having your future plans singularly focussed on admission to one particular grad school is not a wise strategy.
 
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You seem to be on the right track but I agree with @CrysPhys you need to expand your sights beyond just one program. Princeton will not be the only university with researchers studying Plasma Physics. I would recommend exploring further to find scientists publishing research you find interesting in the field and see what programs they're affiliated with. Google Scholar can be one such resource as well as relevant journals.

I do have one question though. Is English your first language?
 
That is absolutely true. It's really disappointing to know that despite how hard I work and how much passion I have, there are always candidates way suitable than I do to be admitted :( I am also looking up on MIT, Wisconsin, and Michigan, which also have huge projects on plasma physics. I'll definitely look into more research papers. Any more suggestions?

@gwnorth English is not quite my first one, but I am English educated since middle school (age of 13). Is that a bad news?
 
Wisconsin and Michigan will be much easier to get into than Princeton and MIT, since they are much larger schools.
 
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DeltaHong said:
@gwnorth English is not quite my first one, but I am English educated since middle school (age of 13). Is that a bad news?
No it's not a problem, it's just that it's a bit obvious based on your writing. You'll need to pay special attention to the writing of your application materials. It would probably be a good idea to have someone proof read them for you.
 
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gwnorth said:
No it's not a problem, it's just that it's a bit obvious based on your writing. You'll need to pay special attention to the writing of your application materials. It would probably be a good idea to have someone proof read them for you.
Damn, your sharp. I should really read more.
 
DeltaHong said:
Damn, your you're sharp.

It's mostly small stuff, like above and below for example... :wink:

DeltaHong said:
Hi Guys! I'm a student studying undergrad in my Sophomore year, pursuing an Honors B.S. in Physics and Applied Math. I have been looking up at the Princeton Program in Plasma Physics (PPPL) and got I've become very interested in their research in nuclear fusion. Any advice on how to get good/prepared enough to have high odds of getting accepted?

Right now I got have a GPA of 3.66. I am participating in a Scientific Research Initiatives research program and I plan to work with faculty more on research after completing the program. I am also planning to either apply for a competitive summer research program either locally or through an REU (praying hard to get enrolled). I need to take upper division classes in of: Quantum Mech, Electricity & Magnetism, Thermodynamics, Statistical Mech and Computation in Physics. <<snip>>
 
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berkeman said:
It's mostly small stuff, like above and below for example... :wink:
I am ashamed 🥲
Thanks a lot for the corrections.
 
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DeltaHong said:
I am ashamed 🥲
Thanks a lot for the corrections.
Don't be ashamed. We've been learning English since we were babies. Just take it as a learning experience.
 
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