Admission into Princeton Grad School

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a student's inquiry about preparing for admission into Princeton's graduate program in Plasma Physics, including academic performance, research experience, and application strategies. Participants provide advice on broadening options beyond a single institution and improving application materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that focusing solely on admission to one graduate program is not a wise strategy.
  • Another participant agrees and recommends exploring other universities with strong Plasma Physics programs, highlighting the importance of finding researchers whose work aligns with the student's interests.
  • Concerns are raised about the competitiveness of admissions, with one participant noting that larger schools like Wisconsin and Michigan may be easier to get into compared to Princeton and MIT.
  • There is discussion about the student's English proficiency, with advice given to pay special attention to writing application materials and consider having them proofread.
  • Participants express support for the student, encouraging a positive outlook on the learning process and the importance of continuous improvement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that it is beneficial for the student to broaden their search for graduate programs beyond Princeton. However, there is no consensus on the best approach to improve the student's chances of admission or the implications of their English proficiency.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the student's GPA goals and the balance between maintaining a high GPA and gaining research experience. The discussion also reflects varying opinions on the competitiveness of different graduate programs.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate students interested in applying to graduate programs in physics or related fields, particularly those considering competitive institutions and seeking advice on application strategies and academic preparation.

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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