- #1
nebulinda
- 11
- 3
I graduated with my BS in physics/astronomy in 2010, and at that point I was super burnt out on school, and knew that I would not be able to handle grad school, and had no interest at all in doing research. Since then, I have been working in informal science education (including a one year grad certificate), mostly in science museums, but I also did an internship doing education at CERN. Currently my job is creating and teaching hands-on science activities for kids. I really enjoy this, and am good at it.
But recently I've been feeling that I really miss physics. I miss being immersed in that type of environment. I miss being challenged and working hard. I want to learn more and do research. I also want the potential for increased job opportunities and a higher salary. I feel that I am mentally ready for grad school and have the correct attitude to be successful. I was really inspired by my summer at CERN, and would like to get a PhD in something along the lines of experimental high energy/particle/cosmology.
But I have forgotten everything. I've been trying to study for the physics GRE, which I plan to take in April, and it's overwhelming because I couldn't answer a single question on the practice exam I tried. I'm digging up all my textbooks and will try problems, and I'm also using Khan Academy to review (really, to re-learn) all the math.
Additionally, I don't think I'd be a very competitive candidate, because I went to a relatively small unknown undergrad institution, only had a 2.9 GPA, and had a couple research internships in which I did not distinguish myself and I did not really enjoy doing them (they were not on topics that I had much interest in). I did not try as hard as I could/should have during my undergrad. I had some professors who's classes I did well in, and they liked me, but I don't know what kind of letters of recommendation I would get 5 years later. But, I was super involved in SPS the whole time, including being president.
I'm looking for two things from this forum now:
1. A reality check. Can I even get into any schools, assuming I do well on the GRE? (What if I don't do well?) I'm hoping to apply for schools a year from now, and begin school in fall 2016.
2. Advice for the best ways to a) study for the GRE, and b) prepare myself for grad school in general.
Thanks for the help!
But recently I've been feeling that I really miss physics. I miss being immersed in that type of environment. I miss being challenged and working hard. I want to learn more and do research. I also want the potential for increased job opportunities and a higher salary. I feel that I am mentally ready for grad school and have the correct attitude to be successful. I was really inspired by my summer at CERN, and would like to get a PhD in something along the lines of experimental high energy/particle/cosmology.
But I have forgotten everything. I've been trying to study for the physics GRE, which I plan to take in April, and it's overwhelming because I couldn't answer a single question on the practice exam I tried. I'm digging up all my textbooks and will try problems, and I'm also using Khan Academy to review (really, to re-learn) all the math.
Additionally, I don't think I'd be a very competitive candidate, because I went to a relatively small unknown undergrad institution, only had a 2.9 GPA, and had a couple research internships in which I did not distinguish myself and I did not really enjoy doing them (they were not on topics that I had much interest in). I did not try as hard as I could/should have during my undergrad. I had some professors who's classes I did well in, and they liked me, but I don't know what kind of letters of recommendation I would get 5 years later. But, I was super involved in SPS the whole time, including being president.
I'm looking for two things from this forum now:
1. A reality check. Can I even get into any schools, assuming I do well on the GRE? (What if I don't do well?) I'm hoping to apply for schools a year from now, and begin school in fall 2016.
2. Advice for the best ways to a) study for the GRE, and b) prepare myself for grad school in general.
Thanks for the help!