Boosting Chances for Masters in Medical Physics at SDSU

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations and strategies for applying to a Master's program in Medical Physics at San Diego State University (SDSU). Participants explore academic preparation, course selection, and competitiveness of the program, with a focus on the transition from undergraduate studies to graduate school.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about their GPA (3.2) and lack of motivation in current courses, questioning their competitiveness for the SDSU Medical Physics program.
  • Another participant notes that accredited medical physics programs are competitive, suggesting that meeting minimum GPA requirements does not guarantee admission.
  • Recommendations for coursework include applied physics courses such as image processing, mathematical methods, computational physics, and optics, with a suggestion that quantum courses may not be as critical.
  • A participant seeks clarity on the specific academic level required for a strong application, expressing anxiety about the transition to graduate school and job prospects post-graduation.
  • There is a discussion about the balance between theoretical and applied physics courses, with one participant considering the implications of their course choices on future opportunities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the SDSU Medical Physics program is competitive and that taking applied courses may enhance chances of admission. However, there is no consensus on the specific GPA or course requirements needed for a successful application.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the specific admissions criteria for the SDSU program and the implications of their current academic paths. There is also a lack of detailed information about the average qualifications of admitted students.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering graduate studies in Medical Physics, particularly those interested in the SDSU program or similar accredited programs, may find this discussion relevant.

Lawrencel2
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Hey all, I am just about a senior at a northern California university. I am going for a BS in the Advanced Physics area. I have a 3.2 right now and I am not too proud of it. I have been involved in one project/paper with my professor for an AAPT national meeting in Philly. But I feel like I'm losing interest in my classes, now that I'm in Quantum and E&m, due to the time commitment and its killing my motivation/passion.

Either way though, I am going to graduate soon and I was thinking about going for a masters at SDSU in Medical Physics (They are also CAMPEP accredited).I have no idea how selective the program is, but I was hoping to get into something a bit more applied and with a more direct impact on society, and my grades probably aren't nearly good enough for Med school.

Is there things I should be doing to increase my chances? Like Becoming Applied Physics? I was thinking optics/Lasers would be a bit more useful than two semesters of Quantum in this field.
Is there a way to look at what the average student in that department has when entering the school?
 
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I don't know much about the SDSU program, although a friend of mine is a professor there and I know he would make a good supervisor. Most (all?) accredited medical physics programs are quite competative. I don't know what that means in terms of GPA exactly, but meeting the minimum criteria is definitely not a guarantee of getting in.

Taking more applied physics type courses is a good idea if you have the option. Most medical physics work isn't too heavy on quantum. Courses that I would recommend include any kind of image or signal processing, mathematical methods, computational physics, a senior lab course, nuclear physics, optics, and electrodynamics. I personally wouldn't avoid a senior quantum course entirely either, but it wouldn't get that high of a priority.
 
Is there a way to get a more detailed description of the level i need to be at to stand a good chance? I want to stay in california if possible.. I have the more theoretical option a my school, which is basically upper division E&m Quantum and Thermo.

If I go applied I will have to take an optics, lasers, and computational class. I have already done one semester of E&M and one of Quantum. Did my modern physics courses as well.

I have little knowledge of graduate schools or what is required so i guess I am starting to freak out! I want to get a good job when i leave graduate school and i know now that pure physics is looking bad.
 
Im hoping for a bit more feedback from some others please :]
 

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