- #1
koab1mjr
- 107
- 0
Hi I had a quick question on how I will be perceived come grad school app time
I am a back to schooler with an aim of getting a PhD in applied physics. I got my first degree in finance and worked for in corporate finance for 5 years. I am back at school pursuing a double major in physics and math. I understand that undergrads should be involved in research but since I work 30 hours a week while taking 9 credits of math and phyiscs i do not have the time while trying to absorb the material and maintain a 3.7ish GPA.
My hope is to get into a lab in the summer on a PT basis to at least log sometime. Since I need to continue to sustain myself a REU will not fit my situation since I will need a job when I return since I am paying for tuition and living expenses. How much of a black mark is this on my application. If I wanted to shoot for top tier does this kill my chance. Also does age play a role at all, I will be 31 by the time I finish (3 more years).
If research is critical I will drop the math major but I feel its important since I do not want to be crushed in grad school in learning math concepts on the side while trying to learn the physics concepts.
Is getting into applied physics programs less competive. I see a lot of people going for HEP theory and experiment or condensed matter etc... Any reason why applied phyiscs is less sought out?
Lastly time investment. I feel the most I can handle and learn something is 9 credits. Since the course require a lot of studying. I am just wondering what type of hours others are putting into do well. For my adv calc or my proof course I will find myself reading the same ten pages of proof 50 times. Am I slow or something?
Any thoughts or comments much appreciated
Great community btw
M
I am a back to schooler with an aim of getting a PhD in applied physics. I got my first degree in finance and worked for in corporate finance for 5 years. I am back at school pursuing a double major in physics and math. I understand that undergrads should be involved in research but since I work 30 hours a week while taking 9 credits of math and phyiscs i do not have the time while trying to absorb the material and maintain a 3.7ish GPA.
My hope is to get into a lab in the summer on a PT basis to at least log sometime. Since I need to continue to sustain myself a REU will not fit my situation since I will need a job when I return since I am paying for tuition and living expenses. How much of a black mark is this on my application. If I wanted to shoot for top tier does this kill my chance. Also does age play a role at all, I will be 31 by the time I finish (3 more years).
If research is critical I will drop the math major but I feel its important since I do not want to be crushed in grad school in learning math concepts on the side while trying to learn the physics concepts.
Is getting into applied physics programs less competive. I see a lot of people going for HEP theory and experiment or condensed matter etc... Any reason why applied phyiscs is less sought out?
Lastly time investment. I feel the most I can handle and learn something is 9 credits. Since the course require a lot of studying. I am just wondering what type of hours others are putting into do well. For my adv calc or my proof course I will find myself reading the same ten pages of proof 50 times. Am I slow or something?
Any thoughts or comments much appreciated
Great community btw
M