- #1
pahizix
- 1
- 0
Hi All,
I just completed a degree in physics and (pure) math and I am planning on applying to grad school in the fall. I'm mostly interested in applying to physics graduate programs, but I was wondering if my background was strong enough to the following applied math programs:
Background:
My GPA is 3.47, my physics GPA is 3.57 and my math GPA somewhere between a 3.2 and 3.33. I know my grades aren't spectacular, but I had to complete my degree in 6 semesters, and in my final year I got mostly A's, a few A-'s, and a B in both semester. The courses were all upper division physics and math classes. I also have some good research experience, one physics REU and research at my home university with a paper currently in the works (should be out before I submit applications, fingers crossed). To supplement this, 2 out of three of my recommendations I know for sure will be strong.
I know I am an aggressively average student, I made the mistake of taking way too many credits per semester (I averaged about 18 credits per semester), getting overwhelmed, doing well in one class, dropping the ball in another(meaning Bs), and average on the rest(B+s). I tried to avoid this in my last year, but unfortunately two classes slipped through the cracks and I got B's in both. While this allowed me to graduate in 6 semesters (over the course of 6 years, I studied abroad for 2.5 years before re matriculating back at my original university; none of the abroad credits transferred), it wasn't ideal. I would have liked to have spent an extra year improving my GPA and taking some more advanced electives, but unfortunately, money is real, hahaha. So I did what I could with the time that I had.
I am looking for honest opinions because I don't want to overwhelm my recommenders with applications and because applications are EXPENSIVE. So blunt opinions are welcome so I don't waste time and money if I am not a good enough candidate from the start.
thanks.
PS: My school is a large state school, top 20 Physics, top ten nuclear physics and top 30 Math school. I see other people mention this but I don't know if that actually makes a difference when applying.
I just completed a degree in physics and (pure) math and I am planning on applying to grad school in the fall. I'm mostly interested in applying to physics graduate programs, but I was wondering if my background was strong enough to the following applied math programs:
- Stony Brook University
- Columbia Engineering (The applied Math, program. Probably a maaajor stretch but I don't know much of the program and a lot of the tracks involve a lot of computational physics, which is what all my research experience is in. So I figured with my strongs letters of rec and a bit of luck and persuasion I could have an iota of chance, but I'd like to hear the community opinion)
- CUNY Grad Center (this is more of question, I only see a pure math program, does anyone know if applied math is within their pure math program or do they just not have applied math, if they do, should I apply given my background?)
Background:
My GPA is 3.47, my physics GPA is 3.57 and my math GPA somewhere between a 3.2 and 3.33. I know my grades aren't spectacular, but I had to complete my degree in 6 semesters, and in my final year I got mostly A's, a few A-'s, and a B in both semester. The courses were all upper division physics and math classes. I also have some good research experience, one physics REU and research at my home university with a paper currently in the works (should be out before I submit applications, fingers crossed). To supplement this, 2 out of three of my recommendations I know for sure will be strong.
I know I am an aggressively average student, I made the mistake of taking way too many credits per semester (I averaged about 18 credits per semester), getting overwhelmed, doing well in one class, dropping the ball in another(meaning Bs), and average on the rest(B+s). I tried to avoid this in my last year, but unfortunately two classes slipped through the cracks and I got B's in both. While this allowed me to graduate in 6 semesters (over the course of 6 years, I studied abroad for 2.5 years before re matriculating back at my original university; none of the abroad credits transferred), it wasn't ideal. I would have liked to have spent an extra year improving my GPA and taking some more advanced electives, but unfortunately, money is real, hahaha. So I did what I could with the time that I had.
I am looking for honest opinions because I don't want to overwhelm my recommenders with applications and because applications are EXPENSIVE. So blunt opinions are welcome so I don't waste time and money if I am not a good enough candidate from the start.
thanks.
PS: My school is a large state school, top 20 Physics, top ten nuclear physics and top 30 Math school. I see other people mention this but I don't know if that actually makes a difference when applying.