Grad School Admissions: Which do I Bother With?

In summary: You need to convince the committee that physics is your first love, and that you'll put in the extra time and effort to do a great job in physics. Please do not confuse "hard work" with "not caring about physics."
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magiladd
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Hello! I am wondering which grad schools to apply to because I honestly don't understand the grad school admission process. It involves a lot more than undergrad admissions- now I need to apply for TA or research positions etc. Also, I have been told that the school choice is more important for grad school, too.

Here is what I am wondering: If I have about a 3.5 GPA, a good bit of research (I am a co-author on a published paper), and am relatively active in the SPS community/get good letters of rec, what kind of schools should I apply to? I am assuming not Princeton or anything, but what schools are low enough for me to get into but high enough where people won't laugh at the school where I got my degree? If I don't get into any good schools, \should I take a gap year and go to Norway? Do something else and then apply again? I know for undergrad they don't like it when you take gap years; is that the same with grad school?

Also, I am in the honors program at my school. I want to do my honors thesis in Creative writing (I am very into poetry and have had a few poems published) and do a chapbook. Would grad schools look down on me for not doing my thesis in physics? Would they care if I did a creative writing chapbook or was a published poet? I know undergrad would care because they care more about being interested in any subject, but I am assuming grad schools wouldn't care at all. Is that true? basically, any information or advice would be very much appreciated.

Thank you!
 
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You shouldn't be targeting the schools you apply to based on competitiveness to start with. You should start by compiling a list of schools that are engaged in research in the area(s) that you're interested in pursuing and potential PIs you would be interested in working with. Then you can narrow down that list based on your individual chances for admission.

While a 3.5 gpa isn't bad, you're going to want to do everything you can to shore up your profile including writing the GRE and PGRE. I would strongly recommend that you do your honours thesis in Physics as the more research experience you can list on your application the better. It will also give you another potential contact for a reference letter. If you want to be a published poet you can still pursue that independently of school.
 
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magiladd said:
Also, I am in the honors program at my school. I want to do my honors thesis in Creative writing (I am very into poetry and have had a few poems published) and do a chapbook. Would grad schools look down on me for not doing my thesis in physics? Would they care if I did a creative writing chapbook or was a published poet? I know undergrad would care because they care more about being interested in any subject, but I am assuming grad schools wouldn't care at all. Is that true? basically, any information or advice would be very much appreciated.
I also appreciate poetry, and wrote poetry when I was an undergrad and a grad student. BUT ... heed the previous advice carefully:

gwnorth said:
I would strongly recommend that you do your honours thesis in Physics as the more research experience you can list on your application the better. It will also give you another potential contact for a reference letter. If you want to be a published poet you can still pursue that independently of school.
You need to convince the admissions committees that physics is your primary passion, not a secondary one. If you have the talent, drive, energy, and time to write both a high-quality physics thesis and a high-quality English thesis, well, OK, good for you. [One student I mentored wrote an undergrad thesis in physics and an undergrad thesis in a foreign language literature, graduating with a double major. She went on to complete a physics PhD at a reasonable university. So it can be done; but I definitely consider her an outlier (in the positive sense).] But, an English thesis in lieu of a physics thesis ... No!
 

FAQ: Grad School Admissions: Which do I Bother With?

What are the basic requirements for grad school admissions?

The basic requirements for grad school admissions vary depending on the program and university, but generally include a bachelor's degree, a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores (such as the GRE), and a personal statement or essay.

Is it necessary to have research experience for grad school admissions?

Research experience is not always a requirement for grad school admissions, but it can significantly strengthen your application. It shows that you have practical experience in your field and have developed important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis.

How important are letters of recommendation in the admissions process?

Letters of recommendation are an important component of grad school admissions as they provide insight into your academic abilities, work ethic, and potential for success in the program. It is important to choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths and qualifications.

Can a low undergraduate GPA affect my chances of getting into grad school?

A low undergraduate GPA can certainly affect your chances of getting into grad school, but it is not necessarily a deal-breaker. Admissions committees will also consider other factors such as your personal statement, letters of recommendation, and relevant experience. It is important to address any potential weaknesses in your application and highlight your strengths.

How can I stand out in the highly competitive grad school admissions process?

To stand out in the highly competitive grad school admissions process, it is important to have a strong academic record, relevant research or work experience, and a well-written personal statement. It can also be beneficial to network with faculty and current students in your desired program, as well as participate in extracurricular activities related to your field of study.

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