Grad Schools in Canada for Computational Physics Student

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the pathways for a computational physics student at the University of Alberta (UofA) to gain admission into graduate programs despite a GPA of approximately 3.4. Key insights include the importance of securing a mentor who is willing to supervise and the value of research experience over GPA alone. Participants emphasize that strong letters of recommendation and relevant research experience are critical factors in the admissions process. The conversation also confirms that Professor Kernahan is still at UofA, although he may not be teaching astrophysics currently.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graduate school admissions processes in STEM fields
  • Familiarity with research methodologies in computational physics
  • Knowledge of the role of mentorship in academic advancement
  • Awareness of the significance of letters of recommendation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective strategies for securing a mentor in computational physics
  • Explore summer research opportunities in astrophysics or related fields
  • Learn how to write compelling letters of recommendation
  • Investigate graduate programs in Canada that focus on computational physics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for undergraduate students in computational physics, prospective graduate students, and academic advisors who are guiding students through the graduate school application process.

andytran
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Hi,

I'm a third year computational physics student at UofA.
I started looking into grad school for physics but I'm not so sure if i can make it into any good grad school with my not so good gpa (around 3.4 ish).
I have no research experience, however I'm planning on being an assistant for my astrophysics prof this summer.

So what options do you think i have regarding grad school?

thanks!
 
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Getting into a graduate program isn't quite so much about GPA as it is finding a mentor who have interesting projects to work on and is willing to become your supervisor. get as much experience as you can out of your summer research. GPA helps, but having good letters of recommendation, good research experience and someone who will say "yeah, I'll take this guy on as a grad student" plays a bigger role.

I made it into grad school at U of A with about a 6.7/9.0 coming out of undergrad. Hardly stellar grades compared with most of my other classmates, but one thing I did have was a prof willing to take me on as a grad student when I applied.

BTW, is Kernihan still teaching astrophysics there?
 
thanks for the reply!

Kernahan is still here, but doesn't seem like he still teaching astro anymore.
 

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