Guidance regarding Mathematical Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and strategies for applying to doctoral programs in Mathematical Physics, particularly for a participant with a less competitive academic record. The scope includes admissions processes, profile enhancement, and the perceived differences between domestic and international graduate school evaluations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the competitiveness of applying to graduate schools abroad given their academic performance and exam results.
  • Another participant highlights that admissions in their home country are primarily based on entrance exam scores, suggesting that a poor performance limits consideration.
  • Some participants discuss the concept of a "holistic view" in admissions abroad, questioning what aspects of the applicant's profile might be favorable despite low grades.
  • There is skepticism about the value of MOOCs for improving admissions prospects, with one participant dismissing them as "completely useless."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the effectiveness of the applicant's current strategies for improving their profile and the significance of a holistic admissions approach. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the applicant.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific details on what constitutes a holistic view in admissions and the varying perceptions of the value of MOOCs in enhancing an application.

junkicide
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Hello all,
I've done an MSc in Physics alongwith a BE in Electronics Engg, graduating in 2014. My scores are quite poor (GPA: 6.23/10), but I am interested in doctoral studies in Mathematical Physics. I wrote exams for PhD admissions here in India for this year but did not fare well enough for an admit at any of the good institutes.
I do not want to spend another year just studying the material again and am hence looking to further my knowledge and better my profile to apply to institutions abroad.
I've tried approaching professors here for informal guidance but they seem not too keen to take students who aren't enrolled anywhere.
I am also doing relevant MOOCs as and when they are being offered.
Are there any other things you suggest I could do to better my profile so I can apply to doctoral programs abroad in about a year?
 
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Getting into a graduate school overseas is generally more competitive than in your home country. Given that, do you think your plan is realistic?
 
Admissions here are primarily based on the exam scores of these entrance exams, they evaluate your profile only after that. So if you don't make the cut-off for these exams you are not even considered.
The reason I was thinking of applying overseas was that they have a more holistic view of their candidates, not simply based on one metric.
Also, my MSc+BE dual degree is from one of the reputed institutes here.
 
You didn't do well in exams. You didn't do well with grades. What exactly is this 'holistic view' supposed to see in your favor?
 
junkicide said:
I am also doing relevant MOOCs as and when they are being offered.

Completely useless for admissions.
 

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