Help please -- Is my list okay so far for Condensed Matter? (grad app.)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a graduate school applicant seeking advice on their list of master's programs in condensed matter physics. The applicant has a Physics GPA of approximately 3.5 and a PGRE score of 700, with research experience in two high-energy theoretical physics projects but no publications. They have strong recommendation letters and are undecided between theory and experiment, favoring hard condensed matter. The applicant is considering schools like Rutgers, Brown, Ohio State, Boston University, and UPenn, while acknowledging the need for a balanced list of programs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graduate school application processes in physics
  • Familiarity with the Physics Graduate Record Examination (PGRE)
  • Knowledge of research experience significance in graduate applications
  • Awareness of condensed matter physics subfields
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the admission statistics and program strengths of Rutgers University for condensed matter physics
  • Explore the graduate programs at Ohio State University and their faculty research interests
  • Investigate Boston University's offerings in hard condensed matter and related research opportunities
  • Review application strategies for master's programs in physics, focusing on statement of purpose (SOP) enhancement
USEFUL FOR

Prospective graduate students in physics, particularly those interested in condensed matter, as well as academic advisors guiding students through the application process.

bluechic92
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Hey Everyone,
Would appreciate any advice or suggestions.

I know that I do not have many "safeties", but that is because I am applying to a bunch of master's programs (not physics /because of research interest)

Physics GPA: 3.5ish ( No grade lower than a B... lots of advanced courses!) Maybe I should have toned it down.
PGRE: 700 (52%)
Type: Domestic

Research Experience: 2 Hep-th projects, no publications. Happy advisors though!
Rec Letters: I believe I will have 2 strong rec letters from research advisors and 1 from a prof ( two classes received As and prof knows me very well). Bonus Not On APP : I have met many experts in the field of my research(hep-th) and all of them have been very encouraging. They believe I would make a great researcher as well as be very successful in graduate school.

On App: Not so great gpa/pgre score. Good SOP so far. I'm working on making it strong and reflecting my research abilities.

I am undecided between theory and experiment, but I prefer "hard condensed matter".

Rutgers??
Brown
Ohio State
Boston
UPenn??

[Three Master's programs]
 
I have friends who got into Rutgers and Ohio with similar stats. Try a few more schools lower down in the competitiveness scale, the advisers aren't necessarily worse than anywhere else; just make sure there are advisers you want to work with.
 
Arsenic&Lace said:
I have friends who got into Rutgers and Ohio with similar stats. Try a few more schools lower down in the competitiveness scale, the advisers aren't necessarily worse than anywhere else; just make sure there are advisers you want to work with.
Thank you for the reply! The only reason I don't have schools that are lower down is because I want schools that are strong in multiple areas and these type seem to be higher up ranking wise.* Also, I am applying to master's programs. I know these cost money, but I am applying for engineering. =)

*I applied to a school in the top 70 and it is my first choice! Hopefully I'll make it... if not then even the above list is just not going to work is it? haha
 

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