Schools How important are upper-division physics electives for getting into grad school?

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Pursuing a double major in philosophy and physics may impact graduate school applications, particularly in physics, as not taking upper division electives like Plasma Physics or Nuclear Physics could weaken the application. While fulfilling core physics requirements is essential, the absence of advanced electives may be viewed unfavorably by admissions committees. The decision to double major should consider personal interests and career goals, as well as the specific requirements of desired graduate programs. Balancing both fields can be beneficial, but it is crucial to recognize that the depth of knowledge in physics may be compromised, potentially affecting competitiveness in graduate admissions.
brushman
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I'm considering doing a philosophy physics double major at the expense of taking a few upper division physics electives or math/engineering classes like Plasma Physics, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Intro to Solid State Physics, fluid mechanics, statistics, etc.

Will this hurt my chances of getting into graduate school? Of course I will still have fulfilled the core physics curriculum (freshman physics 1-3, Classical Mechanics 1 & 2, E&M 1 & 2, Quantum 1 & 2, Thermo/StatMech, 3 different physics labs, also about to start working an honors thesis).

The reason I want to double major is of course both subjects interest me but I'd also like to be able to apply to philosophy graduate school as well.

Thanks.
 
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The amount that it depends depends entirely on where you want to go, but no matter where you go, your application will be weaker than it would be had you taken the electives.
 
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Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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