How to enter the Physics path; after getting an unrelated degree.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the challenges and considerations of pursuing a physics degree after obtaining an unrelated bachelor's degree. Participants explore the pathways to re-entering academia, including the potential need for standardized tests, the acceptance of second-degree applicants, and the financial implications of returning to school.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to transition into a physics program, noting a lack of preparation and familiarity with undergraduate processes.
  • Another participant suggests that starting an undergraduate degree in physics may not be problematic and could be advantageous due to prior math skills.
  • Concerns are raised about the necessity of standardized tests like the SAT/ACT for admission into undergraduate programs after already obtaining a degree.
  • Some participants share personal experiences regarding the ease of gaining admission to a second bachelor's program, emphasizing the importance of confirming with specific schools about their policies.
  • Financial considerations are discussed, including the types of loans available and the potential challenges of financing a second degree.
  • One participant mentions that their adviser recommended not pursuing a second bachelor's degree but instead focusing on completing necessary prerequisite courses for graduate school.
  • Another participant shares their experience of successfully transitioning from a political science degree to pursuing a physics degree, indicating that the process was manageable.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the difficulty of entering a physics program after obtaining a different degree, with some sharing personal success stories while others highlight potential administrative hurdles. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take and the specific requirements of different institutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note varying experiences with admissions processes and financial aid, suggesting that these may depend on individual circumstances and institutional policies. There is also uncertainty about the relevance of prior academic performance and standardized test requirements for second-degree applicants.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a transition into physics from unrelated fields, particularly those with prior degrees, may find this discussion relevant. It may also be useful for those exploring the logistics of returning to school and the financial implications of pursuing a second degree.

ofaaron
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Let me just state my situation.

I got a bachelor's degree recently, and I've been looking for work. However, the past several years I've been back and forth on wanting to study physics.

If I did want to, I'm unsure how I would go about that. I guess I'm technically not an undergraduate anymore, but I've certainly taken no classes that have prepared me for physics. Also, my school had its own testing if you didn't have SAT or ACT scores, so I've never taken those. My GPA was not horrible during college, but nothing I would want to use to show off to look for a masters or doctorate program. I was not worrying about it, because GPA was entirely unimportant for the career my major was intended for.

I am good at math, though, and what I have taken of physics has never been over my head (although I'm sure it will get there as I study it.) I don't think I am lacking in the ability to be a physicist. I was just not planning on it at all.

What would be the best course of action for getting into a physics program of any kind at this point. I am in the U.S. and if it isn't obvious, I'm not entirely clear about the ins and outs of undergraduate/postgraduate college workings.
 
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Is there a problem with starting off getting an undergraduate degree in physics? From your description, it appears that you have to start from the ground up, but with the added advantage that you may not need as much beginning math.

Zz.
 
I would have absolutely no problem with beginning at the undergraduate level again. However, I've heard this can be difficult (but I think they might have just meant for loans, which would not be a problem for me). Also, I'm curious about getting into an undergraduate school. Would I need to take ACT/SATs... or does having a degree change things... I mean, certainly I'm not sure how relevant my high school GPA would be at this point for such a thing.
 
You should probably ask the schools if they need SAT scores. Other than that, what's the question?
 
Just if it is difficult or not to get into an undergraduate program when you already have a bachelor's degree, I suppose. And if there are any differences or hurdles I should be aware of.

I don't know what specifically to ask for, because that's what I'm unsure about. I've heard some contradicting things, and I was just hoping to clear them up.
 
I've done a bit more reading... and I guess this isn't as big of a deal as I was thinking. I had happened upon an article that made it sound like a whole ordeal, and it just kind of made me think twice, but I guess a lot of that was unfounded.

Thank you for the responses and the help.
 
What's your mathematical background? Highest courses you've taken in math?
 
ofaaron said:
Just if it is difficult or not to get into an undergraduate program when you already have a bachelor's degree, I suppose. And if there are any differences or hurdles I should be aware of.

I don't know what specifically to ask for, because that's what I'm unsure about. I've heard some contradicting things, and I was just hoping to clear them up.
Be sure to contact the universities you want to go to, because when I was looking at studying in the US, I was quickly turned away by (along with the high tuition fees) the fact that those unis I contacted wouldn't let me do a degree there, since I already had one from back home (such as you yourself). Granted, I only contacted a couple of big names, so I can't say if it's the same everywhere.
 
Depends on where you want to go as far as "how difficult it is" financially or administratively. It seems like a community college or a college more oriented towards second-degree earners, commuter students, or adult education might be a better fit (unless you're comfortable being older than a lot of your classmates).
 
  • #10
I got my first degree in political science in 2009, almost went to law school, last minute changed my mind to go back and get a 2nd bachelors in physics. I'm now in the first of 2 years that it will take me to get my physics degree... so basically this "backtracked" my life 2 years... not THAT big of a deal. It wasn't really hard for me actually to get into college, just make sure with the school that they'll accept applications from people going for 2nd bachelors. I only applied to one school, a big state school with a mediocre-decent rep for physics, because as in-state the tuition is much less severe.
 
  • #11
Did you have problems getting loans?
 
  • #12
No I got loans fairly easily... but I got the "bad" unsubsidized loans. Meaning that the interest starts accruing immediately, not after you graduate, which sucks but got to do what are you got to do. In total though i'll be taking out around 7500 a year for these 2 years so not awful.
 
  • #13
I'm going through this same thing right now.

Business degree in 05, and have been taking math/physics classes part time for the past couple years. This is my first full time semester and I didn't have any problems getting loans. (the bad interest accruing loans for me as well)

I've already talked to an adviser, and they didn't recommend a second bachelor's degree. They just want me to have certain classes under my belt before I apply.

(Sorry, I know this post is a tad stale, but I'm pretty excited about eventually getting into grad school. lol)
 
  • #14
carboy79 said:
I got my first degree in political science in 2009, almost went to law school, last minute changed my mind to go back and get a 2nd bachelors in physics. I'm now in the first of 2 years that it will take me to get my physics degree... so basically this "backtracked" my life 2 years... not THAT big of a deal. It wasn't really hard for me actually to get into college, just make sure with the school that they'll accept applications from people going for 2nd bachelors. I only applied to one school, a big state school with a mediocre-decent rep for physics, because as in-state the tuition is much less severe.

My case is the same! My first degree was in Business, now I will be going to second degree in Math since I realized I love math!
 

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