- #1
bluechic92
- 175
- 15
Hey Everyone,
I know that I enjoy physics and I enjoy research. My past research experiences have been in high energy theory and I worked on two different projects, and loved them! These experiences motivated me to pursue graduate studies in physics.
I graduated from undergrad and I am unwillingly taking a year off. I did not do so well on the physicsgre last year and did not have positive results with admissions. I took the physicsgre again, this past September, and I am hoping that my scores are better. Before studying for physics gres/taking them, I sort of gave up on physics for a while. I explored/looked for jobs other areas ( from administrative assistant positions to banking to quality assurance engineer). In the end, I am back to physics. Currently, I am still looking for jobs, but I am also auditing a QFT course at a nearby University. I love QFT!
The thing is, I am not quite sure I am interested in pursuing HEP-TH anymore. I loved doing research in physics and I want to go to graduate school. I just want to expand my research horizon and acquire more skills.
I started working on fellowships and applications, but I am feeling so lost now. I am realizing that although I can always google and further research various topics in experimental work to understand it, I feel lost when I am trying to understand how various instruments are used. The papers are much more difficult to understand in a different way.
I was wondering how general can one be in statements of purpose for research? One Professor told me that it is okay to be general and say that I am interested in exploring Condensed Matter Experiment and learning about topic X or Y, and developing my experimental skills. However, I am afraid that my application (SOP at least) will be weak because of my lack of background :/.
I was not very successful in obtaining internships and research experience for experimental physics, and I am so afraid my grad apps will go the same way.
I know that I enjoy physics and I enjoy research. My past research experiences have been in high energy theory and I worked on two different projects, and loved them! These experiences motivated me to pursue graduate studies in physics.
I graduated from undergrad and I am unwillingly taking a year off. I did not do so well on the physicsgre last year and did not have positive results with admissions. I took the physicsgre again, this past September, and I am hoping that my scores are better. Before studying for physics gres/taking them, I sort of gave up on physics for a while. I explored/looked for jobs other areas ( from administrative assistant positions to banking to quality assurance engineer). In the end, I am back to physics. Currently, I am still looking for jobs, but I am also auditing a QFT course at a nearby University. I love QFT!
The thing is, I am not quite sure I am interested in pursuing HEP-TH anymore. I loved doing research in physics and I want to go to graduate school. I just want to expand my research horizon and acquire more skills.
I started working on fellowships and applications, but I am feeling so lost now. I am realizing that although I can always google and further research various topics in experimental work to understand it, I feel lost when I am trying to understand how various instruments are used. The papers are much more difficult to understand in a different way.
I was wondering how general can one be in statements of purpose for research? One Professor told me that it is okay to be general and say that I am interested in exploring Condensed Matter Experiment and learning about topic X or Y, and developing my experimental skills. However, I am afraid that my application (SOP at least) will be weak because of my lack of background :/.
I was not very successful in obtaining internships and research experience for experimental physics, and I am so afraid my grad apps will go the same way.