Is Taking Both the Math and Physics GRE Worthwhile for a Math Physics Degree?

AI Thread Summary
Pursuing a degree in mathematical physics as a physics major raises questions about the necessity of taking both the Physics GRE and the Math GRE. While the Physics GRE is typically expected, some believe that strong scores in both could enhance competitiveness in graduate school applications. However, it is generally advised to focus on the Physics GRE, especially for those applying to physics departments, as this may yield better results than splitting study time between the two exams. Checking with the specific department regarding their requirements is also recommended to ensure the best approach.
r4nd0m
Messages
96
Reaction score
1
Has anyone done this?

I'm a physics major and I'd like to pursue a degree in mathematical physics. I guess that physics GRE is expected from me as a physics student, although actually I feel much more comfortable in math.

Do you think that it would be hard to make both? Would it make me more competitive if I scored well in both - or at least in one, or is it just a waste of time?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
GRE exams are only taken in order to be accepted into grad schools aren't they; that is, there is no real benefit of taking them? I don't see the point in taking both: you should check with the department you are applying to, but as a rule of thumb I'd say that if you were applying to a maths department you'd take the math GRE and if applying to a physics department you'd take the physics GRE (of course there are bound to be exceptions).
 
I second cristo. If you're pursuing Math Physics, you might impress the admissions board with good scores in both GRE's. But it's probably a better idea to take the time you would have spent on studying for the Math GRE and apply it to getting an even better score on the Physics GRE.
 
After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
Hello, I’m an undergraduate student pursuing degrees in both computer science and physics. I was wondering if anyone here has graduated with these degrees and applied to a physics graduate program. I’m curious about how graduate programs evaluated your applications. In addition, if I’m interested in doing research in quantum fields related to materials or computational physics, what kinds of undergraduate research experiences would be most valuable?

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
14
Views
6K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
21
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Back
Top