Is there a Europe equivalent to the Physics GRE?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the existence of a qualification or standardized test in Europe that undergraduates, particularly in engineering, can take to demonstrate their aptitude in physics and mathematics. Participants explore whether such a test is recognized across the UK, Europe, and other countries, and consider alternatives to the Physics GRE.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the Physics GRE is a relevant qualification, primarily for those applying to physics graduate programs.
  • Others propose looking into physics and math competitions, such as the IPhO, as a way to enhance a resume.
  • A participant questions the availability of any recognized physics qualification beyond the GRE, expressing frustration over the lack of options.
  • One participant emphasizes that demonstrating aptitude typically comes from completing a degree in physics rather than a single exam.
  • Another participant notes that in Sweden, university admission can depend on high school performance or a national test, with some universities offering specific math and physics tests for certain programs.
  • Concerns are raised about the challenges foreign students face regarding admission requirements, particularly in relation to their high school qualifications.
  • A suggestion is made that if no equivalent exam exists, there may be a business opportunity for the GRE to expand its reach into the European educational system.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a lack of consensus on the existence of a standardized test equivalent to the Physics GRE in Europe. While some suggest alternatives like competitions, others maintain that no recognized qualification exists beyond the GRE.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights varying admission practices across different countries in Europe, with specific reference to Sweden's approach. There are also implications regarding the recognition of foreign qualifications, which may complicate the admission process for international students.

messlesskess
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Is there a qualification undergrad engineers can take during university to show their aptitude for physics and maths? Like a recognised test, aptitude test that they can put in their academic record as well? Anything along these lines at all? Is there one that is recognised in UK, Europe and other countries? Thanks very much!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The Physics GRE comes to mind, but I don’t know why you’d take it unless you apply to physics grad school.
 
Really there is nothing else is this whole wide world? Apart from GRE?
 
It's not really clear what you're looking for here. No one is going to bestow a "physics qualification" on you for taking a single exam. The way you demonstrate this aptitude is by completing a degree in physics.

Why do you want this? If you're interested in grad school you could try contacting the departments you're interested in applying to and find out what they would specifically require from an applicant in your position.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
messlesskess said:
Really there is nothing else is this whole wide world? Apart from GRE?
Why did you not address my question about competitions? I would look very favorably on a resume that I was reviewing that mentioned participating in such competitions (especially if you could link to how well you did)...
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: K Murty
Engineers get a better break than physicists. Engineers are allowed to take the Physics GRE. Physicists are not allowed to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam unless they graduate with an engineering exam from a ABET accredited school. Don't complain
 
Or something even slightly similar?
 
  • #10
I just simply want to know if there is a similar exam in Europe.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #11
I think this depends on the country. In my country (Sweden), students are admitted to university programs based on high-school performance (grades) or performance on a general national test. There are also some natural science and engineering programs admitting students based on a special math and physics test arranged by the universities.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: fresh_42 and jedishrfu
  • #12
messlesskess said:
I just simply want to know if there is a similar exam in Europe.

If none of the universities require the GRE and none other is mentioned in the admissions then I'd say there isn't an equivalent one. It could be a great business op for GRE though if they could convince the European community to adopt one. :-)
 
  • #13
Here we have an exam which must be passed at the end of school. Then you're allowed to study anything, but if you failed, then you're not permitted. This makes it a bit difficult for foreign students, because they don't have this grade, which means that there are special requirements in place for them, which heavily depends on where you're from. E.g. an ordinary US-HS certificate will be useless, but I assume a French exam would do as it is comparable.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K