Programs Is there any school that I am qualify to apply?No GRE result or Master degree

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on an individual seeking advice on obtaining a PhD in physics after struggling for three years to secure an offer. They hold a first-class honors degree in applied physics with a GPA of approximately 3.31/4.0 and have one publication. The individual expresses a desire to transition from applied research to pure physics, emphasizing a long-term commitment to learning and research. They have applied only to universities in Hong Kong and have not taken the GRE, as it is not required there. Key points raised include the importance of applying to a broader range of institutions rather than only top-tier universities, as well as the potential benefits of pursuing an MPhil before applying for a PhD. The discussion also touches on the misunderstanding of the distinction between applied and pure physics, highlighting that areas like condensed matter physics can address fundamental questions. The individual is encouraged to clarify their location and consider institutions beyond the top rankings to improve their chances of acceptance.
It'sjustaname
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Dear all,
First of all, thanks for reading this. I've been struggling to get a Phd offer in physics since I've completed my BSc degree.This coming year will be my 3rd years in trying to do and till now I've never been success in doing so. The only reason that I what do have a PhD in physics is that I really to learn more and to do reaserch in physics for my whole life while still able to make a living. The only way I can think of is to become a professor in physics which mean I must have a PhD.I've heard from friend that people here may able to give some valuable advice. So the question is, is there any Grad School you know that I can apply for with some chance of sucess?

My Background:
I've obtained a 1st class hon with (~3.31/4.0 in GPA) but it is in applied physics undergraduate program. I don't have a master degree and I didn't take the GRE exam. I've been doing applied research since I've graduated and have 1 publication (but with low impact factor). However what I truelly want is to study the pure physics, the suject that ask and answer the question of "why" . Is there any chance that I may able to get an offer and could you suggest some school that I may try to apply for,please? I really don't want to wait for next year and next next year... If my qualification is really poor for getting any offer, will it be easier if I apply for Mphil program first and then apply for PhD after that?

Thank you very much for reading all the above and trying to help.
 
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You neglected to describe a whole lot of other things.

For example where EXACTLY have you applied? If you are applying only to MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, etc., then of course you will have a tough time getting in. So did you set your sights too high? Did you not know that you can still have a fulfilling career in physics even if you do not go to one of those brand-name grad school?

Secondly, why won't you take the GRE?

Thirdly, what is "pure physics"? Do you think that areas such as condensed matter physics is only "applied" and has no role in answer fundamental questions? Think again!

Zz.
 
Thank you Zapper in pointing out that my description could be clearer.

Answers to you questions
1)I didn't apply for neither MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford,or any other famous university with world ranking top 50 in physics. In fact I had just applied a few university in Hong Kong due to my personal reason. But since I failed to do so, now I really want to know t if my qualification be too weak and insufficient to get an offer in a Phd in physics?(Hopefully, a university with ranking of physics at top 200 if this will affect the chance of getting a job in university?)

2)I didn't take the GRE because it is not required to have this in HK while initially it is the only place that I am planning to.

3)Please calm down. I never think or said that "applied" physics as no role in answer...at all!. What I mean is, as a applied researcher base on my own experience, very often you have to focus more on applied issue,e.g. in case of instrument, people focus on issue of signal enhancement;in case of green energy,people have to focus on the way to improve the efficency.Usually, Anwers always leads to further questions. And for my interest, I just want to learn and understand more about the physics behind but unfortunately with my limited ability, if I try to do so (may be leaving the efficiency behind and focus other interest physics questions), I don't have time or interested in caring the efficiency alone any more. In other words,perhaps I choose to study in PhD in physics but not engineering during PhD, please?

So now, after answering the above 3 questions, could anyone give me some guidance or advice regarding my question.(Any school?) Thanks.
 
It'sjustaname said:
So now, after answering the above 3 questions, could anyone give me some guidance or advice regarding my question.(Any school?) Thanks.

Nope. You neglected to indicate where you are in your first post (this is ALWAYS a crucial piece of info - we have people from all over the world, and neglecting such info is BAD!), and when you mentioned about the GRE, I automatically assumed that you were in the US or applying to schools in the US.

I have no knowledge of graduate admissions in HK.

Zz.
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
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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