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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by a participant seeking advice on applying for PhD programs in physics without a master's degree or GRE scores. The scope includes personal experiences, application strategies, and the qualifications necessary for admission to graduate schools, particularly in Hong Kong.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses frustration over unsuccessful PhD applications and seeks advice on potential schools to apply to, given their academic background and lack of GRE scores.
  • Some participants question the choice of universities applied to, suggesting that applying to less prestigious institutions may yield better results.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of the GRE, with the original poster noting it is not required for schools in Hong Kong.
  • One participant challenges the notion of "pure physics" versus "applied physics," suggesting that areas like condensed matter physics can also address fundamental questions.
  • The original poster clarifies their interest in understanding the fundamental aspects of physics rather than focusing solely on applied research.
  • Another participant highlights the importance of providing specific information about the applicant's location and the schools they are considering, indicating that this information is crucial for tailored advice.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach for the original poster's applications. There are differing opinions on the importance of the GRE, the choice of universities, and the definitions of "pure" versus "applied" physics.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific information about the original poster's location and the universities they have applied to, which may limit the relevance of the advice given. Additionally, there are unresolved questions regarding the impact of the original poster's qualifications on their chances of admission.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering graduate studies in physics, particularly those without traditional qualifications such as a master's degree or standardized test scores, may find the insights and experiences shared in this discussion relevant.

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.
 

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