Need advice on how realistic my graduate school prospects are

[vilshyk6]

This is my first time posting here, but not my first time viewing this website over many years.

Right now, I am an undergraduate senior in physics (with a minor in math: includes real analysis, linear algebra, complex analysis, abstract algebra), and like many other students, worrying about prospects of getting into graduate school. To begin with, I have a low GPA: restricted to upper division physics courses, I sit only at a 3.2. Cumulatively, that is only just above a 3.0. And here is where my first question comes. I have heard of a so-called 'statement of purpose' or 'addendum' in graduate school applications where one can explain why they have received subpar grades. While I am fairly certain my reasons are not run-of-the-mill, I have seriously wondered whether such a statement - regardless of how good one's reasons may be - can actually make up for a number of low grades (like B and B+-). It should be noted also that my grades do have the general trend of improvement (this last sem, for example, received two A-), if this is relevant. My second question relates to the weight of the PGRE in the application, especially as it relates to the GPA. I have only today begun studying for the PGRE, and while a lot of work does need to be done on that, I am sure I can score well with the proper studying. Is it possible a high GRE score -- say one managed to get a 900, for example -- can outweigh a GPA on the lower end, like mine? Or is it naïve to make such an assumption?

Regarding research experience (in theoretical condensed matter), I do have just over a year of that with the same faculty members (outside of my university), though no publications have been made with my name on it. Furthermore, while I am still exploring the exact programs I want to apply to and their faculty, I do have a concrete field in mind that I would like to research in (AMO theory), should I be admitted anywhere. Similarly, I have professors and my research advisors in mind for letters of recommendation.

The above is meant to give an overview of my 'profile' without turning this into an autobiography on my undergraduate years. The intention is not to be a 'chance me,' but rather to get legitimate opinions from the knowledgeable people here. To me, it seems like my chances are quite grim, and while I would be willing to give it a second shot, I want to know what secondary options could be. For example, would it be worth completing an MA in physics (be that in the US or in Europe), and then trying for a PhD, or applying to a post-baccalaureate program? Where could a physics major work if they didn't want to work in big-tech?

Any advice will be much appreciated. Please, however, try to stay objective and respectful. Realistic answers are desired, but not denigrating ones. Thanks

 

[hutchphd]

Take the PGRE and use that if possible.
Seek frank advice from people who know you.
Do not try to rewrite the past but if there are substantive reasons for you lackluster (by your assessment) performance then somehow get it included and show it not representative. This should be done carefully.
If you think you want a PhD then apply to PhD programs. I would advise against any other route almost categorically.
If you have really a lousy record (is it as bad as you think?) find "lesser" schools with interesting researchers and check them out.
Work hard at this process starting today. Ask everyone to help.

.

 

[CrysPhys]

For example, would it be worth completing an MA in physics (be that in the US or in Europe), and then trying for a PhD, or applying to a post-baccalaureate program?

<<Emphasis added>> What are you referring to here?

Where could a physics major work if they didn't want to work in big-tech?

I assume you mean where could a physics major with only a BS work? Is that correct? If so, see

https://www.aps.org/careers/physicists/bsprivate.cfm

and

https://www.aip.org/statistics/whos-hiring-physics-bachelors

 

[vilshyk6]

Hello and thanks for the response.
What I refer to is something known as a 'bridge program' or as I wrote, more generally, a post-baccalaureate program; these are essentially, from what I understand, transition programs offered by universities for those who want to go to graduate school but for whatever reason couldn't make it. Apparently they are something like taking graduate courses and maybe research as well. I don't know too much.

 

[vilshyk6]

Take the PGRE and use that if possible.
Seek frank advice from people who know you.
Do not try to rewrite the past but if there are substantive reasons for you lackluster (by your assessment) performance then somehow get it included and show it not representative. This should be done carefully.
If you think you want a PhD then apply to PhD programs. I would advise against any other route almost categorically.
If you have really a lousy record (is it as bad as you think?) find "lesser" schools with interesting researchers and check them out.
Work hard at this process starting today. Ask everyone to help.

.

Hello and thanks for your response.
Firstly, might I ask what you mean by substantive. As I mentioned, I don't consider my reasons as standard, but nevertheless I do not think that an admissions committee would find any reason substantive enough to excuse roughly 1.5-2 years of B-average performance. Regarding if this is as bad as I think: honestly no, my own performance isn't the absolute worst in my own book, but when competing against those people with 3.7 average GPA, quite pitiful.
Secondly, I assume by categorically advise against other routes, you are referring to the prospect of receiving a masters first then pursuing a PhD to be a bad idea?

 

[CrysPhys]

Secondly, I assume by categorically advise against other routes, you are referring to the prospect of receiving a masters first then pursuing a PhD to be a bad idea?

Read through this previous thread:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...-masters-instead-of-phd.1050273/#post-6859351

It's a bit convoluted, but you should read through all of it.

 

[hutchphd]

the prospect of receiving a masters first then pursuing a PhD to be a bad idea?

Yes, particularly in the U.S. And I don't really know what the "bridge programs" look like but it seems unlikely. You are going to graduate with a Bone Fide degree, right?

 

[Vanadium 50]

If you think you want a PhD then apply to PhD programs. I would advise against any other route almost categorically.

This.

It is very hard to predict what an unknown committee at an unknown school will think of an applicant's package when even we don't have it all. What I can say is:

A low GPA will close some doors. A 3.0 is the edge of acceptable while in graduate school and schools don't want to accept students who will be asked to leave down the road. And grad school is harder than undergrad. There will be places where your grades will be a deal-breaker. Sorry, but that's how it is.

Related is that it matters where you went to undergrad. If you went to (the fictional( "Brownvard", and they are notorious for horrific grade inflation, it's a different situation than (the equally fictional) Chicago Tech.

A good PGRE will mitigate this at some, maybe even many, schools - but not all. Of course a bad PGRE will do you no good at all. I should warn you, though, that lots of people think they can study and end up in the tippy-top. It doesn't always work out that way.

A statement of purpose is intended for explaining why you want to go to grad school. It is not a contest to see who can tell the saddest story, and indeed, students whose SoPs are Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me )it's a song - from before your time) don't do so well.

 

[gleem]

The intention is not to be a 'chance me,' but rather to get legitimate opinions from the knowledgeable people here. To me, it seems like my chances are quite grim, and while I would be willing to give it a second shot, I want to know what secondary options could be. For example, would it be worth completing an MA in physics (be that in the US or in Europe), and then trying for a PhD, or applying to a post-baccalaureate program?

I wouldn't call it grim just challenging. You only have one more semester to show what you can do as well as doing well on the PGRE.

As of now a GPA of 3.2 does not sound like it is good enough for a go at an excellent theoretical physics graduate program. Have you talked to your professor about your goal? Do they think you have a good shot? Even with a good explanation for the grades or even a good (not great) PGRE, you will probably be on an alternate list at the best programs.

In addition, since you want to apply to a school with a decent AMO research program you are limiting the possibilities.

Where could a physics major work if they didn't want to work in big-tech?

Small-tech. Small companies do hire physicists.