Physics/Chemistry Major, Could Use Some Advice Please

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around an undergraduate student seeking advice on career paths while pursuing a double major in chemistry and physics, along with a minor in mathematics. The student is contemplating between graduate school in the sciences and veterinary school, expressing confusion and uncertainty about future goals and the implications of current academic choices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The student expresses a desire for clarity on whether to pursue graduate school or veterinary school, highlighting a passion for both animals and their current majors.
  • Some participants suggest that if the student loves animals, they should pursue veterinary school, emphasizing the importance of following one's passion.
  • Others mention that the difficulty of getting into graduate school varies by field, but generally, a GPA of 3.5 or higher is recommended to be competitive.
  • There are differing opinions on the value of graduate school, with some arguing it may be unnecessary unless there are specific career aspirations in the scientific community.
  • The student inquires about the importance of specific grades versus overall GPA for veterinary school admissions, particularly regarding two C+ grades.
  • One participant suggests that admissions committees typically consider overall GPA but may also review specific courses, advising the student not to worry excessively about a couple of lower grades.
  • Another participant proposes considering a teaching career, noting a demand for teachers with physics and chemistry backgrounds, and suggests taking education courses for certification.
  • However, a counterpoint is raised regarding the competitiveness of the teaching job market in certain areas, indicating variability based on location.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions regarding the best career path for the student, with some advocating for veterinary school and others for graduate studies. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the value of graduate school and the competitiveness of the job market for teachers, indicating no consensus on the best direction.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes varying perspectives on the importance of GPA and specific grades for veterinary school admissions, as well as differing views on the necessity and value of graduate school in the sciences. The impact of location on job market competitiveness for teaching positions is also noted, suggesting that regional factors may influence career decisions.

I-Caramba!
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Hi Everyone! :biggrin:

Okay, so I need so advice. I'm an undergraduate student currently pursuing a double major in chemistry and physics with a minor in mathematics. I've talked to the professors at my university and asked for their advice on my career plans, but sometimes I'm not sure that they actually hear what I'm saying. They're all for grad school and nothing else seems to matter. :rolleyes:

Anyway! On to what I need advice on. I'm so confused right now. :confused: I thought I had my whole life figured out, go to university, get a degree in veterinary medicine, get a job. Seemed simple enough. That is until I fell in love with my two majors. :!) When that happened I was certain I wanted to go to grad school and stay in at least one of these fields. That was two years ago. Now I have two years until the completion of my undergraduate degree, feeling discouraged about my degree, and I have no idea what I want to do with my life anymore. :frown:

I know two years is a long time, but the courses I take now will affect what choices I have for my career later. I need advice on whether I should set my goals more solidly for grad school or for vet school. I miss being around animals, but I also love my two majors. What I want to know is :rolleyes:, what is grad school actually like? How hard is it to get into? What should I stive to have my G.P.A by the time I graduate? What made you choose grad school or vet school? Is a PhD worth it? Anything advice would really be a HUGE help!
:smile: Thank you! :smile:
 
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On a normal occasion, I wouldn't have spent the time to read your post, but I couldn't resist cause I love your name.

The answer is simple, you love animals, just do what you need to do to be a vet. I just watched an episode of Dr. Pol today, very cool.
 
From what I hear, the difficulty of getting into grads school varies with what area you wish to pursue. Universally however, any field in grad school is very hard. To be competitive for any grad school (and this might apply to vet school as well) you want your GPA to be in the 3.5+ area.

Honestly, unless you have very specific aspirations in the scientific community, grad school is probably a waste for most people. If you love animals, go to vet school.
 
DiracPool said:
On a normal occasion, I wouldn't have spent the time to read your post, but I couldn't resist cause I love your name.

The answer is simple, you love animals, just do what you need to do to be a vet. I just watched an episode of Dr. Pol today, very cool.


Thank you! I wanted a somewhat unique name :approve:

Also thank you for you advice as well, much appreciated! Most people have been telling me to go for vet for that reason.
 
Sentin3l said:
From what I hear, the difficulty of getting into grads school varies with what area you wish to pursue. Universally however, any field in grad school is very hard. To be competitive for any grad school (and this might apply to vet school as well) you want your GPA to be in the 3.5+ area.

Honestly, unless you have very specific aspirations in the scientific community, grad school is probably a waste for most people. If you love animals, go to vet school.

Thank you for the reply! :smile:

Would you happen to know for vet school, do they look at your specific grades or you G.P.A overall? My G.P.A is reasonably high, around a 3.7, but also have 2 C+, should I consider retaking those if I hope to get into any sort of grad school (one is a biology course, the other is a calculus course)?
 
I imagine they would mainly look at your GPA, but will probably skim through your classes as well. I wouldn't worry to much about your C+'s for now, but if they request more info or something, then go ahead and explain. Admission committees usually understand one or two non-representative grades, but more than that and they start to wonder.
 
School's are in deep need for teachers with a physics major and/or chemistry major. I'd start to take some Education courses to get my teaching certificate. That's what I did many years ago and got a job right away! (Also, many nice perks- summer off, holidays, 2 weeks Christmas vacation, 1 week Spring break, 2 day Thanksgiving holiday...)
 
School's are in deep need for teachers with a physics major and/or chemistry major

Depends very much on where you live. In my area, roughly 5 years of school downsizing have left a pretty competitive market for high school level teachers in all areas.
 

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