Testing Physics GRE in the stead of coursework

AI Thread Summary
Graduate programs in astrophysics typically prioritize substantial undergraduate coursework in math and physics over a strong performance on the Physics GRE subject test. While a high GRE score may help mitigate some deficiencies in coursework, it is generally not a substitute for essential classes, particularly advanced physics courses. Applicants are advised to have a solid foundation, including at least three calculus courses and significant physics credits, to be competitive. Self-study and mastery of advanced texts may enhance understanding, but they do not replace the need for formal coursework. Overall, a good GRE score could be beneficial, but it is unlikely to compensate for a lack of required undergraduate credits in most PhD programs.
JoshSmith
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
My friend – a former TA in astronomy, who's completing her PhD in Astrophysics – suggested to me that graduate programs may be fine with acing the Physics GRE subject test in the stead of posted grades in coursework. I know I'll have to ask the specific graduate programs, but since some of you serve on admissions review boards, I'd figure I'd pose the question here as well. Is this acceptable? In other words, is completing self-study and acing the subject test respectable? Or is it even also possible to request to take the qualifier?

I would, of course, prefer to do the coursework itself. But after spending some time lurking the forums, I've come to realize that certain texts may do me better than the ones I actually get in my coursework. For example, Spivak's Calculus seems to be superior to the books that have been prescribed in my upcoming Calculus courses.

Thoughts?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't think many grad schools are going to accept a good physics GRE score in the stead of lots of undergraduate credits in math and physics. My undergraduate transcript shows 27 credit hours of math including Calc I, II, and III, diff. eq., linear algebra, and numerical methods. It also shows 46 hours of physics. A good GRE score might mitigate the absence of a few upper-level physics courses, but it will not mitigate the absence of substantial undergraduate coursework.

Don't even bother to apply to most PhD programs without at least Calc I, II, and III, and without at least 22 credit hours of Physics including a year of calc-based introductory physics, and a semester each of higher level mechanics, E&M, quantum, and statistical mechanics. And this is really a bare minimum that might be offset with a great GRE score if the committee is in a charitable mood or the institution is looking to fill empty spots in the program.

Michael Courtney
 
I figured about as much, but my friends sowed the seeds of doubt enough to make me wonder. Thanks!
 
TL;DR Summary: What topics to cover to safely say I know arithmetic ? I am learning arithmetic from Indian NCERT textbook. Currently I have finished addition ,substraction of 2 digit numbers and divisions, multiplication of 1 digit numbers. I am moving pretty slowly. Can someone tell me what topics to cover first to build a framework and then go on in detail. I want to learn fast. It has taken me a year now learning arithmetic. I want to speed up. Thanks for the help in advance. (I also...
Hi community My aim is to get into research about atoms, specifically, I want to do experimental research that explores questions like: 1. Why do Gallium/Mercury have low melting points 2. Why are there so many exceptions and inconsistencies when it comes to explaining molecular structures / reaction mechanisms in inorganic and organic chemistry 3. Experimental research about fundamental Quantum Mechanics, such as the one being followed by Hiroshima university that proved that observing...
guys i am currently studying in computer science engineering [1st yr]. i was intrested in physics when i was in high school. due to some circumstances i chose computer science engineering degree. so i want to incoporate computer science engineering with physics and i came across computational physics. i am intrested studying it but i dont know where to start. can you guys reccomend me some yt channels or some free courses or some other way to learn the computational physics.

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
130
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
909
Replies
21
Views
4K
Back
Top