Planning to study in the US for my PhD

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The discussion centers on the potential for a student from the Philippines, currently pursuing a Master of Science in Physics, to gain admission to a graduate school in the United States. The student has a GWA of 3.2 and a background in Bachelor of Secondary Education with a GWA of 89. They plan to take the TOEFL, GRE, and GRE-Physics exams next year. Key factors influencing admission chances include the completion of essential physics courses such as classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and statistical mechanics, as well as lab courses. It is emphasized that while GPA and GRE scores are important, other aspects like contacting faculty for research opportunities, having a strong research background, receiving awards, and engaging in outreach or leadership activities can significantly enhance the application. Additionally, foreign students are expected to achieve high scores on the physics GRE.
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I'm from the Philippines. Right now I'm taking up Master of Science in Physics . I'm currently doing my Thesis, my current GWA is 3.2. (1.0-4.0 scale)

My undergrad degree is Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Physics. My GWA back then is 89.
(We don't use 1.0-4.0 scale)

Do you thing I have a chance in getting into a Grad School in US? I'm planning to take TOEFL, GRE and GRE-Physics next year.

Thanks. :)
 
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Did you take a semester of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, e&m, and statistical mechanics? Lab courses?
 
TomServo said:
Did you take a semester of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, e&m, and statistical mechanics? Lab courses?

Yes! I took all those courses. Right now I'm doing my thesis. After this I want to study in US.
 
It's hard to predict your chances from just numbers. Here are some things that can help, assuming you meet minimum GPA and GRE requirements for a department:

1) Contacting faculty ahead of time that you're interested in doing research with and discussing research interests with them.
2) having a good research and job history with accompanying references.
3) a history of awards and honors
4) some out-reach and/or leadership activities analogous to Society for Physics Students or just local scientific outreach.
 
Physicsgre.com has some useful threads for you.

BTW, foreign students are expected to have high physics GRE scores.
 

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