Schools Potential graduate school list and help with chances.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on evaluating a candidate's chances of admission to various PhD programs in physics, specifically in atomic, molecular, and optical physics. The candidate has a 3.6 overall GPA and a 3.3 physics GPA, along with strong GRE scores (Quantitative 164, Verbal 161) but is awaiting their physics GRE score. The schools listed include Temple University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Texas Tech, and others. Feedback indicates that the candidate has a realistic approach to their applications, suggesting that while their grades may not be exceptional, they still have a good chance of gaining admission to several of the listed programs. The conversation emphasizes that these institutions, although not top-tier, can provide solid education and training for a PhD.
rogerd
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Hi,

I could use some help in evaluating my choices for a phd program in physics. Below is my background and I was wondering what you thought of my chances at the schools listed below or if you have any suggestions for other schools. I want to study atomic, molecular, optical physics for my PhD. Do I have enough safety schools and if I don't please give me some suggestions for other safety schools?

My stats are:

Overall GPA 3.6
Physics GPA 3.3

GRE Scores Quant. 164
Verbal 161

Waiting for physics GRE score.

Temple U
Worcester Polytech
Texas Tech
Univ of Central Fl
Auburn
Colorado School of Mines
Kansas State
Louisiana State
Missouri S & T
Lehigh
Univ. of Delaware
Univ of CA Irvine

Do I have a shot at a PhD program - my grades aren't stellar?

Thank you for your help.
 
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I think you have a shot at admission to a few of those schools. You are being quite realistic to where you have applied to considering your GPA. It doesn't mean that you won't get a very good training for your Ph.D, though. Most of these schools may not be the "brand name" ones that everyone seems to be clamoring for, but it doesn't mean that they could not offer you a solid education and training.

Zz.
 
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Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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