Preparing for Physics Preliminary Exams & Retaking PGRE

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges faced by a student who scored low on the Physics GRE (pGRE) and is contemplating retaking the exam. The participant expresses concerns about their performance impacting future preliminary exams and seeks advice on study materials. Key insights include the acknowledgment that many graduate programs do not require the pGRE, and that strong academic records, research experience, and recommendations can mitigate the impact of a low score. The consensus suggests that retaking the pGRE may not be necessary if other application components are strong.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Physics GRE format and scoring.
  • Familiarity with graduate school application processes in physics.
  • Knowledge of effective study techniques for standardized tests.
  • Basic concepts in Quantum Mechanics and relevant textbooks.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research study guides specifically for the Physics GRE, such as "The Official GRE Physics Test" book.
  • Explore alternative Quantum Mechanics textbooks, such as "Griffiths' Introduction to Quantum Mechanics."
  • Investigate graduate programs that do not require the pGRE for admission.
  • Develop a study plan that balances review of the pGRE content with coursework in physics.
USEFUL FOR

Prospective graduate students in physics, academic advisors, and individuals preparing for the Physics GRE or similar standardized tests.

neosoul
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PF:

So here is the situation. I scored really really low on my Physics GRE. Honestly, I didn't prepare for it as much as I should have. I feel that I have legitimate reasons (one being that around that time, I was being stalked and kept going to security at my school but they said they really couldn't do anything, then this female organization heard about it and kept putting me in counseling. That same person got my phone number from the physics tutoring schedule, and so many strangers were calling me. Even a janitor got fired for trying to get me to meet up with him after finding my number. My family still doesn't know this was going on and they were the other source of my stress). There were so many more things going on, but that's in the past. Plus, I've learned to do better under pressure. I still know that there are people who go through way more than I have that have scored much better than me so I know that it had to have been more than stress holding me back - I need to review physics.

That being said, I'm worried that this will be an indicator of how I will do on the preliminary exams for any school I get accepted into. I've started looking at their sample tests, reviewing certain physics courses, and I've been thinking about retaking the physics GRE. Or is that just a waste of money? I know that it will be too late for graduate schools to see them, but I just feel I have the need to prove to myself that I can do it. I just don't know any materials for the physics GRE other than their sample tests online. I would like a hard copy of something. Do you all have any suggestions. Also, do you have any book suggestions for Quantum Mechanics (my teacher used Shankar but I feel it's not the right fit for me). Lastly, should I just stick to reviewing the test instead of reviewing each course separately (or vise versa)?

ps: Sorry if i got too personal. This was really a venting session for me :/
 
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Is retaking the physics GRE a waste of money when it won't do a single thing for you? Yes.

However, as long as the pGRE is your only problem (good grades, exceptional research experience, etc.) then you will likely be okay - if nothing else, some graduate programs don't require the pGRE.
 
Dishsoap said:
Is retaking the physics GRE a waste of money when it won't do a single thing for you? Yes.

However, as long as the pGRE is your only problem (good grades, exceptional research experience, etc.) then you will likely be okay - if nothing else, some graduate programs don't require the pGRE.

Yeah I have good grades, one paper, great research experience and awesome letters of recommendation (thanks to research experience :D)... I guess I was just trying to prove something to myself...
 
A lot of schools have gotten rid of written qualifying exams.
 

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