Second Bachelors, Physics this time GPA/GPA Split

[TimGee250]

Some years ago, I graduated with a degree in Political Science. My grades were...nothing special, C+ to B- average.

How badly would that affect my chances at graduate school if I came back and just tore through the Physics curriculum with a 3.7-4.0 GPA the second time around? Assume that I was in the 95th percentile in both the subject and general GREs.

 

[Choppy]

It depends on the school. Some places calculate a total GPA over all post secondary work. Others focus on your more recent work. Generally speaking though, if you do well in a second degree that's directly related to the area of grad study you should be able to be in somewhere.

 

[ZapperZ]

Some years ago, I graduated with a degree in Political Science. My grades were...nothing special, C+ to B- average.

How badly would that affect my chances at graduate school if I came back and just tore through the Physics curriculum with a 3.7-4.0 GPA the second time around? Assume that I was in the 95th percentile in both the subject and general GREs.

If I were you, I'd put more time and energy into worrying if I could get such high GPA's first. Considering that you did a mediocre job with your first degree, I don't know where you got the idea that you can "tore through" a physics degree curriculum.

Some time, there is a lot to be said about putting the cart before the horse.

Zz.

 

[Physics_UG]

If your can manage a 3.7-4.0 gpa and 95th %ile results on the physics GRE AND get good letters of rec and research experience your chances of grad school are very good. If you achieve this then your previous results in your Poli Sci degree will matter very little.

Also, I agree with ZapperZ. Don't put the cart before the horse. A physics program is much different from a poli sci program.

 

[TimGee250]

Thanks, everyone, for the replies. It's basically what I thought it would be, but it's always nice to get a second and third opinion.

If I were you, I'd put more time and energy into worrying if I could get such high GPA's first.

I never knew John Madden had a physics degree!

Some time, there is a lot to be said about putting the cart before the horse.

Very true. Very very true. But even though mastering physics is rewarding enough on it's own, it makes sense to be reasonably assured that the cart isn't going to collapse before spending a good chunk of money and time on acquiring the horse.

 

[ZapperZ]

Very true. Very very true. But even though mastering physics is rewarding enough on it's own, it makes sense to be reasonably assured that the cart isn't going to collapse before spending a good chunk of money and time on acquiring the horse.

And you think that the assumption that you can tear through a physics curriculum after your performance in the polysci degree is "reasonable"? I am assuring you that of all the things you mentioned in your post, this the LEAST reasonable and the least realistic scenario.

Zz.

 

[TimGee250]

I am assuring you that of all the things you mentioned in your post, this the LEAST reasonable and the least realistic scenario.

And I know that you know I know.