Admissions Should I apply to Physics PhD programs?

[gwnorth]

I do not consider exam scores a true reflection of understanding.

Unfortunately academic institutions do and those are the hoops you have to jump through if you want to participate.

 

[Muu9]

As for GRE General scores, I did not prepare at all and my attention span << 6 hours which was reflected in my scores. I got a higher percentile for analytical writing than the quantitative section eventough I am clearly better at doing math than writing, just because it was in the beginning. My official diagnosis of ADHD only reflects this. I do not consider myself a good test taker.

Please ensure you apply for accomodations next time you take any standardized test.
https://www.ets.org/gre/test-takers...ons.html#accordion-bb3e70b2ac-item-3c0854645f

 

[berkeman]

Please ensure you apply for accomodations next time you take any standardized test.
https://www.ets.org/gre/test-takers...ons.html#accordion-bb3e70b2ac-item-3c0854645f

Too funny -- I thought you meant rent a motel room the night before so you will be well-rested... Doh!

 

[decisivedove]

Please ensure you apply for accomodations next time you take any standardized test.
https://www.ets.org/gre/test-takers...ons.html#accordion-bb3e70b2ac-item-3c0854645f

Yeah. I kind of decided to take the GRE at the last moment and the accomodation process would take a few weeks.

 

[decisivedove]

Too funny -- I thought you meant rent a motel room the night before so you will be well-rested... Doh!

That sounds like a great idea actually.

 

[decisivedove]

Don't frame it that way. Make it that way. What are you going to do during your gap year to improve yourself, either as a physicist or as a general human being?

And it will go a lot smoother if you decide this now, before you start, rather than trying to piece the story together after the fact.

Good advice.
I will use my gap year to accomplish goals I have outside of physics - spending the time to develop other hobbies and interests.
But as far as physics is concerned, I have a lot of plans for my gap year. I will be attending colloquiums and research events that my current university lets me attend. I will also be self-studying physics on my own and trying to solidify my foundations, and also engaging in some form of research.

 

[Muu9]

Good advice.
I will use my gap year to accomplish goals I have outside of physics - spending the time to develop other hobbies and interests.
But as far as physics is concerned, I have a lot of plans for my gap year. I will be attending colloquiums and research events that my current university lets me attend. I will also be self-studying physics on my own and trying to solidify my foundations, and also engaging in some form of research.

And you'll study for the Physics GRE, riiiight?

 

[CrysPhys]

... and also engaging in some form of research

Will this research be under the supervision of a researcher who, assuming all works out well, be able to write you a letter of recommendation?

 

[decisivedove]

And you'll study for the Physics GRE, riiiight?

Yes. This time I will.

 

[decisivedove]

Will this research be under the supervision of a researcher who, assuming all works out well, be able to write you a letter of recommendation?

Yes. I will probably be working under a professor or at a national lab.

 

[decisivedove]

Update: I could not apply in 2022 due to not being able to get 3 letters of recommendations. But I did apply in December of 2023 (also without research experience but after taking graduate classes in QFT and GR) and got into Florida State University. I am currently interested in nuclear theory and high energy theory for the PhD.

 

[CrysPhys]

Hey, thanks for the update. Far too few posters bother. I wish you great success in your PhD program.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Congratulations - there are some very, very good faculty at Florida State, and the department seems to be on an upward trajectory.

 

[gwnorth]

Congratulations OP! Just goes to show what some grit and persistence can accomplish. I wish you the best of luck on your PhD journey.