- #1
hezelm
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Hi, I am new to this forum and hope that this is the correct place to post this question.
I received my bachelor's in physics and math last may. I enjoy physics, but I don't know if I should go to grad school. I noticed that boston university offers a LEAP program where non-engineers can become engineers in a couple of years by taking necessary undergrad classes and then doing required master's level courses/projects before finally getting a master's in some engineering field.
I'm not sure I want to do research, and I realize that not every physics PhD does research, but being an engineer sounds like something I would more enjoy. I for a long time wanted to do astronomy, but now I'm not so sure. On the other hand, I have no engineering background (which is why the LEAP program in electrical & computer engineering interests me, they expect no engineering experience) but being a physics major would give me a leg up in becoming an engineer as opposed to someone who has no scientific/math background.
Additionally, I don't know what kind of research interests me. I did astrophysics research as an undergrad, and found it semi-enjoyable, but I feel like I want something more technical. With grad deadlines fast approaching, I am running out of time and options, especially since universities like you to mention your research interests in your personal statement.
Finally, I'm not sure I can survive a physics PhD program. About 1.5 yrs ago I got a 590 on the PGRE with no practice (24%). After taking it this last october and studying quite a lot, I received an 800 (69%). A huge jump, but I don't feel like I'm a master of physics. Advice?
TL;DR
Don't know what research I want to do as PhD or what schools would accept me. Considering engineering switch because I want to do something technical but don't have any engineering background. Have small amount of programming experience from computational physics course, enjoy programming, so considering ECE switch.
I received my bachelor's in physics and math last may. I enjoy physics, but I don't know if I should go to grad school. I noticed that boston university offers a LEAP program where non-engineers can become engineers in a couple of years by taking necessary undergrad classes and then doing required master's level courses/projects before finally getting a master's in some engineering field.
I'm not sure I want to do research, and I realize that not every physics PhD does research, but being an engineer sounds like something I would more enjoy. I for a long time wanted to do astronomy, but now I'm not so sure. On the other hand, I have no engineering background (which is why the LEAP program in electrical & computer engineering interests me, they expect no engineering experience) but being a physics major would give me a leg up in becoming an engineer as opposed to someone who has no scientific/math background.
Additionally, I don't know what kind of research interests me. I did astrophysics research as an undergrad, and found it semi-enjoyable, but I feel like I want something more technical. With grad deadlines fast approaching, I am running out of time and options, especially since universities like you to mention your research interests in your personal statement.
Finally, I'm not sure I can survive a physics PhD program. About 1.5 yrs ago I got a 590 on the PGRE with no practice (24%). After taking it this last october and studying quite a lot, I received an 800 (69%). A huge jump, but I don't feel like I'm a master of physics. Advice?
TL;DR
Don't know what research I want to do as PhD or what schools would accept me. Considering engineering switch because I want to do something technical but don't have any engineering background. Have small amount of programming experience from computational physics course, enjoy programming, so considering ECE switch.
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