Courses Solving the Elective Course Dilemma for Graduate School & Employment

  • Thread starter Thread starter absurdist
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Course
AI Thread Summary
Withdrawing from a C++ course may raise concerns for graduate school applications, but the impact of a "W" on a transcript largely depends on the overall academic performance and context. Experience with Visual Basic (VB) and MATLAB is valuable, but retaking the C++ course could strengthen the application, especially for competitive PhD programs. Learning C++ is beneficial as it is known for its speed and efficiency, particularly in numerical simulations, making it a preferred choice alongside C and Fortran. While MATLAB is useful, it may struggle with large datasets compared to C/C++. Overall, gaining proficiency in C++ can enhance employability and academic prospects in technical fields.
absurdist
Messages
66
Reaction score
0
Ok so I was interested in programming and took up this C++ course which I withdrew from since I was taking too many credits. If I plan to apply to a top grad school (phd hopefully) does thw W on my transcript look bad? Also I now have experience with VB and MATLAB so do you think these are enough or should also I retake the C++ course to get rid of the W?
Also are there any benefits of learning C++? I've heard it gives you an edge when it comes to employment.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
C++ quite fast comparing to languages like java and python

for the purpose of numerical simulations at least one of C/C++/Fortran would be a good idea.

I don't remember the last time I heard anyone using VB (but then I don't specialize is computer science...)

MATLAB is quite handy but it definitely isn't as robust as languages stated above, iirc when you have a whole loads of data to work with it can get quite sluggish as well.
 

Thread 'Where did all the “fundamentals-deepening” master’s programs go?'

I’ve been looking through the curricula of several European theoretical/mathematical physics MSc programs (ETH, Oxford, Cambridge, LMU, ENS Paris, etc), and I’m struck by how little emphasis they place on advanced fundamental courses. Nearly everything seems to be research-adjacent: string theory, quantum field theory, quantum optics, cosmology, soft matter physics, black hole radiation, etc. What I don’t see are the kinds of “second-pass fundamentals” I was hoping for, things like...
View full post »

Thread 'Applied Math PhD candidate but I hate group theory'

TL;DR Summary: I want to do a PhD in applied math but I hate group theory, is this a big problem? Hello, I am a second-year math and physics double major with a minor in data science. I just finished group theory (today actually), and it was my least favorite class in all of university so far. It doesn't interest me, and I am also very bad at it compared to other math courses I have done. The other courses I have done are calculus I-III, ODEs, Linear Algebra, and Prob/Stats. Is it a...
View full post »

Similar threads

Other Updating Resume for Graduate School Admissions in India: Adding Online Courses
Replies
10
Views
2K
Admissions Can I get away with retaking E&M, even if I got a B?
Replies
15
Views
2K
Admissions I Need some advice about my physics undergraduate options
Replies
11
Views
2K
Admissions Graduate school admission chances
Replies
7
Views
2K
Programs What courses would best benefit an Applied Mathematics degree?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions I failed my course and graduation is delayed
Replies
3
Views
2K
Courses How much Chemistry should I take to prepare for Biophysics PhD?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions Advice on how best to spend my time for graduate school applications
Replies
15
Views
2K
Admissions Sincerely seeking graduate school admission advice
Replies
20
Views
2K
Admissions Having an A- average in upper division physics course
Replies
1
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top