Stuck with a B.S Physics and no job

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by a recent graduate with a B.S. in Physics who is struggling to find a job and is uncertain about pursuing graduate school due to a low GPA. Participants explore various career options, the significance of GRE scores, and the implications of academic performance on future opportunities in the field of physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the low GPA (2.8) and suggests that a GRE score above 50% may not be sufficient to offset it.
  • Another participant argues that a candidate with an average GPA and an average GRE score may still be viewed as average by admissions committees.
  • Some participants propose that the individual should consider applying to jobs while reapplying to graduate schools or attending the school that accepted them provisionally.
  • There is a discussion about the perception of average universities and their ability to attract qualified candidates, with some suggesting that they may resort to international students.
  • One participant shares their experience with a corporate program that accepted candidates with a B.S. in physics, suggesting alternative career paths.
  • The original poster acknowledges gaps in their mathematical knowledge and expresses a desire to improve while maintaining a passion for physics.
  • Some participants suggest exploring careers in science writing or industries that hire physics graduates, despite current economic challenges.
  • There is a debate about the adequacy of a 50% GRE score for admission to mid-range schools, with differing opinions on its potential impact on applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the adequacy of a 50% GRE score, the implications of a low GPA, and the best paths forward for the original poster. No consensus is reached on the effectiveness of specific strategies or the overall outlook for the individual's career prospects.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of various components of graduate school applications, including GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the weight of each factor in admissions decisions.

Who May Find This Useful

Recent physics graduates considering graduate school, individuals exploring career options with a physics background, and those interested in the admissions process for graduate programs in STEM fields.

  • #31
If you're talking about a career as an alternative to grad school, I'd offer:

1. finding a job with a physics BS/BA is very tough in a recession; I tried in '92. Engineers have jobs designed for their education (or visa-versa)--it's practically a professional degree. Recruiters and hiring managers need to work much harder with a physics grad. You need to be an outstanding interview.
2. Not knowing which part of the country you're from makes advice difficult because "physics jobs" aren't available uniformly throughout the country.
3. Get a government job. The requirement for being a citizen eliminates some of the toughest competition. Since the real expertise resides with the contractors, you don't actually need to know much.

Good Luck
 
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  • #32
ceyhanb said:
So, now I'm stuck with a B.S in Physics and I'm not going to graduate school (I can't afford it).

Most Ph.D. programs have TA/RA'ships so that afford the degree is not an issue.

I really have a passion for Physics, and I want to have a scientific career in this field of science. Any advice?

Get a job (any job) in a university, national lab, or high tech company. Start networking. If you can find any openings as a lab technician or a physics tutor that would help.

I'm studying for the Physics GRE, hoping that if I get over 50%; this will offset the low GPA.

But if the problem is cost of grad school, how is that going to help? The other thing is to look over your statement of purpose and see if you can rewrite it so that you can get in somewhere. (For example, in your SOP, you should have mentioned why your GPA was low, and pointed out that the recent grades were higher.)
 
  • #33
ceyhanb said:
My lower GPA was due to slacking off in my first two years in college, resulting in becoming behind in a lot of the mathematics. My GPA was an average of 2.0 these two years :(

some universities only care for your last two years or so. I know our Physics grad admission requires 2.75 GPA for last 60 hours of undergrad.also, like someone said GRE in Physics is not required by some universities. Some are okay if you provide them general GRE.
 

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