- #1
Cloud Potato
- 4
- 1
Hi there. I'm currently in my senior year for my physics degree. I was wondering whether it would be wiser to finish up my undergrad this year, or if I'd be better off taking a fifth year to complete it. My university does not grade with + or -, so a low B is represented exactly the same as a high B: as a B.
I already talked to my counselor but would like to get some other opinions from some other people in the physics community. I apologize in advance for the length of this post.
Here is my prior performance history:
My physics major GPA is currently in the low 3.0s (~3.0 to 3.2).
In my first two years in my intro courses I often found myself earning low Bs. I received a low C in my intro QM class and upper division mechanics class in my sophomore year. We are required to take coding classes, which I earned As in.
However lately, in my junior year, I revised my study habits and received a couple of As (most notably in my required upper division QM classes).But I also simultaneously received a high C in the sequel (senior) mechanics class. My Bs from this period are all high Bs (represented on the transcript as simply Bs).
Research: I've been doing undergraduate research with one person for the past two semesters and will soon have a paper to show for it.
I have noticed myself improving and concepts and procedures became much clearer in my Junior year. I participate in class a lot more now and ask questions during and after lecture. I think I may be able to get some good recommendation letters as well.
My plan, if I take a fifth year, is to take more physics electives and a couple of applied math classes, and get more varied research done during this year instead of focusing in the subject GRE (which I feel I am not ready for) and grad school applications. I think this would allow me to soak in more knowledge before applying so that when I do enter grad school, I can spend more time on research and have an easier time with classes. I am pretty sure I can handle it financially. In addition, this year I am taking more quantum mechanics-based electives and a core EM class which I am hoping will demonstrate my strength in that area. I am also currently working on taking proofs-based and applied math classes in this year, my senior year.
My goal is to get into a good theoretical particle physics program and receive good funding, but I fear that will be much tougher due to my many Bs and the two Cs in mechanics (as well as their secondary effects on my GPA).
So my question is, do any of you out there (possibly with experience in a graduate admissions) think it is smarter to take a fifth year or finish on my fourth? And as it stands, how strong would my application be to a grad admissions committee?
I already talked to my counselor but would like to get some other opinions from some other people in the physics community. I apologize in advance for the length of this post.
Here is my prior performance history:
My physics major GPA is currently in the low 3.0s (~3.0 to 3.2).
In my first two years in my intro courses I often found myself earning low Bs. I received a low C in my intro QM class and upper division mechanics class in my sophomore year. We are required to take coding classes, which I earned As in.
However lately, in my junior year, I revised my study habits and received a couple of As (most notably in my required upper division QM classes).But I also simultaneously received a high C in the sequel (senior) mechanics class. My Bs from this period are all high Bs (represented on the transcript as simply Bs).
Research: I've been doing undergraduate research with one person for the past two semesters and will soon have a paper to show for it.
I have noticed myself improving and concepts and procedures became much clearer in my Junior year. I participate in class a lot more now and ask questions during and after lecture. I think I may be able to get some good recommendation letters as well.
My plan, if I take a fifth year, is to take more physics electives and a couple of applied math classes, and get more varied research done during this year instead of focusing in the subject GRE (which I feel I am not ready for) and grad school applications. I think this would allow me to soak in more knowledge before applying so that when I do enter grad school, I can spend more time on research and have an easier time with classes. I am pretty sure I can handle it financially. In addition, this year I am taking more quantum mechanics-based electives and a core EM class which I am hoping will demonstrate my strength in that area. I am also currently working on taking proofs-based and applied math classes in this year, my senior year.
My goal is to get into a good theoretical particle physics program and receive good funding, but I fear that will be much tougher due to my many Bs and the two Cs in mechanics (as well as their secondary effects on my GPA).
So my question is, do any of you out there (possibly with experience in a graduate admissions) think it is smarter to take a fifth year or finish on my fourth? And as it stands, how strong would my application be to a grad admissions committee?