Taking extra classes after BS but before phD

[creepypasta13]

I got my BS in physics and math last year, and am considering applying to physics grad schools, looking to do theoretical physics in possibly condensed matter. I just took the core classes but not any physics electives classes, so would it help my grad application if I enrolled in some extra classes this upcoming winter quarter? I could take cosmology, particle physics, and/or group theory, among others. Or perhaps take a grad level course instead? I can take these courses at another university than where I did my undergrad at, since its closer, but would have to pay quite a bit of money. Since I wouldn't get the grades for these until March or so, wouldn't that be after grad admissions are made? Or would I be more productive if I just worked in industry to make some money before grad school.

 

[Topher925]

There's a name for this process of taking classes between a BS degree and PhD program. Its called a masters degree. And at most institutions if you're a RA or TA you don't have to pay tuition.

 

[creepypasta13]

There's a name for this process of taking classes between a BS degree and PhD program. Its called a masters degree. And at most institutions if you're a RA or TA you don't have to pay tuition.

yeah I know, but I don't want to get a MS in physics as I would rather take classes now than wait until next year to take them as an MS student. I was just trying to think of something I could do in my time between now and grad school that could improve my application

 

[symbolipoint]

What you may want is an arrangement called, OPEN UNIVERSITY, or EXTENDED EDUCATION. Regular university admitted students have priority in registering and enrolling, and the courses could be more expensive to attend for you. Check the school of interest and find if it has either a university extension or an open university implementation.

 

[creepypasta13]

What you may want is an arrangement called, OPEN UNIVERSITY, or EXTENDED EDUCATION. Regular university admitted students have priority in registering and enrolling, and the courses could be more expensive to attend for you. Check the school of interest and find if it has either a university extension or an open university implementation.

yes, that's exactly what I was thinking of. But I wanted to know if enrolling in classes through that would help my grad school admissions that I submit in a few months for the fall 2011 term. If it doesn't, then I may as well keep my money and self-study

 

[flemmyd]

with regards to PhD admissions, the biggest question:

do these classes lead you to ask better research questions/answer them?

if you're interested in condensed matter, how would classes in cosmology help you ask/answer better condensed matter question?

 

[creepypasta13]

with regards to PhD admissions, the biggest question:

do these classes lead you to ask better research questions/answer them?

if you're interested in condensed matter, how would classes in cosmology help you ask/answer better condensed matter question?

for now, condensed matter would probably be my main interest. But I was also interested in astrophysics, so that's why I thought about taking the cosmology class. Solid-state physics isn't offered next quarter

 

[eileen6a]

i also want to know where can i have a extra year studying after graduation as the courses ivs taken are not so advanced. Can i apply another BS in another school and take all the advanced classes and finish that BS in 1 year by transferring the credits i earn in my old college?

 

[eileen6a]

i also want to know where can i have a extra year studying after graduation as the courses ivs taken are not so advanced. Can i apply another BS in another school and take all the advanced classes and finish that BS in 1 year by transferring the credits i earn in my old college?

that means i have a BS physics in college A in 2012 and earn another BS physics in college B in 2013?can i?