Schools Thinking about what to study in graduate school as an undergraduate

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Many undergraduates face uncertainty about their graduate school focus, particularly in physics. It's common for students to feel intimidated by complex academic literature, yet exploring research opportunities and reviewing various physics programs can help clarify interests. Engaging with research papers, even at a basic level, can provide insights into whether one prefers experimental or theoretical work. While it's not necessary to have a specific dissertation topic in mind, having a general direction is beneficial for graduate school applications. Some students choose their subjects based on personal interest rather than pressure, emphasizing the importance of enjoyment in the learning process. The discussion highlights that taking action now, even if the choice isn't perfect, is often more productive than delaying decisions.
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As an undergraduate, did any of you know what you wanted to studied in graduate school. I have absolutely no idea what I want to studied once I begin graduate school. Was there something that caused you to go into a certain direction in a physics field. I guess most people get there inspirations for studying a certain field by acquiring knowledge about the field and the field would have to interest them. What are some other suggestions that I should excecute that will guide you into the field that you find interests you without being intimidate by reading those physics journals that nobody can read but people who understand gibberish
 
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most people have some idea, they at least know if they want to do experimental or theoretical work. the best thing to do is look around at the research sites for different physics programs, maybe read some papers, find out what research interests you. you don't need to have your phd dissertation picked out, but grad schools want to see that you have some direction before making an investment in you.
 
I'm starting graduate school this fall, I just picked the subject (complex analysis) on a whim. I like it, and this way I save time on an existential crisis. I figure I'll be happy no matter what I choose, so why torture myself over it?
 
Good job, Gunnihinn. 'Tis better to do a good thing now than the perfect thing tomorrow.
 
Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...

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