Undergrad/Grad school questions

  • Context: Schools 
  • Thread starter Thread starter AkGirl
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    School
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the considerations for applying to graduate schools in mathematics and physics, particularly regarding language requirements and the importance of undergraduate institution reputation. The participant is currently a math major at the University of Alaska Anchorage and is exploring options such as UNLV, Purdue, and Texas colleges. Key insights include the emphasis on finding a graduate program with a strong advisor in the chosen field rather than solely focusing on the university's prestige. Language requirements for math programs may vary, with some institutions potentially waiving them.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graduate school application processes
  • Familiarity with language requirements in academic programs
  • Knowledge of research advisor selection in graduate studies
  • Awareness of GPA implications for graduate school admissions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research language requirements for specific graduate programs in mathematics and physics
  • Explore the importance of research advisors in graduate school applications
  • Investigate the reputation and research focus of potential graduate schools like UNLV and Purdue
  • Learn about the impact of undergraduate institution on graduate school admissions
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate students majoring in mathematics or physics, prospective graduate students evaluating their options, and individuals seeking guidance on graduate school application strategies.

AkGirl
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
I'm currently a math major (just beginning; minoring in physics) and I've been looking into different grad schools...trying to make sure I'm prepared when it comes time to apply.

I'm not sure if I want to go to grad school for math or physics. So, here are my questions:

For math, I know one of the schools I'm looking at has a language requirement (translating a math paper from Russian or German). I've heard that in quite a few colleges this requirement may eventually be waived. Does anyone know about that? And is there a language requirement for physics grad school?

In applying to grad schools for either of these programs does anyone know how much your undergrad school matters? I'm currently attending the University of Alaska Anchorage (not noted for math or physics, but not bad, either). I can finish my math degree here or transfer to a more well known school in a couple years.

Oh, right now I'm looking at UNLV (Vegas), Purdue (Indianapolis), and a couple colleges in Texas. I'm open to others, though, if anyone has recommendations!

I don't know if this will matter, but I'm 33 and will obviously not be ready for grad school until I'm 37, as I'm just starting. I currently have a 3.64 GPA.

Thank you for the help! :biggrin:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
AkGirl said:
Oh, right now I'm looking at UNLV (Vegas), Purdue (Indianapolis), and a couple colleges in Texas. I'm open to others, though, if anyone has recommendations!

Grad school is totally different to undergraduate. For grad school, each university will have 'specialist' researchers, as it were, who will research a particular subject area. There are some researchers that are fantastic, and some that are not so good. The golden goal when applying to grad school is to find a school that has both the subject you're interested in and a fantastic researcher.

Thus, the search isn't about the school, it's about the subject + the advisor: so wait until you know what you're sufficiently interested in that you'd like to study it for a few more years :smile:

And about the language requirements, sorry, i have no idea.
 

Similar threads

Schools How good and well-known is the physics program at RPI?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
Other How to Afford Moving to Another State For Grad School?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Other Physics PhD after working for few years
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Admissions Curious about my grad school prospects
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Admissions Graduating a year early anxieties + grad school
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Preparing for Physics Grad School after Math/Comp Sci undergrad
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Admissions Grad School Admissions: Which do I Bother With?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Is a Low CGPA a Deal Breaker for Grad School Admissions?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
5K
Advice: Doing grad school abroad and getting a masters instead of PhD
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K
Admissions Need advice for Low GPA / Good Research / HEPth PhD application
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
7K