Admissions Want a PhD in math, but stuck in a physics degree. What to do?

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To transition from a BSc in Physics to a PhD in Mathematics, it's crucial to focus on self-learning and gaining relevant experience, especially since the current university does not allow for a major switch. Engaging in undergraduate research can enhance PhD applications, but securing a position in a pure math project may be challenging without formal math credits. A strong performance on the Math GRE can bolster applications, and exploring specific mathematical topics or problems of interest is advised. The ongoing neural networks research may be beneficial, but pursuing pure math projects could be more advantageous for admission into math programs. For those considering direct entry into PhD programs in the USA, a solid academic record in physics may be acceptable, but additional math coursework or experience will strengthen the application. Switching universities could also be a viable option to gain necessary math credentials.
BamboozledBoi
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I am a 2nd year BSc Physics student in India. But due to a change of interests, I now want to become a mathematician. I wish to do my PhD in the TOP programs in the world. (I want an inspiring environment full of people more capable than me.)
My uni doesn't allow a major switching, and I can't take pure math courses apart from intro real analysis. I am self-learning undergrad math, but I have no credits to show for it.
I have some doubts ( categorized for ease of answering):
  1. Given this condition, what steps must I take to land a top PhD program? ( Note: I'll do a master's in math before entering a PhD program.)
  2. I will do research during my master's degree anyway. But how much will Undergrad research help me in PhD admissions? How do I get professors to take me in for a pure math project, when I have no math credits to prove my knowledge and passion?
  3. I am currently about to start a year-long neural networks research project ( supported by a prestigious program). I am interested in the topic too. Will this count during a math PhD admission? Should I find something in pure math instead of this? (some low hanging fruit)
  4. USA has PhD programs that you can enter straight after undergrad. Do I, with a 3-year physics degree, have a shot at this? What must I do if I want to land such programs? (I have no chance in top programs; here,I am talking about mid and low-tier. I would exit with an MS if I make it to such progr
 
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BamboozledBoi said:

I am a 2nd year BSc Physics student in India. But due to a change of interests, I now want to become a mathematician. I wish to do my PhD in the TOP programs in the world. (I want an inspiring environment full of people more capable than me.)
My uni doesn't allow a major switching, and I can't take pure math courses apart from intro real analysis. I am self-learning undergrad math, but I have no credits to show for it.
I have some doubts ( categorized for ease of answering):
  1. Given this condition, what steps must I take to land a top PhD program? ( Note: I'll do a master's in math before entering a PhD program.)
  2. I will do research during my master's degree anyway. But how much will Undergrad research help me in PhD admissions? How do I get professors to take me in for a pure math project, when I have no math credits to prove my knowledge and passion?
  3. I am currently about to start a year-long neural networks research project ( supported by a prestigious program). I am interested in the topic too. Will this count during a math PhD admission? Should I find something in pure math instead of this? (some low hanging fruit)
  4. USA has PhD programs that you can enter straight after undergrad. Do I, with a 3-year physics degree, have a shot at this? What must I do if I want to land such programs? (I have no chance in top programs; here,I am talking about mid and low-tier. I would exit with an MS if I make it to such progr
Welcome to PF! A good score on the Math GRE could help you. If you have a specific topic you're interested in, or, better, a specific problem, it would help too.
 
Math is a diverse discipline. There are many physics courses that you can take with a lot of applied math. General Relativity with differential geometry, or Quantum Mechanics with Bessel, Legendre, and Laguerre differential equations, or Stat Thermo with statistical analysis, or EM Theory with Maxwell's equations and boundary conditions.

I don't know how things work in India, but a US-based graduate program would probably accept good grades from a BS Physics background.

Check the graduate program requirements at the colleges you are looking at. They should tell you whether they will accept your BS in Physics.

In general, you lose a lot of momentum from switching majors. In the US, students may spend an extra year recovering from the switch, getting enough credits to graduate in their field.
 
BamboozledBoi said:
My uni doesn't allow a major switching, and I can't take pure math courses apart from intro real analysis. I am self-learning undergrad math,
You keep emphasizing pure math; yet, by your own admission, your exposure to pure math has been mainly limited to self-learning. So what have you covered so far? Is it enough to persuade you that your future lies in pure math? What about applied math? That might be a more viable transition.
 
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There appears to be something of a sunken cost effect at play here.

You want to switch majors, but your university does not allow one to do that. The solution, it would seem, would be to switch universities.

I know that's not always easy.
 
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...
Hello, I’m an undergraduate student pursuing degrees in both computer science and physics. I was wondering if anyone here has graduated with these degrees and applied to a physics graduate program. I’m curious about how graduate programs evaluated your applications. In addition, if I’m interested in doing research in quantum fields related to materials or computational physics, what kinds of undergraduate research experiences would be most valuable?

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