What are my Grad school prospects?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the prospects of a forum member seeking admission to graduate school in physics after completing multiple bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering, mathematics, and physics. The participant expresses concerns about their academic record, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation, while also seeking advice on how to improve their chances of acceptance.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) has three bachelor's degrees but expresses concern over a low overall GPA of 3.3 and limited letters of recommendation.
  • Some participants suggest that the OP's writing style may negatively impact their graduate school application, arguing that it reflects poorly on their academic abilities.
  • Others counter that writing style in informal settings like forums should not be a significant factor in evaluating academic potential.
  • There is a discussion about the competitiveness of graduate school admissions, with some noting that a GRE score in the 60th percentile is on the lower end of acceptable.
  • Some participants argue that the OP's real-world engineering experience could enhance their application, particularly if they apply to programs that value such experience.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of strong letters of recommendation, which some participants identify as a critical factor in the OP's prospects.
  • There is a suggestion that the OP should focus on presenting themselves effectively in their application materials to improve their chances.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions regarding the OP's prospects, with some believing they are poor due to writing and recommendation issues, while others maintain that the OP has a chance, especially if they leverage their engineering background. No consensus is reached on the overall outlook for the OP's application.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the OP's writing style and the perceived quality of their letters of recommendation could significantly influence their application, but there is no agreement on how much these factors will ultimately affect their chances of acceptance.

  • #31


Tobias Funke said:
I think of him like the nth grade teachers who kept saying how hard (n+1)st grade is going to be and how the students aren't ready. Then when you actually get into the next grade (grad school for you), you realize that you can do it. I guess you'll see how right he is when you apply though.

That's a great metaphor. Also, Tobias Funke might be the best forum name I've ever seen. "The Man Inside Me" haha.
 
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  • #32


Tobias Funke said:
Yeah, Vanadium always seems pessimistic, but he also seems to have a lot of experience with this type of thing. I think of him like the nth grade teachers who kept saying how hard (n+1)st grade is going to be and how the students aren't ready. Then when you actually get into the next grade (grad school for you), you realize that you can do it. I guess you'll see how right he is when you apply though.

Notice the OP hasn't come back. Guidance fail.
 

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