What Are the Next Steps for a Failed Physicist?

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The discussion centers around a student who feels they have lost their chance to pursue a career in physics due to a lack of challenging courses and poor grades in critical subjects, despite performing well on exams. They are now in their final year with no further physics courses available and are contemplating switching to a different science or finishing their degrees in math and physics for unrelated job opportunities. Suggestions include retaking courses to improve GPA, preparing for the Physics GRE to enhance graduate school applications, and exploring teaching or research opportunities. The student expresses a sense of defeat and seeks advice on transitioning to a new path. Ultimately, they are looking for meaningful options to salvage their academic experience within the remaining year.
  • #31
I'm aware of the transfer problem. I was not able to get into the University of California because of it (well their pickiness may have been justified in retrospect :wink: ). My advice is to retake the physics classes in which you got a C or less, study for the GRE, and take the time to gain some additional maturity.

At your age nothing is over. That doesn't happen until you hit your mid 30s :cool:
 
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  • #32
Well you already have your mind made up not to do Physics. So why not do Engineering. But I am sure as you got bored with the Physics classes you will get bored with the engineering too. Maybe you should just take some time away from it and revisit the issue at a later date and try the GRE and ask universities... If you don't ask, you don't get.
 
  • #33
I agree that some time off is helpful. I was seriously burned out and am now in the process of applying. i have been working as a process engineer for the last 5 years and my class mate who was working at the same company just got accepted to U of Arizona after getting a masters while working for our company. If anything the time that both of us have spent away from academic work has helped to drive our desire to pursue higher degrees. good luck.
 

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