- #1
laxatives
- 5
- 1
So I'm kind of stressing about my future and what's going to happen when I graduate and I think I need some perspective on where I stand and where I might be in a few years. In brief, I'm really struggling through my classes for a variety of reasons and would like to know what my options are and what others in similar positions have done.
For a long time, I thought I was pretty set on graduate school, unfortunately I have a very average gpa (lets just say <3.3). That being said, I'm at one one of top 10 physics programs in the US. However I still can't seem to get a good grasp of the material. I don't know if its my work ethic or what, but I can't help but feel like some of my peers spend significantly less time and learn much more, faster. I also don't know how interested I am in dedicating myself to a single research topic. Rather than focus and master a few classes, I tend to take very heavy courseloads in math, physics, materials science, computer science, etc. I'm also an EMT in training and have been working several jobs including tutoring math/physics, teaching sailing/windsurfing, doing research in materials science, and working for the school physic's department filming weekly colloquia. Basically I heard a pretty good quote at work that sums me up: I'd rather make 20% of the effort and do 80% of the work. Unfortunately I hear grad school is basically a decade of your life to get that last 20% (and then some). I don't know how committed I am to that ideal.
I'm currently in my third year and doing materials science research at a national lab. Honestly, I have a very hard time knowing how its going. One thing that scares me a bit is that although most professors seem to balk once they see my GPA, me and my undergrad peers at this lab seem to have average standings. I might be paranoid, but I feel like our work at the lab is closer to charity than legitimate work. Regardless, I'm learning loads and getting some great experience.
I do plan on studying for and taking a GRE next fall (2012), but would like some input. I have to admit, I don't think I have any connections in industry that could help with employment. I don't think I would like to teach high school or teach in general, but I'm concerned about the options I have. I have thought a lot about joining the military (Navy/Air Force). Ultimately, I would love to become a pilot (the pipe dream is to go to space), but I'm sure the competition is as fierce as grad school. I also need to find out more about the military lifestyle and what would happen to me if I washed out. I do plan on talking to a recruiter in the future however. Also interested in becoming a quant, but it sounds like most of those guys have PhDs (and may be despised).
That was sort of a big rant, so if you've made it this far and have any input, thanks.
For a long time, I thought I was pretty set on graduate school, unfortunately I have a very average gpa (lets just say <3.3). That being said, I'm at one one of top 10 physics programs in the US. However I still can't seem to get a good grasp of the material. I don't know if its my work ethic or what, but I can't help but feel like some of my peers spend significantly less time and learn much more, faster. I also don't know how interested I am in dedicating myself to a single research topic. Rather than focus and master a few classes, I tend to take very heavy courseloads in math, physics, materials science, computer science, etc. I'm also an EMT in training and have been working several jobs including tutoring math/physics, teaching sailing/windsurfing, doing research in materials science, and working for the school physic's department filming weekly colloquia. Basically I heard a pretty good quote at work that sums me up: I'd rather make 20% of the effort and do 80% of the work. Unfortunately I hear grad school is basically a decade of your life to get that last 20% (and then some). I don't know how committed I am to that ideal.
I'm currently in my third year and doing materials science research at a national lab. Honestly, I have a very hard time knowing how its going. One thing that scares me a bit is that although most professors seem to balk once they see my GPA, me and my undergrad peers at this lab seem to have average standings. I might be paranoid, but I feel like our work at the lab is closer to charity than legitimate work. Regardless, I'm learning loads and getting some great experience.
I do plan on studying for and taking a GRE next fall (2012), but would like some input. I have to admit, I don't think I have any connections in industry that could help with employment. I don't think I would like to teach high school or teach in general, but I'm concerned about the options I have. I have thought a lot about joining the military (Navy/Air Force). Ultimately, I would love to become a pilot (the pipe dream is to go to space), but I'm sure the competition is as fierce as grad school. I also need to find out more about the military lifestyle and what would happen to me if I washed out. I do plan on talking to a recruiter in the future however. Also interested in becoming a quant, but it sounds like most of those guys have PhDs (and may be despised).
That was sort of a big rant, so if you've made it this far and have any input, thanks.
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