What to Do During a Semester Break Before Grad School?

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SUMMARY

During the semester break before entering graduate school, students graduating with a BS in Physics should consider a variety of productive activities. Key suggestions include tutoring in physics, studying advanced mathematics, and reading graduate-level texts. Additionally, engaging in travel, part-time work, or community volunteering can provide valuable experiences and alleviate financial stress. Establishing contact with potential research advisors can also be beneficial for future academic endeavors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts
  • Familiarity with advanced mathematics
  • Knowledge of graduate school application processes
  • Experience in tutoring or teaching
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore opportunities for tutoring physics to enhance teaching skills
  • Study advanced mathematics topics relevant to graduate studies
  • Research potential graduate-level texts in physics for self-study
  • Investigate volunteer programs that align with personal interests and career goals
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for undergraduate physics students preparing for graduate school, individuals seeking productive ways to utilize their semester breaks, and anyone interested in balancing academic preparation with personal growth activities.

wotanub
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First of all, it's not what you think. I'm going to graduate with a BS in Physics in December, and I'm wondering what to do in the following Spring semester before I enter graduate school in the Fall of 2013.

Any ideas? I really don't know.
 
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Tutor physics, study more math, read a grad level text
 
Enjoy some time off: travel, read, do things that you always put off, spend time with family and friends, date around, work a part time job, and drink and be merry.

If you have qualifiers, study for those. If you feel refreshed after a semester off, maybe contact the professor at your school with whom you want to work and see if you can get started on research the summer before.
 
take the courses you didn't have time for outside of your major...
 
Work full or part time, read whether math or physics, or in other areas. Travel if one has the funds. If not working, then volunteer in the community or overseas.
 
Make money and alleviate the stress of being a typical broke grad student.
 

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