Schools What will look better for grad school transcript.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the decision between taking a junior-level Electricity and Magnetism (E&M) course or self-studying to test out of it. The key points highlight that while passing the final exam with a high score can grant credit, it may not reflect a deep understanding of the material, which is crucial for graduate school applications. Concerns are raised about the implications of not having a formal grade in a standard physics course like E&M, as it could be viewed unfavorably by admissions committees. The importance of mastering the material is emphasized, with a caution against relying solely on self-study without the structure of a full course. Additionally, the timing of graduate school admissions is noted, as most programs start in the fall, making early graduation less impactful. Ultimately, the consensus suggests that taking the course may provide a stronger foundation and better preparation for future studies.
xdrgnh
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I can either take junior level E@M and get an A in it hopefully. Or I can place out of the class by self studying. If I do the latter then I'll take a final exam and if I pass the final with a 90+ I get the credit but no grade. What will look better for grad school. If I place out I'll take thermo stat next semester instead.
 
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One class probably will not make much of a difference in the whole of your transcript. I would do what you think will be more fun, and beneficial.
 
If you're testing out of junior E&M and taking a senior E&M that's fine. If you're looking at completing a physics degree without having done a specific E&M course - that would be a flag for me.
 
Well I took freshmen E@M junior E@M is Griffith's. What flag will that raise. If I can self study and test out of E@M then I can graduate a semester earlier.
 
And why do you want to graduate a semester earlier? You will - although there are a (very) few exceptions - have to wait until Fall to start graduate school.
 
Save money.
 
xdrgnh said:
Well I took freshmen E@M junior E@M is Griffith's. What flag will that raise. If I can self study and test out of E@M then I can graduate a semester earlier.

Does your "junior E&M" consist of 2 semesters of Griffith's? Would you be testing out of the 1 semester?
 
xdrgnh said:
Well I took freshmen E@M junior E@M is Griffith's. What flag will that raise. If I can self study and test out of E@M then I can graduate a semester earlier.

Yeah, that would be a flag for me - not necessarily an endgame, but a flag. An upper year (full year) E&M is one of those standard physics courses. If I were evaluating you against another student in a competitive ranking situation, the E&M mark can hold a lot of weight because it's a common course. It can also hold a lot of direct relevance to the sub-field you're interested in.

"Testing out" in general also raises a flag for me though. Just because you can pass a test doesn't mean you really understand the material. (Arguably, neither does getting a high mark in a course... but a mark based on multiple evaluations including mid-terms, quizzes, assignments, a final, etc. does seem to hold a little more weight).

You also need to have a lot of trust in your own abilities to master the material. It's a big assumption to believe you can actually learn the material thoroughly by self-study. Some people have that ability. Most seem to need the entire course. The reason I bring this up is because it's quite common for graduate students to take Jackson's E&M. Jumping into that with only a first year physics course under your belt is not advisable.
 
Its a single semester the one at my school. How about testing out of E@M 1
Take E@M 2 instead would that be better?
 
  • #10
Testing isn't equivalent in real life. Getting a GED has different connotations than a HS diploma.

Take the class or do what you want but grad schools don't start until the fall.

Testing out is a waste of time. If you want to spend time on a test that matters take that time and prepare for the PGRE and GRE to get a better score on both
 

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