What will look better for grad school transcript.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of taking a junior level Electromagnetism (E&M) course versus testing out of it through self-study for graduate school applications. Participants explore the potential impact on transcripts, the value of grades versus credit, and the overall academic strategy in relation to graduate school timelines.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that taking the course and earning a grade may be more beneficial than testing out, as it could reflect better on a transcript.
  • Another participant argues that testing out of junior E&M could raise concerns for graduate school admissions, particularly if it means lacking a standard course experience.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the effectiveness of self-study in mastering complex material, noting that passing a test does not necessarily indicate a deep understanding.
  • There is a suggestion that graduating a semester early may not provide significant advantages, especially since most graduate programs start in the fall.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of multiple evaluations in a course compared to a single test for demonstrating knowledge.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of testing out, suggesting that preparation for standardized tests like the PGRE and GRE might be a better use of time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the merits of testing out versus taking the course, with no consensus reached on which approach is superior for graduate school applications. Concerns about the implications of self-study and the importance of course grades are debated.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the potential limitations of self-study, including the assumption of mastering material without formal instruction. The discussion also reflects on the timing of graduate school applications and the relevance of specific coursework to 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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