When is a good time to take GRE exams?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the appropriate timing for taking the GRE Physics exam, particularly focusing on the content covered and the preparation timeline for students. Participants share their experiences and insights regarding the material typically included in the exam and the academic courses that align with that content.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes they have only completed introductory physics courses and inquires about the material generally covered on the Physics GRE.
  • Another participant expresses unfamiliarity with the GRE, humorously suggesting it does not refer to General Relativity.
  • A participant suggests that most students take the Physics GRE in October of their senior year, indicating that the exam primarily covers freshman and sophomore-level material.
  • It is mentioned that the Physics GRE is offered only three times a year, which influences when students might choose to take it.
  • Another participant argues that junior-level courses, particularly Quantum Mechanics (QM) and Electromagnetism (E&M), are significant for the GRE and should not be overlooked in preparation.
  • A list of topics covered in the GRE Physics exam is referenced, with the acknowledgment that most students may not be familiar with all topics by the time they take the exam.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the extent of material covered in the GRE Physics exam, particularly regarding the importance of junior-level courses. There is no consensus on the exact timing or preparation strategy for taking the exam.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific courses and their levels, indicating that the understanding of what constitutes adequate preparation may vary based on individual academic experiences and institutional curricula.

Benzoate
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I've only taken my introductory physics courses so far. I haven't even begun thermal physics, junior level mechanics, senior level quantum mechanics or my senior thesis project yet. Which material do you think is generally covered on the physics exam the most.
 
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I'm not US, so I don't really know what GRE means.
I assume it doesn't stand for General RElativity :smile:
 
^^ Then you won't be able to go to U.S. graduate schools.

@ Benzoate, most people take their Physics GREs in October of their senior year. Most of the stuff covered is from freshman and sophomore-level courses so if you study a lot, you could do it Oct, Nov, or Apr in your junior year. Unlike the general GRE, it is only offered those three times a year.
 
Last edited:
vincebs said:
^^ Then you won't be able to go to U.S. graduate schools.

@ Benzoate, most people take their Physics GREs in October of their senior year. Most of the stuff covered is from freshman and sophomore-level courses so if you study a lot, you could do it Oct, Nov, or Apr in your junior year. Unlike the general GRE, it is only offered those three times a year.

So most of the material is covered from my first 3 introductory freshman physics courses and not my junior or senior level physics classes that are heavily math based physics courses.
 
No, you definitely have junior level courses.

QM and E&M are junior level. Thermal and Modern tend to be sophomore. Mathematical physics is sophomore level in my school.

But QM and E&M are pretty significant. You can't skimp out on those.

Here's a list of stuff for the GRE's:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GRE_Physics_Test

Most people I know won't know all of that by the time they take the GRE's, but they will have seen MOST of it.
 

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