When to start prepping for/take the Physics GRE?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the timing and preparation strategies for the Physics GRE, particularly for undergraduate students considering when to begin studying for the exam. Participants explore the relevance of prior coursework, the competitiveness of the exam, and the potential benefits of taking the Mathematics GRE as well.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting preparation for the Physics GRE early, as much of the material is covered in the first few years of undergraduate study.
  • Another participant mentions that some students prepare only a month before the exam, indicating a range of preparation timelines.
  • Concerns are raised about the competitiveness of the exam and the rationale behind why many students do not start preparing earlier.
  • One participant argues that focusing on coursework during the third year may be more beneficial than early GRE preparation, suggesting that two months of study could suffice for those with a solid foundation in physics.
  • Another participant notes that test-taking strategy is as important as knowledge of physics, implying that preparation time may vary based on individual needs.
  • Questions are posed about the advantages of taking the Mathematics GRE, particularly for students aiming for math-intensive physics graduate programs.
  • A suggestion is made that the best preparation for the GRE is to thoroughly understand the material covered in classes.
  • Concerns are expressed about the appropriateness of taking the Physics GRE in the sophomore year due to the presence of advanced topics on the exam.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the optimal timing for GRE preparation, with some advocating for early preparation and others emphasizing the importance of focusing on undergraduate coursework. There is no consensus on the best approach to preparing for the Physics GRE or the necessity of taking the Mathematics GRE.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the variability in preparation strategies and the potential impact of individual academic backgrounds on GRE readiness. Some mention advanced topics on the Physics GRE that may not be covered until later in undergraduate studies.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate students majoring in physics or mathematics, particularly those considering graduate programs in physics or related fields.

hello95
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Hello,

I'm going to be a freshman this coming year, and hope to be double majoring in physics and math (I still have to solidify that at my orientation). I've been doing some research on the physics GRE, and it seems that a lot of material tested is covered within the first 2-3 years of undergrad. Would it be a good idea for me to begin preparing for the test now (especially given that 80% of the test covers intro level physics concepts), and take it at the end of my sophomore or junior year?

Also, would it be a good idea to take the mathematics GRE subject test as well? Would that boost my chances of admittance to a top ten school?

Thanks for your help.
 
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I've heard of people studying it a month before the Oct/Nov exam of their 4th year. I am myself planning to start studying in August.
 
Well I understand that a lot of physics majors begin then, I guess I'm just wondering why that is, especially considering how incredibly competitive the exam is. Is there any reason in particular that many don't start earlier?
 
I'm sure many do, but personally I don't see the point of preparing for it during one's third year or earlier instead of trying to do as best as possible on third year courses (which will have the last grades that will get to be on an application transcript at the time of application, in my case).

I've seen a few exam sets and honestly I don't really think any more than 2 months should be necessary if one has taken all the first year general physics stuff + a full year's worth of CM, EM, Optics and really basic QM, and I'm fairly slow-paced when it comes to preparing.

I think CO state university offers a course for undergrads that is geared to prepare them for the pGRE.
 
hello95 said:
Well I understand that a lot of physics majors begin then, I guess I'm just wondering why that is, especially considering how incredibly competitive the exam is. Is there any reason in particular that many don't start earlier?

There's a point of diminishing returns. The exam is as much about test taking strategy as it is about physics. Of course, everyone is different and some require only a few weeks to review all the lower level physics.
 
Yeah, I see what you mean by grades - I'll definitely be putting my undergrad classes and research above the prep in terms of my priorities. That being said, what about the mathematics GRE? Would it be advantageous to prepare for/take that if I want to go for a grad program in physics? I hope to double major in math and physics, so I would have the necessary mathematics background. Would it be helpful to take if I were applying to a math-intensive physics field for my masters or phd?
 
By the way, I apologize if I appear a bit naive. I'm just trying to acquire a sense of what I should be attempting to accomplish over the next 4 years.
 
The best way to study for the GRE now is to try hard to really get your classes. There's no better preparation than learning material well.
 
Taking it your sophomore year is definitely a bad idea - there is a decent percent of questions on advanced material. Not a lot, but there will usually be a few questions on particle physics or partition functions and other advanced type topics.
 

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