Will a B- in Physics Hurt Math PhD Admissions Chances?

  • Context: Admissions 
  • Thread starter Thread starter asdfggfdsa
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Admissions
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

A B- in physics, particularly in quantum mechanics, negatively impacts admissions chances for math PhD programs, though less severely than a poor grade in a math course. The effect is more pronounced for applicants interested in applied mathematics compared to those focusing on theoretical areas like set theory or mathematical logic. Retaking the course for an A can improve prospects, but the original grade will remain on the transcript. Enrolling in a graduate-level quantum mechanics course may also enhance the application, albeit with increased workload considerations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of math PhD admissions criteria
  • Familiarity with the significance of grades in related subjects
  • Knowledge of applied vs. theoretical mathematics
  • Insight into course retake policies and their implications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of undergraduate grades on math PhD admissions
  • Explore strategies for improving academic transcripts
  • Investigate the differences between applied mathematics and theoretical mathematics
  • Learn about graduate-level physics courses and their relevance to math PhD applications
USEFUL FOR

Prospective math PhD students, academic advisors, and anyone evaluating the impact of interdisciplinary grades on graduate school admissions.

asdfggfdsa
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
I'm applying for math PhD programs; will a B- in physics (quantum mechanics) hurt my chances (or, more generally, a bad grade in an area other than math, but which makes substantial use of math)?

Thanks,
asdfg
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes, it will hurt. Less than having a bad grade in a math class, but it will hurt quite a bit.
 
I think if your interest is in applied maths it will hurt more than if you are going into set theory or mathematical logic, in which case it has no relevance, so it shouldn't hurt you much at all. I suppose it might have some weight if you are going for analysis, but it has little to do with algebra/group theory...and so on and so forth. A B- in a quasi related subject won't kill you.
 
Thank you. How much would my chances be hurt if I retook the class and obtained an A (the original grade would still appear on my transcript)? I'm also applying for mid-tier schools, not the top ones.
 
Last edited:
How about getting an A in the next quantum class down the list (even if it ends up being a grad course), instead of retaking this one? Although this would probably be too much work for something that's not even your main subject area...

What kind of math are you thinking about?
 

Similar threads

Admissions Want a PhD in math, but stuck in a physics degree. What to do?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Admissions Chances of Admission to CAMPEP Programs in Canada
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Admissions Non-thesis masters in Material Science to Material Science PhD
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Admissions PhD Application in Physics: Age, Immigration, 2 PhDs
  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
5K
Admissions Can I get away with retaking E&M, even if I got a B?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Admissions Curious about my grad school prospects
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Admissions How good do recommendation letters for Master's programs have to be?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Admissions Chance of admission to Imperial QFFF and LMU MSc Physics
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
550
Is a Low CGPA a Deal Breaker for Grad School Admissions?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
5K
Admissions What are my chances of getting into a competitive physics PhD program?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K