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u/cr42 · 5 pointsr/gradadmissions

I think that the content of this post, especially for someone looking at Physics PhD programs, is spot-on. Focusing on grades now and getting into research ASAP are basically the two things you should do in the short term.

/u/luxuryy__yachtt is completely right, chronologically speaking, to leave the Physics GRE (or pGRE, as it is unaffectionately known) to the end. However, I want to emphasize just how important that test can be to your graduate hopes. It alone will not open any doors to you, but a poor performance on the pGRE can definitely close doors in a hurry. More leeway here is given to students from top undergraduate programs (think Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, MIT), while students from lesser-known programs have more to prove with their pGRE score, but do not take it lightly either way. I have friends from [insert elite, private university] who didn't take the test seriously, ended up doing poorly, and ended up being effectively locked out of the top 10 or top 20 for PhD programs.

Some (very top) programs seem to use pGRE scores as a hard cutoff and – at the very least – will look very critically at the rest of your application if your score is subpar, which is really unfortunate. The test is pretty dumb and effectively tests your ability to answer a bunch of questions about freshman-level physics really, really quickly, but scoring well (e.g. above 80th percentile, which is an 860) can be the difference in your application. For that reason, it is worth taking the time to ensure that you do well on it.

Now that I have hopefully scared you into caring about this exam, let me give you a quick DO's and DON'Ts in bullet format:

  • DO take the Physics GRE seriously – the GRE General is a joke, but the pGRE is not to be trifled with

  • DO study for the Physics GRE – how much study time you need will depend on your target score and how far away you are, but be prepared to dedicate a significant fraction of a summer to this

  • DO NOT look at released exams yet – there's a limited number (5) of released exams currently available, so you should not be looking at them or solving problems from them yet, that way you can ensure to have a few exams with which to practice in a few years

  • DO NOT worry about studying for it YET – you'll have ~3 years of physics classes under your belt by the time you take this exam, don't stress over the pGRE, or studying for it, just yet; that time will come eventually

  • (when it is time to study, i.e. during/after your junior year) DO use Kahn and Anderson's book (Amazon link) – this is a great book that will walk you through the material you need, and comes with three (additional) practice exams

    TL;DR Follow /u/luxuryy__yachtt's advice. Just remember that the Physics GRE is a test that exists, will be very important to your grad school admissions, and will be something that you need to prepare for if you want to get into a top tier program. The details of the exam can get ironed out later; for now, just do your best to master the material in your classes and get involved in research.
u/dynasys · 1 pointr/gradadmissions

On paper, it sounds like you are the ideal graduate student candidate! c: The only thing left is whether you'll be a good fit for the specific school/program/lab in question. That can be nailed down with a stellar personal statement tailored to the specific program (along with a good interview whenever that comes along). If you need any help with that, I highly recommend this book -- it was incredibly helpful to me throughout the application process, especially coming from a family without experience in higher education. It includes details down to waiving your rights, as suggested above.

From what I've seen, the real "above and beyond" thing you can do is establish a meaningful connection with the professor you want to work with at this school. For instance, if the school offers a summer research program for undergraduates, you can apply for that and request to work with that specific professor. In another case, you can attend a scientific conference, seek out that professor, make conversation with them about their research (and make sure your interests are known), and follow-up with them over email so that they have a good impression of you and your ambitions by the time they receive your application. Bonus points if you're presenting at that conference :D This option requires a little bit of networking or cyber-stalking to see which conferences that professor would be attending, haha. My research domain is very specialized so it was easy to locate my prospective advisor in a small conference, and besides that there's a huge generalized one that everyone remotely close to my field goes to (Society for Neuroscience). Maybe there's some equivalent in anthropology? c:

Wishing you luck in your applications! n_n

u/CaptainGatos · 2 pointsr/gradadmissions
  1. Apply to graduate courses to take in the summer (either online or in class) as a non-matriculated student. Get As. This will show that you can handle the workload and are taking the application process seriously - it also helps if you don't have a lot of research experience. (Bonus points if it's at a SUNY/CUNY school.) Many Summer I sessions start at the end of May or early June.

  2. Address your low undergrad GPA in your statement of purpose in a way that shows how you've learned and can ensure your success in a master's program. Don't dwell on it, but they do want to see how you've grown and how you've applied it to your life since then.

  3. Your GRE is already good, to make sure you write a smashing SOP. Graduate Admissions Essays by Donald Asher is a really helpful book on this, it also describes a lot of the "ins and outs" of applying to grad school.

  4. Get strong references. Your academic ones probably won't be great, so if you can get stronger in-field references it would be helpful. That book I mentioned above has a checklist on what to discuss with a potential reference to that they can write you the best recommendation possible.

  5. If your current job doesn't deal with non-profit leadership, then it would be incredibly helpful to find a volunteer position within those lines.

    SUNY and CUNY schools are heavily researched-based, and some of their programs are just as competitive as any other state system. It might be worth looking into CUNY EMBA programs if they are available (they are more expensive, but have more to do with making new connections and gaining experience rather than heavy research.)
u/lost_molecules · 2 pointsr/gradadmissions

I was in the same situation 1 year ago! I just decided to go to grad school but had no idea where to start. It took me a year to narrow down my interest, look up deadlines for the GREs and apps (rolling deadlines, apps being due a year from start date, etc), do enough research on the schools (and PIs) I wanted, study/take the GRE (wish I studied for 2 months instead of 1), get in contact with recommenders, write my SoP, save enough money, and get my application materials in order (scores, transcripts, CV). I highly recommend you borrow this bk.

Here are some things to get you started:

  1. Email prospective PIs and the program director for University of Washington Medicinal Chemistry PhD program and ask about min GRE scores requirements, etc. Check the site for alumni/current student profiles to give you a sense of the range of students they accept. Some schools have a link for this, some don't. Email those students if you can.

  2. Develop a timeline based around when GREs are available (esp if you want to budget time for a retake) and when school deadlines are. I don't know whether you're currently in school or not...

  3. Add your research experience and presentations to your CV. See if your school has a career center; they'll help you out.

  4. If you haven't already, let your research professors know that you desire to go to grad school and start grooming them to be your letter writers. If they are in the same field (medicinal chem), then they might be the ones to talk to about your chances of getting in. Also, they might have valuable connections.

  5. Best of luck to you!
u/intangiblemango · 2 pointsr/gradadmissions
  1. Before accepting Walden University, I strongly recommend reading Lower Ed by Tressie Cottom -- https://www.amazon.com/Lower-Ed-Troubling-Profit-Colleges/dp/162097438X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1F5L70NA8VWGX&keywords=lower+ed+by+tressie+mcmillan+cottom&qid=1572580372&sprefix=lower+ed%2Caps%2C222&sr=8-1 ; I think you will find the content helpful. (Obviously, my recommendation is going to be that you find a more reputable, less exploitative program.)
  2. Did you choose to only apply to two programs because you are geographically limited? Is your goal to stay at your current job? Would you sacrifice your current job to go to a program?
  3. TBH I think, given that you have four years of experience, if you applied to, say, 15 programs, you would find a program, even if you do absolutely nothing to improve your GPA. I'm in Counseling Psych, so it's the norm in my field to apply to 12-15 programs. My undergrads often apply to MSWs and they typically are applying to, like, 3-5 programs, which they typically have success with... but given the fairly significant GPA issue, I wonder if it wouldn't be best to just cast your net widely and see what you can catch.
  4. For working on your GPA, I think either your undergraduate institution or your CC would be fine. TBH, I think the classes are going to be more of a demonstration that the last four years have been a time of growth for you and that you can succeed academically if given a chance, meaning that the specifics won't matter so much.

    In your shoes, I would take some classes this year, ace them, and apply next year to a significantly higher number of programs for admission in 2021. I would also make sure that my SOP is addressing the issue without highlighting it and I would make sure my SOP in general was immaculate. I would also confirm that I have the best possible letters of rec. (And then I would go where I get in, which means probably moving.)
u/Snailicious · 6 pointsr/gradadmissions

Get the main book done directly by ETS. Imo, it's the best one and has the most realistic questions.

http://www.amazon.com/Official-Guide-Revised-General-Test/dp/007179123X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1462402098&sr=8-2&keywords=ets+gre+prep+2016

I took my test in 2014, so you might want to double check that there isn't a newer edition (any edition should be fine, though, really).

Also, if you are just starting to study, I would recommend paying for full access on Magoosh. I think they are very good for the money and would be better than taking a class. It's all online, so you can study comfortably on your own time. Good luck!

u/kdontheinternet · 1 pointr/gradadmissions

How is your junior/senior GPA? If it's fairly high, above a 3.4 or 3.5, that will show improvement over the years. Research experience, good recommendations, and good scores on the GRE will top it off, giving you a shot.

I'd highly recommend checking out Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology: 2016/2017 Edition by Norcross and Sayette. It details everything you need to prepare your application, breaks down schools by research interests, plus lists all doctorate programs in clinical & counseling psych, gives their average acceptance GPA, GRE scores, requirements, etc. It's a lifesaver.

u/spiked_squirrel · 7 pointsr/gradadmissions

The first time I took the GRE practice test, I got a 148V/152Q. I am a math major, and honestly, I was not well equipped for the type of questions given on the test. I studied (for only two-three weeks) and ended up getting a 153V/166Q. I used this book to practice/prepare for the quantitative section (it is the one written by the test takers).

You still have time to take the exam and schools will likely only look at the best overall score you sent them. Sign up to take it exactly 21 days from when you originally took it, and have the scores prepared to be sent to all of the schools you are applying to. Buy the book I linked and take a full quantitative practice test. Figure out what type of questions you missed and where were you overconfident, and study that content and do more practice questions.

Finally, don't say stuff like this:

>This all makes me feel like I shouldn’t have even bothered majoring in engineering and giving my life to my department, because ETS has decided that my buck stops here.

I promise you that thinking like this will keep you from being successful and achieving your goals. You will have much worse failures in the future (as does everyone in academia) and it is important to learn from things like this. Don't question your worth just because of one occurrence where you didn't meet your own expectations.

Good luck!

u/warwick607 · 5 pointsr/gradadmissions

5lb Manhattan book helped me immensely for the quantitative section. The ETS quantitative reasoning book is also a great resource.

Lastly, use Magoosh if you enjoy studying on the computer. The software Magoosh provides is well worth the money. The ETS website also has a bunch of mock-tests you can take too, so make sure you take those as well.

Good luck!

u/fysicist · 1 pointr/gradadmissions

I strongly recommend that you apply to more schools below the top tier - Cornell, U of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign, UC Santa Barbara, U of Michigan and Yale. This is pivotal moment in your life so you want to have options. If you don't have the money, try emailing the department for application waiver. You never know.

Strangely enough, of all the sections, I did best in verbal, percentile-wise and it was because I studied the hell out of it by learning 1200 new words. I used the Word Smart series book:
http://www.amazon.com/Word-Smart-5th-Edition-Guides/dp/0307945022
I just memorized the definitions and wrote thousands of sentences using those words wherever I went. I think I bumped up my verbal score by like 100 points just by doing this. I also forced myself to complete old paper versions of the verbal section in shorter time periods.

u/kaswing · 1 pointr/gradadmissions

I so did. I started seeing a therapist for an unrelated issue and mentioned this in passing-- I was procrastinating on submitting the apps because I was afraid. But what was I afraid of exactly? Not getting in? I would certainly not get in if I didn't submit, and I was increasing the likelihood by not investing my time wisely.

I also read a book yesterday that might help: not very scientific, but very relatable and useful as a model, at least to me.

u/Nanolol · 2 pointsr/gradadmissions

Drafting your essays in a Google doc is a great idea. Strongly recommend reading Donald Asher's Graduate Admissions Essays. Tons of tips on how to write your way into the graduate school of your choice, and samples.

u/Turntech_Godhead · 1 pointr/gradadmissions

My goodness, that looks comprehensive! I used this thing which was more expensive than your book, and has poorer reviews on Amazon. Ahh, why did I spend so much!?! I should have bought your book!

How's the studying going? How much have you done, how well did you score, etc? I feel like I'm trying to parent you and I'm afraid I'm being condescending, so please tell me if I'm coming off as rude.

u/RadiumBlue · 4 pointsr/gradadmissions

Unfortunately, you'll have to take the physics GRE and brush up on the topics you aren't familiar with, at least enough to answer the basic types of questions that show up on the exam. I recommend the Conquering the Physics GRE book.

I ended up with a 24%ile score and still managed to get into four great programs.

u/Kathybara · 1 pointr/gradadmissions

I'm currently using ETS material for all the verbal, but for non-ETS material. I use the 5-lb Book of GRE Practice Problems from Manhattan Prep (https://www.amazon.com/lb-Book-GRE-Practice-Problems/dp/1506247598/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=gre&qid=1559187676&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1).

I got it on sale last December alongside with the GRE vocabulary flashcards.

However, my friend swears by Magoosh. I didn't want to drop $149 when I'm taking the exam in 3 months. I suggest utilizing and exhausting all of the free resource before thinking about buying GRE prep courses.

u/BeginningDig · 3 pointsr/gradadmissions

r/StatementOfPurpose has lots of examples from other people that you can read, as well as if you search through this sub. I also used https://www.amazon.com/Graduate-Admissions-Essays-Fourth-School/dp/1607743213 this book for help and swapped SOPs with my peers. After a while, you get a feel for it.

u/FatFingerHelperBot · 1 pointr/gradadmissions

It seems that your comment contains 1 or more links that are hard to tap for mobile users.
I will extend those so they're easier for our sausage fingers to click!


Here is link number 1 - Previous text "bk"



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^Please ^PM ^/u/eganwall ^with ^issues ^or ^feedback! ^| ^Delete

u/itsgoodtohavedreams · 1 pointr/gradadmissions

You're looking at the Clinical Psych program for UNC Chapel Hill -- I was pulling that information for the Counseling Clinical Psych program in Charlotte. Totally different program. Probably should've clarified.

I'm getting my information for those schools directly from this guide.

u/[deleted] · 2 pointsr/gradadmissions

[Here] (http://www.amazon.com/Cracking-Practice-Edition-Graduate-Preparation/dp/0307945634). This book is where I got the strategy from. You do not need to know any of the words in the test.