- #1
oikkef
I'm doing my best to be realistic, but can't see the forest for the trees right now. Thoughts? Opinions? I'd appreciate it if anyone tried to answer my questions – many thanks in advance!
Background
Questions
Q: How will physics admissions committees view my low physics GPA and PGRE scores? Especially in light of my higher EE/Cum GPA?
Q: It is my understanding that a perfect GRE quant score is generally expected from someone of my background. Is there any chance a near-perfect verbal score is just as good? Or maybe better since its harder to earn? Just hoping. :)
Q: Is there anything in particular I should emphasize in my personal statement or ask my recommendation letter writers to emphasize that could offset my weak scores and grades?
Q: Is it unreasonable to shoot for a top 10 school? Top 25? Top 50?
Q: Would it be worthwhile for me to study physics independently another year and re-take the PGRE in hopes of raising my score and getting into a better program?
Background
- Double major Physics & EE (with a couple minors) at nowhere special
- Physics GPA = 3.3 / EE GPA = 3.6 / Cum GPA = 3.7
- University honors, but not departmental honors; bunch of honor societies and stuff
- 3 yrs physics research (1 NSF REU), 2 yrs EE research
- 2 publications (1 paper first author but not peer reviewed and not STEM; 1 paper co-author in theoretical mathematics peer reviewed); 2 EE publications expected but not before I graduate; Undergrad thesis in physics
- 4 yrs TA-ing physics & tutoring STEM
- GRE scores = 169V (99th percentile), 160Q (76th percentile)
- PGRE scores = 540 (15th percentile) expected based on repeat practice exams
- Minority student
- Applying to Ph.D. programs in Experimental Physics with emphasis on quantum computing and/or nanotechnology
Questions
Q: How will physics admissions committees view my low physics GPA and PGRE scores? Especially in light of my higher EE/Cum GPA?
Q: It is my understanding that a perfect GRE quant score is generally expected from someone of my background. Is there any chance a near-perfect verbal score is just as good? Or maybe better since its harder to earn? Just hoping. :)
Q: Is there anything in particular I should emphasize in my personal statement or ask my recommendation letter writers to emphasize that could offset my weak scores and grades?
Q: Is it unreasonable to shoot for a top 10 school? Top 25? Top 50?
Q: Would it be worthwhile for me to study physics independently another year and re-take the PGRE in hopes of raising my score and getting into a better program?