- #1
retro10x
- 66
- 0
So I'm looking for opinions on the list of grad schools I'm looking to apply for. I am not sure if I am applying to too many "reach" schools or not.
I am interested in doing plasma physics, most likely experiment and computation, but theory isn't completely out of the question either.
First, some stats about my application:
(I am a Canadian non-minority male)
Physics GRE: 830 (76th percentile)
GRE Quant: 165 (90th percentile)
GRE Verbal: 157 (78th percentile)
GRE Writing: 3.5 (38th percentile) :s
GPA 3.65 (If you don't look at my 1st year grades, I have a 3.98)
Physics GPA 3.83 (again, only because of first year physics)
Research experience in condensed matter experiment (I got a 2nd author publication out of this, I did all of the experimental work) and high energy experiment. I have two great references from these.
I am doing a 4th year supervised study in plasma/space physics right now. I will ask for my 3rd letter from my supervisor soon.
This is my list of schools:
-Princeton (Plasma Department - separate from Physics) = "reach"
-Berkeley = "reach"
-UCLA = "reach"
-UC San Diego = "good fit"?
-Cornell Applied Physics = "good fit"?
-UC Irvine = "good fit"?
-U.Colorado Boulder = "good fit"?
-Maryland College Park = "safety"?
-Dartmouth = "safety"?
So what do you think, PF?
Are these schools really "good fits" and "safeties" ? Should I switch some out for more safeties? (please recommend some if you have ideas:) ) Take note that I am an international applicant, which would likely make it harder for me to get in.
I am interested in doing plasma physics, most likely experiment and computation, but theory isn't completely out of the question either.
First, some stats about my application:
(I am a Canadian non-minority male)
Physics GRE: 830 (76th percentile)
GRE Quant: 165 (90th percentile)
GRE Verbal: 157 (78th percentile)
GRE Writing: 3.5 (38th percentile) :s
GPA 3.65 (If you don't look at my 1st year grades, I have a 3.98)
Physics GPA 3.83 (again, only because of first year physics)
Research experience in condensed matter experiment (I got a 2nd author publication out of this, I did all of the experimental work) and high energy experiment. I have two great references from these.
I am doing a 4th year supervised study in plasma/space physics right now. I will ask for my 3rd letter from my supervisor soon.
This is my list of schools:
-Princeton (Plasma Department - separate from Physics) = "reach"
-Berkeley = "reach"
-UCLA = "reach"
-UC San Diego = "good fit"?
-Cornell Applied Physics = "good fit"?
-UC Irvine = "good fit"?
-U.Colorado Boulder = "good fit"?
-Maryland College Park = "safety"?
-Dartmouth = "safety"?
So what do you think, PF?
Are these schools really "good fits" and "safeties" ? Should I switch some out for more safeties? (please recommend some if you have ideas:) ) Take note that I am an international applicant, which would likely make it harder for me to get in.