- #1
ahsanxr
- 350
- 6
This is a follow-up to some of the advice I was given at the thread I created called "Shortest Path to a PhD in Math or Theoretical Physics" and here it is for reference:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=521408
After looking around on the internet here is a path which I could take which could lessen my time by about 2 years if I can go through with it. I'm not sure how realistic this plan is, which is why I'm making this thread.
Right now I'm a sophomore Math and Physics double major who will receive a BS in Physics and a BA in Math upon graduation. However I'm considering dropping the Physics major as it requires a lot of classes which don't interest me such as labs and other introductory classes which sound like they can be skipped. So by dropping the major I'd still take classes such as Quantum Mechanics, Classical Mechanics, E&M, General Relativity and maybe Statistical Physics and would have more space to take a good amount of math classes, as well. As a result, it is entirely possible for me to have a decent application as far as coursework is concerned (I don't have to do GE credits anymore either). After this I want to get into one of the strong Masters programs in the UK which have a mix of Math and Theoretical Physics courses such as "Part III" of the Mathematical Tripos at Cambridge, or "Quantum Fields and Fundamental Forces" at Imperial. After spending a year doing a Masters I could try to get into some decent place in the UK (such as DAMTP at Cambridge however I've heard only the best candidates from Part III are admitted) and finish my PhD in three years following the masters. If all goes according to plan I could have my PhD in about 6 years from now or (3+1+3 - 1 year of college) which sounds great to me.
The plan sounds great on the surface however I want your advice on how realistic it is, which brings me to the following questions:
1. How difficult will it be to get into Part III at Cambridge or QFFF at Imperial for a US applicant after 3 years of hopefully strong coursework and grades? I haven't had a lot of luck finding admission statistics online.
2. I know that the US graduate schools heavily weigh research and recommendations, along with coursework and GPA. How true is this for UK universities? I feel that they put more weightage on grades rather than research because from what I've read about their BA/Masters programs, most undergrads don't do a lot of research (Part III is 100% coursework).
3. Last question is about funding. I've heard that it's very difficult for non-UK citizens to fund a masters (I'm a US citizen). What options are available? Suppose that I somehow shell out the cash for the year I'm doing my masters, will things get easier at the PhD level? How difficult would it be for me to receive stipends like I would in the US?
4. In general, what do you think about the plan? If it sounds like a good and doable one, should I immediately start implementing it in my undergrad studies (dropping the lab and introductory courses, replacing them with more math etc).
Thanks a lot for your help.
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=521408
After looking around on the internet here is a path which I could take which could lessen my time by about 2 years if I can go through with it. I'm not sure how realistic this plan is, which is why I'm making this thread.
Right now I'm a sophomore Math and Physics double major who will receive a BS in Physics and a BA in Math upon graduation. However I'm considering dropping the Physics major as it requires a lot of classes which don't interest me such as labs and other introductory classes which sound like they can be skipped. So by dropping the major I'd still take classes such as Quantum Mechanics, Classical Mechanics, E&M, General Relativity and maybe Statistical Physics and would have more space to take a good amount of math classes, as well. As a result, it is entirely possible for me to have a decent application as far as coursework is concerned (I don't have to do GE credits anymore either). After this I want to get into one of the strong Masters programs in the UK which have a mix of Math and Theoretical Physics courses such as "Part III" of the Mathematical Tripos at Cambridge, or "Quantum Fields and Fundamental Forces" at Imperial. After spending a year doing a Masters I could try to get into some decent place in the UK (such as DAMTP at Cambridge however I've heard only the best candidates from Part III are admitted) and finish my PhD in three years following the masters. If all goes according to plan I could have my PhD in about 6 years from now or (3+1+3 - 1 year of college) which sounds great to me.
The plan sounds great on the surface however I want your advice on how realistic it is, which brings me to the following questions:
1. How difficult will it be to get into Part III at Cambridge or QFFF at Imperial for a US applicant after 3 years of hopefully strong coursework and grades? I haven't had a lot of luck finding admission statistics online.
2. I know that the US graduate schools heavily weigh research and recommendations, along with coursework and GPA. How true is this for UK universities? I feel that they put more weightage on grades rather than research because from what I've read about their BA/Masters programs, most undergrads don't do a lot of research (Part III is 100% coursework).
3. Last question is about funding. I've heard that it's very difficult for non-UK citizens to fund a masters (I'm a US citizen). What options are available? Suppose that I somehow shell out the cash for the year I'm doing my masters, will things get easier at the PhD level? How difficult would it be for me to receive stipends like I would in the US?
4. In general, what do you think about the plan? If it sounds like a good and doable one, should I immediately start implementing it in my undergrad studies (dropping the lab and introductory courses, replacing them with more math etc).
Thanks a lot for your help.