Masters or PhD and PhD at a low uni?
Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2013 4:38 am
I have some questions but before doing so, I thought it is better to state my profile for more accurate interactions and replies.
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Undergrad Institution: Egyptian University (among the top in nation)
Major(s): Physics and Chemistry (Double major)
Minor(s):
GPA in Major: estimated for Physics in the 3rd and 4th year: (80%-84%)
Overall GPA: 77 %
Length of Degree: 4
Position in Class: ~top
Type of Student: international
GRE Scores : (revised or old version?)
Q: 155
V: 146
W: 3.5
P: 580
TOEFL (IBT): 100
Pertinent Activities or Jobs: I am currently taking a graduate coursework year in Physics at the masters level at the same university. I have finished 4 courses. The scores are:
1-Advanced elementary particles Physics: A-
2-Advanced quantum mechanics I: C+
3-Advanced quantum mechanics II: B
4-Statistical Physics: C+
The remaining courses to be completed by end of Dec 2013: Advanced Nuclear Physics, Relativistic Electrodynamics, Mathematical Physics, Advanced Atomic Physics.
Recommendation Letters: 3 mediocre Rec Let;1 from a good professor who got his PhD and known at NE uni, the other 2 from unknown professors
Applying to Where: I am looking for:
HEP (Experimental or Theoretical)
Astrophysics (Experimental or Theoretical)
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The inquiries are somewhat diverse and on different levels so please bear with me:
1- If I got into a PhD program at a low place(e.g.,: the last of a 100), does this mean I am doomed and I can not get a post doc at a strong place and as a result does it mean that I can not secure a faculty position anywhere, especially in the US?
2- If yes to the 1st question, so this means I only need to apply to masters in Physics as a bridge to make a leap to a higher university but unfortunately most masters programs are not funded but I can manage to get the money of parents saving if only this is a worthy step. so what do you think? (I know it is my decision in this matter but I would like to hear other people's opinion if they were in my shoes)
3- Does it hurt to mention my low PGRE & GRE scores even if I applied to a low university?
4- Also is it better for me to mention the courses I've taken with the scores mentioned above? And what about the courses which I will finish after the deadline of application, should I mention them or it doesn't matter?
Finally I appreciate much frank and straight replies because that is what I need
Thanks in advance for your time and help
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Undergrad Institution: Egyptian University (among the top in nation)
Major(s): Physics and Chemistry (Double major)
Minor(s):
GPA in Major: estimated for Physics in the 3rd and 4th year: (80%-84%)
Overall GPA: 77 %
Length of Degree: 4
Position in Class: ~top
Type of Student: international
GRE Scores : (revised or old version?)
Q: 155
V: 146
W: 3.5
P: 580
TOEFL (IBT): 100
Pertinent Activities or Jobs: I am currently taking a graduate coursework year in Physics at the masters level at the same university. I have finished 4 courses. The scores are:
1-Advanced elementary particles Physics: A-
2-Advanced quantum mechanics I: C+
3-Advanced quantum mechanics II: B
4-Statistical Physics: C+
The remaining courses to be completed by end of Dec 2013: Advanced Nuclear Physics, Relativistic Electrodynamics, Mathematical Physics, Advanced Atomic Physics.
Recommendation Letters: 3 mediocre Rec Let;1 from a good professor who got his PhD and known at NE uni, the other 2 from unknown professors
Applying to Where: I am looking for:
HEP (Experimental or Theoretical)
Astrophysics (Experimental or Theoretical)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The inquiries are somewhat diverse and on different levels so please bear with me:
1- If I got into a PhD program at a low place(e.g.,: the last of a 100), does this mean I am doomed and I can not get a post doc at a strong place and as a result does it mean that I can not secure a faculty position anywhere, especially in the US?
2- If yes to the 1st question, so this means I only need to apply to masters in Physics as a bridge to make a leap to a higher university but unfortunately most masters programs are not funded but I can manage to get the money of parents saving if only this is a worthy step. so what do you think? (I know it is my decision in this matter but I would like to hear other people's opinion if they were in my shoes)
3- Does it hurt to mention my low PGRE & GRE scores even if I applied to a low university?
4- Also is it better for me to mention the courses I've taken with the scores mentioned above? And what about the courses which I will finish after the deadline of application, should I mention them or it doesn't matter?
Finally I appreciate much frank and straight replies because that is what I need
Thanks in advance for your time and help