UCLA vs. Maryland
UCLA vs. Maryland
Just trying to get some opinions out there. I'm interested in hep-th/cosmology, but any info about the departments/programs in general would be really useful as well. Also, does anyone have experience with quals at these schools? Is there any major weeding out at either?
Re: UCLA vs. Maryland
Hi, I'm a 2nd year theory student at UMD.
According to the department, once they admit you, they expect you to get through and graduate. The qualifier isn't too terrible: It's two parts: a classical physics test and a modern/quantum physics test. You can pass/fail each part individually, and you get a total of three attempts at the exam, plus the traditional free shot. The department also provides a booklet of old qualifier problems, so all in all it's not so bad. Like I said, there aren't really any major weeding out events. In terms of required classes, the department doesn't have too many demands, so long as you pass the qualifier. Hope this helps
According to the department, once they admit you, they expect you to get through and graduate. The qualifier isn't too terrible: It's two parts: a classical physics test and a modern/quantum physics test. You can pass/fail each part individually, and you get a total of three attempts at the exam, plus the traditional free shot. The department also provides a booklet of old qualifier problems, so all in all it's not so bad. Like I said, there aren't really any major weeding out events. In terms of required classes, the department doesn't have too many demands, so long as you pass the qualifier. Hope this helps
Re: UCLA vs. Maryland
Thanks Kangen! What theory are you doing btw?kangen558 wrote:Hi, I'm a 2nd year theory student at UMD.
According to the department, once they admit you, they expect you to get through and graduate. The qualifier isn't too terrible: It's two parts: a classical physics test and a modern/quantum physics test. You can pass/fail each part individually, and you get a total of three attempts at the exam, plus the traditional free shot. The department also provides a booklet of old qualifier problems, so all in all it's not so bad. Like I said, there aren't really any major weeding out events. In terms of required classes, the department doesn't have too many demands, so long as you pass the qualifier. Hope this helps
Re: UCLA vs. Maryland
UCLA's qual isnt too bad either. They recently made it SLIGHTLY tougher but only because it was a joke before. Most people pass the first time, and even if you don't, you have unlimited chances to retake it.
Re: UCLA vs. Maryland
I assume you're a current student there... How doable is it to live there on a UCLA stipend?aksjdkhas wrote:UCLA's qual isnt too bad either. They recently made it SLIGHTLY tougher but only because it was a joke before. Most people pass the first time, and even if you don't, you have unlimited chances to retake it.