Stat vs Applied Math vs CS vs Physics vs Astro vs Atmos Sci grad school

anon94785555
Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:52:50 +0000

The PhD degree is a highly specific degree. You need to settle on ONE field to immerse yourself in. Choose the field that best fits you. This could change in the future, at which point you may change directions. Each field will only care about the grades relevant to it. Did you get higher grades in one area because it was easier for you or because you liked it better? It is important to identify which field best fits your interests and abilities. Forced choice- a OR b OR…, no “all of the above”. Your grad program wants you fulltime, it doesn’t want your divided attention.

Consider the type of research done in programs that interest you- look for overlap in fields you know and like. Check with various professors in you majors for suggestions as to how you can combine multiple interests.

You don’t need to have majored in a subject to do grad work in it, but you must have had the required coursework. Check to see if you have had the needed courses. Also keep in mind that you are competing against others- those with the major most likely have better credentials in the field than you do.

Taking only the minimum physics courses probably means other field trump physics for you- therefore your credentials won’t be as competitive as others who chose maximum available physics courses. Perhaps do a series of forced choices- pick between two of each major in all of the combinations and see which gets the most votes.

I am NOT the expert, but have used logic. Follow my train of thought and use it to narrow your options to the ones that fit you best. Others can contradict me and add more help.