Post
by physics_auth » Sat Aug 15, 2009 4:13 pm
I do not understand if many of you simply want to go to top schools because of their high reputation or because you indeed found out some very interesting research program to "build your career upon". Anyway. Although I do not know the exact answer to your question I will present some simple arguments that may end up being elucidating in the final analysis. I assume that the more work sb presents to the graduate admission committee -like for example math and physics GRE test, instead of only physics GRE test- the more probable is for them to earn a position to the pertinent university. However, what if the same person became accepted only on their results in physics test? In this case, apart from some knowledge gained in maths, the rest of the procedure is simply time-consuming, money-consuming, and -if the candidate chooses a field that does not require the maths of the GRE test or a very small part of it- it may turn to seem utterly pointless. Besides, what if the candidate is rejected for some reason. Then, they would have made double effort for achieving nothing! Thus, the question you should pose is if anyone has been rejected because they didn't have both tests. Judging by the admission criteria that various universities have decided on, it is not mentioned that math GRE is necessary prerequisite. Based on this, I don't think that the essential point in the procedure of admittance or rejection by the committee is the GRE math results. Or else, more more people would sit both of them. As i know from other cases, students who decide on sitting math test are those who want to follow mathematical physics or applied mathematics (or maybe some branch of physics that requires heavy maths). As a result, I would recommend to act according to what branch you do intend to turn to for a PhD. Furthermore, if you want to study maths simply for your pleasure or because you think that they will help you in your future studies, I would not advise you to sit math GRE, but find some good books to read. At least, this is what I decided on to do. If, on the other hand, you do not adopt my position then, simply intensify your efforts and burn the midnight oil by starting reading Lang's books (springe series) and good luck! Last but not least, note that after having the tests you will realize that you gave them more significance than they actually have!
P.S.: It would be wise to try think other ways to improve your admittance possibilities like, for instance, providing very strong letters of recommendation and so on. It is up to you ... .
Physics_auth
) I am curious if someone knows how important a math GRE would be if one intends to apply at a physics program. I am not in the position to be able to pass a math GRE now but I want to know how much could this boost my chances toward top schools... I hope I won't have to start that too 'cause I get a headake just at thinking at it...
