particle physics theory harder.?

[epislon58]

Is it harder to be accepted for particle theory than anything else for physics grad school? Thank you

[kev12592]

Yes. Check out the "Applicant Profiles and Admission Results" threads. Theory is much more competitive. Reasons for this being theory departments at most schools are smaller than experiment departments and so they can't accept as many students. Also most of the "top" applicants (those with nearly perfect test scores, grades, recommendations, etc.) apply to theory.

[WhoaNonstop]

1. Find top schools in particle theory.

2. Pretend you like something other than particle theory that has a higher demand.

3. Once at school, boss your way into a particle theory research position.

-Riley

[AEP]

2. Pretend you like something other than particle theory that has a higher demand.
-Riley

What about string theory?

[WhoaNonstop]

2. Pretend you like something other than particle theory that has a higher demand.
-Riley

What about string theory?

That's like saying I don't want to be in condensed matter physics but I want to study superconductivity.

-Riley

[epislon58]

lol ok I will follow your plan if I dont do well as an undergrad. Also when people reference hep do they mean elementary particle physics. Also does hep/elementary particle physics cover black holes?

[TakeruK]

1. Find top schools in particle theory.

2. Pretend you like something other than particle theory that has a higher demand.

3. Once at school, boss your way into a particle theory research position.

-Riley

I haven't tried something like this so I won't comment on how feasible this plan is / I'm not even sure how serious Riley is being! But if you do want to do something like this, it might help to find top programs in particle theory that will accept first year grad students to physics in general, without expecting you to choose a subfield right away. But in programs like this (and if you try Riley's plan), you should have a backup option in case you aren't able to end up with a particle theory research position!!