<p>Well, I basically decided I am not really too interested in staying in applied math & statistics after my major is finished. I think my Operations Research classes beat that out of me. I hate anything applied to business and maximizing profits...</p>
<p>I have considered two possible paths:
1) Doing an MS at Cal State Long Beach in Physics and then moving onto PhD somewhere. I kind of have a specific area in mind that I'd like to live in after I earn my PhD (willing to go anywhere for PhD) and possibly teach university physics in Kentucky or Indiana.
2) Law school so I can become a patent lawyer (which is another reason why I'm doing a physics minor).</p>
<p>Admissions criteria for Long Beach:
Minimal admission requirements:</p>
<p>BS or BA
GPA > 2.5
No GRE required
TOEFL > 550 or >80 (iBT) (for international students)</p>
<p>How tough do you think it'd be to get in? I don't have a physics major because I could not double major at my university. I am pursuing a minor, though. I will basically have everything needed for the minor and probably take Quantum Mechanics as well if I have space my senior year (finishing my junior year right now). I'm considering an MS cause I don't really have the background physics majors do. Would it help me get into a good program? Or could I just directly apply to a PhD program and save myself the time/money spent at CSULB?</p>
<p>I'd like to pursue law, but I'm not going to drop big money on a no-name school to do it if I'm not going to get a ROI. It's too risky these days in this market. I've considered gaining work experience and then trying law school again in a few years if my admission cycle sucks. Would an MS help you think in law school admissions as well (not as in helping GPA)?</p>