<p>My D is a freshman at a very competitive school, with a grade deflation policy. She aspires to go into a PhD program in Physics or Math after undergrad. She has made the choice to take a couple of rather difficult and very demanding Physics and Math courses in this, the first semester of her freshman year. Consequently we are anticipating that her GPA might well suffer. Her rationale is that she is interested and wants the challenge and is happy with a B in classes that she likes.</p>
<p>Since she does not plan on Medical School, we are not concerned about a perfect GPA. But, we realized that we had no idea what constitutes an acceptable GPA for a selective Grad program in Physics or Math. What other factors are considered, other than GPA? Is her strategy of loading up on challenging courses (and later pursuing research opportunities) the way to go? Or should she care about that GPA?
Thanks in advance for your replies.</p>
<p>I should give a disclaimer that I’m an international prospective student with no first-hand knowledge of admissions, but based on what I’ve read here and on other internet forums, admission committees tend to know the grading policies of most schools, and adjust the normalization of the GPA accordingly. Only if your daughter is attending a school that is significantly unknown, I’d say that is an issue. And even then, the added challenge probably pays off in Physics GRE, or at least when doing research.</p>
<p>“Is her strategy of loading up on challenging courses (and later pursuing research opportunities) the way to go? Or should she care about that GPA?”</p>
<p>Well, the answer I’d say to both is yes. It’s foolish to overload on courses that will torch your GPA, but also foolish to take cookie cutter classes to maintain a pristine GPA. If she can handle the work and wants to do it, go for it, by all means. Don’t hold back for the sake of GPA if you know she can handle it. You know her best. Her plan to do lots of research in undergrad is also very sound, so it seems like she has a good head on her shoulders and a mother who wants what is best for her. She’s a step ahead of most people in that regard. Good luck!</p>
<p>It’s common practice that students wishing to gain admission into a physics grad program to apply straight for the phd. I’ve heard that should the proffesors on the admissions commitee feel that your application is lacking they will grant admittance at the masters level without funding.</p>
<p>Her teacher recommendations will be very important. Those usually go hand in hand with a GPA meaning the really talented students get the good grades in math and physics and their teachers recognize their talent and say as much in their letters of recommendation.</p>
<p>In general she should take hard coursework but not until she is ready for it. She wants to challenge herself but not get in over her head. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Learning in these fields takes time. For her case specifically I don’t think Bs in difficult math and physics courses from her freshman year will look bad at all. It demonstrates her interest in the field.</p>
<p>Admissions to one of these types of graduate programs is determined by the professors in the department. They look over the pool of applicants and decide who they want to accept. The criteria is very specific, who has the aptitude and has demonstrated a commitment to the material. They are training research mathematicians and research physicists and I think it might be pretty easy to guess who will sink and who will swim.</p>
<p>Very generally, below a 3.0 is frowned upon and anything above 3.5 is great. An ok or bad GPA looks better if there’s a good trend (good/great GPA in the last 2 years). However, GPA and GRE scores are not everything. There is no formula for getting into grad school, but I’m fairly certain that recommendation letters and research experience are much more important. If she wants to go into research, she should get as much research experience as possible. (Note: I am in biomedical sciences, I’m not entirely familiar with physics/math Ph.D.'s) She can email professors and work in a lab during the school year (for credit or sometimes for $). Also, there are many summer research programs (again, i’m in BMS, not sure about physics).</p>
<p>I agree with not taking hard classes until you’re ready for them. Most freshmen are just figuring out college and how to manage studying and college life. If she is successful at difficult classes, that’s impressive, but if she doesn’t do well, than taking the difficult classes was a poor decision. When I was a freshman, I was just enjoying college (not too much of course). Then again, I’m taking two years off before going back to grad school so I’m taking my time.</p>