<p>ill be entering my 4th year next fall and plan to graduate in my 5th year. i still cant decide between math or physics for grad school, though mathematical physics seems like the best option. i like math since i enjoyed doing proofs in linear algebra and analysis, but havent taken abstract algebra yet. i like physics since stat mech and quantum look interesting, though i havent taken the upper-div versions of them yet. i've only taken upperdiv mechanics and E&M, which were pretty boring since they were mostly review of lowerdiv.</p>
<p>im currently doing an REU in solid state physics/statistical physics, and its been alright, but not spectacular so far, i probably should have chosen an area that seems more interesting like particle or astrophysics</p>
<p>i want to know which one to focus more time on since i have to take my gre's soon and to figure how to plan my future class schedules (like taking an extra math class or doing research with a physics prof instead. it'll be too much work to do both)</p>
<p>so the main problem i having is whether to pursue math or physics: i like doing math, but theoretical physics sounds more interesting to do as research</p>
<p>also, i heard if one wants to do mathematical physics, its better to get a math degree than a physics degree</p>
<p>i have one more question: if i were to not to do research this fall in physics, would it come back to haunt me if i choose to apply to physics grad programs? also, is doing your only research in physics is during REUs, and not during the school year, does that count as too little research experience?</p>
<p>I used to be in your situation before I decided to go all-math. From my investigations (and I could be mistaken), it really depends on the school, and what actual area you want to go in to. Here are a few examples:</p>
<p>Theoretical HEP, astrophysics, etc.: I think your best bet is studying physics rather than mathematics. While there is a lot of algebra, combinatorics, and geometry here (along with their interactions), physicists are doing mathematical research in these areas, and the actual physics is almost entirely in physics programs. </p>
<p>Problems in classical physics (theory): Many physics departments have theoretical research groups in nonlinear dynamics. However, the study of fluid mechanics and classical electromagnetism is now almost entirely in mathematics/applied math departments, and more general nonlinear dynamics is obviously heavily studied in mathematics. </p>
<p>The University of Iowa offers what looks like a nice program in mathematical physics:</p>
<p>Note that some of these people are physicists, others are mathematicians. To reiterate, it really is the focuses of the individual departments and professors that should decide which program you'll actually study. It also might be a bit early to really decide what you want to study if you haven't taken abstract algebra or quantum/statistical mechanics yet. Incidentally, it was a graduate abstract algebra course that drew me away from physics.</p>
<p>I know a math major who went on to apply to physics departments. He took the physics gre subject test to demonstrate that he was really prepared for grad-level physics coursework. Maybe mathematical physics departments would be fine with the math gre, but you would still need to take plenty of upper div. physics courses in order to be competitive. Do you have time to take enough courses to fulfill the math major requirements and still take upper div. physics relevant to your grad research/the physics gre? If not, I recommend you focus on the physics major and only take the upper div. math courses that are relevant to you.</p>
<p>alright, i'll wait for next semester to take quantum and abstract algebra and hopefully by then i'll decide whehter to major in math or physics or both.</p>
<p>also, what would be more beneficial to me next semester: take numerical analysis class or do undergrad research in math, since i've already done it in physics? i'd rather not do research, but is it really necessary to do it during the school year, or is 2 summers of REUs good enough to get me into the elite grad schools (MIT, Princeton, Berkeley, etc)?</p>