Ms or MPhil Physics for Econ Student?

<p>Hey everyone.</p>

<p>So here is who I am to begin with.</p>

<p>School: McGill University
Major: Economics with Minor in Mathematics
GPA: Really low right now think 2.5 ish but if I pull myself together, should grad with 3.1~ ish
GRE: 660/800
Experiences: RA at McGill, Accenture Internship, PwC Internship, A Conglomerate Internship.</p>

<p>Story.
I've always wanted to study physics. Honors physics back in high school was my favorite class by far and I would stay up all night reading Emilio Segre's books. Now, I am supposed to take over my dad's company later in life and thought economics should be a decent subject area for that but well I really want to study physics.</p>

<p>I have considered a minor in physics or a 2nd bachelor's or even a transfer bu well given my gpa in economics, i really don't think that's possible.</p>

<p>If I graduate with 3.0~3.1 ish and I already have a pretty decent GRE score, what graduate schools can I look at with masters in physics and is there anything I can do to maximize my chances?</p>

<p>I do realize that I don't have any university level physics education other than AP physics courses couple of years back. Would I have to take some physics courses at my university? (I have about 6 credits of electives left until graduation)</p>

<p>Hep is much appreciated!</p>

<p>Well, you will definitely need to take physics courses to make up enough deficiencies to start any physics graduate program. We sometimes have students come in from engineering or chemistry and we prescribe a minimum of the following</p>

<p>Modern Physics (with possibly some quantum)
Electrodynamics (at the Junior/Senior level)
Classical Mechanics at the Junior level (2 semesters usually)</p>

<p>A student with this could start with our undergraduate quantum mechanics sequence and then take the graduate course but you could also take a semester or year of Junior/Senior level quantum. These are the bare minimum and the fact that you have a Mathematics minor helps.</p>

<p>Yes. I have around 50 credits left until I graduate and I have about 20 to spare on electives which will primarily be physics. What I am worried about though is the GRE subject examination and GPA. SOP I am sure can write very decently as my passion for the subject area is immense. My dream has been to research at Cavendish Lab but I hardly think that would be possible so I was thinking of getting a masters in physics with an amazing academic record then apply to Cavendish.</p>

<p>My adviser says she can alter up to 9 credits (delete) and I do not mind spending a semester or two boosting up my grades.</p>

<p>Realistically, what kind of GPA and GRE subject test scores should I obtain to attend a top physics program in EU or US? </p>

<p>Thank you for the input!</p>

<p>With a ~3.0 and without a degree in physics, you will have a hard time getting into highly selective programs even is you achieve excellent test scores. There are so many applicants to those programs (everyone wants to go there) that only applications with a nearly perfect GPA and high test scores are even looked at seriously.</p>

<p>if you want to move into physics, you will have to set your sights a bit lower and start with a Masters degree. if you apply to schools with a Ph.D. program you will probably have to finance your Masters studies yourself and if you do well, you might be able to move to the Ph.D. program. If you go to a Masters only school, you can get support.</p>