As of right now I am a sophomore with a 2.9 overall GPA at the College of William and Mary. My major is Physics and I will have a minor in math. The dream I’m trying to achieve is to defy all odds, this means getting into an ivy league graduate school pursuing a Phd. in something related to quantum mechanics.
I started with a 3.73 GPA my first semester at William and Mary. I made a of mistake of pursuing Physics and Computer Science my second and third semester, this made my GPA fall to the ground. Not to mention being diagnosed with epilepsy at the start of my second semester, also having some problems with my family in terms of our financial situation. I felt as if I lost my motivation after what I went through.
Though Im getting back the drive I had my first semester. I don’t have much research experience, though this summer I will be doing research with some professors at my school.
I gave out, but Im not giving up.
My passion for Physics is through the roof. I know getting into an ivy league should not be a goal, getting into any grad school is enough; but Its my dream. All of us should try everything we have into achieving our dreams, not matter the challenges we face.
If you want an Ivy physics PhD, drop undergrad physics, major exclusively in math, the more theoretical the bettter, and as much grad level math course work as you can. Oh, and get all A’s to make up for your less than stellar record to this point. That might be sufficient, or you might very well need to go for a math or physics masters first if you are set on an Ivy level PhD program.
If you retake the physics class that you bombed, will it replace the grade in the first class in your GPA calculation or will it be a separate class in the calculation?
Honestly, a poor grade in undergrad college physics and a 2.9 GPA doesn’t bode well for an ivy league quantum mechanics graduate degree. You might get there if you knock it out of the ballpark in a masters program somewhere else first, though.
Not all Ivies are strong in physics, and there are plenty of strong physics departments in state flagships. Your dream should be about your eventual career, not the specific path you take to get there.
Did you talk to your advisor? William & Mary has one of the highest rates among public schools for undergraduates going on to earn STEM PHDs. They may have some good direct knowledge.
@ucbalumnus I think I will be doing well in upper level Physics courses. Math classes will be challenging but I’ll do my best. At this point Im convinced that going to an ivy shouldn’t be a goal of mine. The goal Im trying to achieve is to explore the universe by making some progress in understanding Einstein-Rosen Bridges, its something I cant stop thinking about.