physicist or mathematician for phD?

College Majors Science Majors
1

<p>At the moment I'm struggling real hard in terms of which phD departments to apply to.I thinking between in applied math or physics, as I did my undergrad in physics and applied math. </p>

<p>My background, my favorite classes were proof-based linear algebra and statistical mechanics (not the thermo part). My next favorites were quantum mechanics and real analysis. I also liked the ODEs and PDEs classes in math, but didn't learn too much new stuff as I've already learned to solve DEs in physics. I didn't get to see much of the math theory, such as the maximal principle. I guess the best part about quantum was using the math techniques, as I love linear algebra and PDEs. I struggled a bit with the physical concepts, but enjoyed learning about them also. But I certainly didn't like E&M or thermo as much. And I hate lab courses. I didn't take the physics electives classes I really wanted to take, such as astrophysics, solid-state, optics, nuclear, or atomic. Thats because during the last couple semesters of undergrad, I had some outside distractions, some of which were personal and family related </p>

<p>Solid state physics seems pretty interesting from what I saw from my modern physics lower-div class and what I've read about it. I did 2 research projects related to materials and solid-state, so I'm pretty sure that I would like the course. But I can't stand the thought of having to take another lab course. </p>

<p>Also, if it means anything, I had a 3.9 gpa in my math courses, and 3.6 in physics. Also, its probably too late at this point to apply to math depts (that combine pure and applied math), since I haven't studied for the math GRE at all. I've been studying for the physics GRE since 2 months ago, so I expect to get in the mid 800s. The applied math schools I got on my list so far are NYU, Maryland, Brown, and Princeton since they dont require the math GRE and they let you take plenty of non-math courses</p>

<p>Do I sound more like an applied mathematician or a physicist?</p>

2

<p>alot of work in solid state and materials is hands on lab stuff. think carefully. astrophysics is more theoretical. you sound more like a math person to me.</p>

3

<p>There’s a ton of math/physics/theory going on if you get into computer modeling of materials. It’s a great way to get a mix of applied math and theory of materials.</p>

4

<p>I also forgot to add some more details. I took the honors abstract algebra, but did poorly and had to drop it, but that was more due to outside distractions. I didn’t take topology, but from what I’ve seen of it, it seems pretty interesting. I also took proof-based fourier analysis, but struggled with it despite getting an A. </p>

<p>As for physics, I really liked the stat and quantum mech, but just do not like labs, thermo, some parts of E&M, and relativity</p>

<p>For the computer modeling, I think I’d rather use the models rather than work on the most efficient solutions, as I’m not too fond of CS. But even if I wanted to apply to pure/applied math programs now, it seems like I have no chance as its too late to take the math GRE and I don’t have any background in abstract algebra or topology</p>