- #1
JD_PM
- 1,131
- 158
Hi PF community!
Let me briefly expose you all my situation. I have a degree in Biotech but I've always been interested in Physics. Once I finished it I decided to start studying Physics and it has been the best decision I've ever taken in my life.
I am currently in a 3 year programme which is 1 year of preparation (fundamental bachelor courses) + 2 years of Master's.
I am still in the first year of the programme but I feel like I'd like to do a PhD afterwards. And I'd like to do it in The States (an option would be to do the Master's Theses + PhD).
I have been looking at different universities and all of them request for recommendation letters, taking oral exams, taking GREs...
I have several questions:
1) I see GRE are tests with a wide different range of topics. I see in Physics they ask on CM, Electrodynamics, QM and so on. What's the difficulty of GRE tests and how much time should I study before taking them? (I know the time depends on the person but let's say I have an average knowledge on every topic).
2) How difficult is to get a scholarship for studying in a top university in America? Setting aside good marks, is there anything else I can do to boost my chances to get one?
3) As an immigrant, do I need to present any extra documentation or take any extra test (in English, for instance)?
I feel like I could do something else apart from getting good marks to improve my chances.
My profile is more of a passionate guy rather than a brilliant student.
I'd like to say that the idea of moving to America is a desire not an objective (I do not want to get obsessed with the idea of getting into a big place), but I feel I have to give it a shot.
I know it is may be too soon to be talking about a PhD in my situation but I think is good to plan this with time ahead.
Any advice is appreciated.
Thank you.
Let me briefly expose you all my situation. I have a degree in Biotech but I've always been interested in Physics. Once I finished it I decided to start studying Physics and it has been the best decision I've ever taken in my life.
I am currently in a 3 year programme which is 1 year of preparation (fundamental bachelor courses) + 2 years of Master's.
I am still in the first year of the programme but I feel like I'd like to do a PhD afterwards. And I'd like to do it in The States (an option would be to do the Master's Theses + PhD).
I have been looking at different universities and all of them request for recommendation letters, taking oral exams, taking GREs...
I have several questions:
1) I see GRE are tests with a wide different range of topics. I see in Physics they ask on CM, Electrodynamics, QM and so on. What's the difficulty of GRE tests and how much time should I study before taking them? (I know the time depends on the person but let's say I have an average knowledge on every topic).
2) How difficult is to get a scholarship for studying in a top university in America? Setting aside good marks, is there anything else I can do to boost my chances to get one?
3) As an immigrant, do I need to present any extra documentation or take any extra test (in English, for instance)?
I feel like I could do something else apart from getting good marks to improve my chances.
My profile is more of a passionate guy rather than a brilliant student.
I'd like to say that the idea of moving to America is a desire not an objective (I do not want to get obsessed with the idea of getting into a big place), but I feel I have to give it a shot.
I know it is may be too soon to be talking about a PhD in my situation but I think is good to plan this with time ahead.
Any advice is appreciated.
Thank you.