Hardware conditions: GRE: 1000+, TOEFL: 80+, GRE Sub.
Admission results: University of Arizona, Ph.D. in physics won the full prize.
The University of Arizona ranks 42nd in physics, and is very leading in the fields of elementary particles and astronomy. There was once a famous physics leader in China.
Cavendish (1731.10.10. ~1810.3.10.) is a famous British chemist and physicist. He has worked in his own laboratory all his life, and has various titles such as Frankenstein, Giant of Science, Regard fame and fortune as clouds, Richest Scholar and Most Learned Rich Man. 18 10 March 10, cavendish died in London and remained unmarried for life.
"Z students who are obsessed with scientific research have poor test scores. Whether it is GPA, GRE/TOEFL, or SUB, these indicators, which are very important for physical application, have no advantage in the whole applicant population. Although we have confidence in the scientific research ability of Z students, how to overcome the huge obstacles brought by scores and strive for achievements has become our biggest problem. "
-Introduction
Cavendish determined the composition of water, analyzed the composition of air, measured the gravitational constant and average density of the earth, and studied the distribution and interaction of charges. ...
Cavendish was very successful, but he didn't have the gentlemanly demeanor of Britain at that time. He is untidy, and almost no clothes can't be buttoned; He is unsociable, talkative, never married, and leads a strange reclusive life. In order to do scientific research, Cavendish turned the living room into a laboratory, and there were many observation instruments at the bedside of the bedroom, so as to observe the astronomical phenomena at any time. Cavendish was a scholar. He lived and worked until he was 79 years old, and he was still doing experiments on the eve of his death. Cavendish won many nicknames in his life, such as Frankenstein, giant of science, the richest scholar and the most learned millionaire.
Although not as weird as Cavendish, Z's insistence on physics research is the same as that of a great scientist. "Because of my love of physics and my obsession with mathematics, I hope I can become a theoretical physicist. I yearn for the lifestyle of devoting myself to scientific research every day: physics makes me awe of nature, which makes me calm down; Mathematics makes me realize the beauty brought by concise and profound logic, which brings me surprise and pleasure, "she told me." "Z students are fascinated by science and can often work in the laboratory for 24 hours without rest. Her tutor came to work the next day, wondering why she came so early. It is because of this spirit and persistence that her research can be recognized by her tutor and she has also won a special scholarship to reward scientific research achievements.
However, while Z is obsessed with science, he really ignores other aspects of life. She doesn't go out to socialize, doesn't care about the conditions of material life, doesn't care about exam results, and doesn't like things that are not directly related to scientific research. At the same time, she doesn't know all parts of the application. She is not good at exam skills. She asked me again and again, can't my three papers make up GPA (GRE/TOEFL/SUB)? It's hard for me to answer at the moment.
Classmate Z's requirements are not low. Even if her grades were not satisfactory, she insisted on applying only to the top 50 schools in physics, and Princeton/Harvard/Berkeley/Yale didn't let go. She said that she was only willing to do research in a first-class research institute. She also said that she understood the hardships of physics research, from doctor to postdoctoral, to assistant professor and finally to tenured professor. In the end, it may only be 12%. She said that many people quit because they couldn't hold on to it, but some persistent people worked as postdoctoral fellows for nearly 20 years, and they didn't get any employment in any research institute until they were 50 years old, and then they continued to travel around the world to do research groups on physical theory. She doesn't care whether she is recognized in the short term, but will insist on various opportunities to work in a world-class research team until the day when she is recognized. Also from the field of science, I admire my classmate Z a little. Her spirit is possessed by a real scientist. Just as Cavendish's manuscript was discovered by Maxwell 70 years after his death, just as barbara mcclintock discovered the transposon but was not recognized, it persisted for nearly 30 years, was widely accepted, and won the Nobel Prize at the age of 8 1. If Z students always stick to their own ideas, they will eventually make recognized achievements.
But applications need to communicate with strangers frequently, and Z is not good at it. In the process of college admission examination, we also look at the results first, and then at the scientific research results. Moreover, how to describe the scientific research experience and let the university know the unique Excellence of Z students has become a special difficulty. Realizing that grades are immutable, we focus on preparing materials and practicing academic exchanges. Z's academic description ability is understandable, but we still need to know the appetite of the admission Committee and discuss it together. We also practice how to communicate in English. We will also send greeting cards to all the professors we have contacted, and make appointments for telephone communication and face-to-face communication. Finally, Z successfully persuaded the professor of Arizona University to admit her regardless of her exam results.
On the difficulty of application, the doctoral degree is several times more difficult than the self-funded master's degree. After worrying for a long time, Z successfully got the PhD admission of the pre-50 in physics at the University of Arizona, and finally let us put our hearts down together. Bless Z students who adhere to their academic ideals. Maybe one day after ten years, we can read about the success of classmate Z in the newspaper.
Studying in the United States: Is it high to apply for a Ph.D. in physics at the University of Arizona?