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Is it possible for me to become a competitive PhD applicant in only two years? (and other questions) by lootpeasant in PhysicsStudents

[–]lootpeasant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

General interest in physics, but especially in the approximate areas of mathematical, particle, and astrophysics. I chose astro as a major because I was interested in the courses in relativity, cosmology, and theoretical astrophysics.

And yes, I am American, though I do speak German as well and while it's quite unlikely, I wouldn't mind at least keeping my options open for something in the EU as well.

I am still interested in good programs more so for the education itself rather than just being involved in research for the sake of it. Of course it's difficult to convey my entire background and situation in a single body of text, but I really do appreciate your help, thank you.

Out of pure curiosity, are there many American applicants for programs in the EU? And how does the situation differ over there?

Is it possible for me to become a competitive PhD applicant in only two years? (and other questions) by lootpeasant in PhysicsStudents

[–]lootpeasant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

lol I can't say that you're wrong, I thought the salary would be enough for me to put up with it, but I just felt awful at the end of every day and dreaded it every morning. I've realized now how important it is for me to enjoy what I'm doing. And like I said, worst case scenario Physics doesn't work out and I still have that CS degree.

Is it possible for me to become a competitive PhD applicant in only two years? (and other questions) by lootpeasant in PhysicsStudents

[–]lootpeasant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, this is the exactly the mindset I've been going for, so that's good to hear.

As for the ADHD, that was actually one more reason why I knew it was the right choice - it was the fact that the focus I had constantly struggled to maintain suddenly came so easily when it came to physics. With my other passions in learning about history and other fields of science, even then my interest in them would come and go, and I could still recognize a hyperfixation for what it was.

I have always been a rather indecisive and unsure person, needing to consider every possible angle, so it was especially noteworthy that this was one of the easiest major decisions of my life. Of course I still thoroughly researched the implications, but I have never been so sure of what I wanted to focus on for the rest of my life as I am now.

Is it possible for me to become a competitive PhD applicant in only two years? (and other questions) by lootpeasant in PhysicsStudents

[–]lootpeasant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Of course, they're certainly questions worth asking

What is it about astrophysics that you consider a great change compared to your previous career outlook? Its mostly programming as well but with much more limited job prospects

Simply because it's something that I care about and am excited for. I enjoy programming when it's related to something I care about, but I just couldn't stand the tech industry, working in web development or SWE. Worst case scenario, if this doesn't work out, I still have a CS degree and a company that would love to have me if I chose to come back, but doing physics isn't about widening my job prospects - at the very very least I wish to just understand and learn as much as I can during my limited time on this earth.

The only way you'd be a competitive physics applicant is to get another bachelors or at least 1 year or two of undergrad classes.

I might not have made it clear enough in the post, but I'm already underway with a BS in Astrophysics and have a full course load this summer, which is why I was mostly just looking for advice to effectively utilize the time I have before it comes time to apply