# Serious advice/ plan for getting into Physics/Math Grad schools of choice [closed]

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Technology in the subject "Food Technology". I have completed 2 years just now.Yes, I have been exposed to Mathematics in my first year of college studying Differential and Integral Calculus,Ordinary Differential Equations,Linear Algebra, Complex Numbers, Vector Calculus,Probability. As for Physics, I have been exposed to courses like Oscillations and Waves, Wave Nature of Light, Special Theory of Relativity, Wave Mechanics, Atomic Physics(typically in the first year). The courses were not so rigorous( I am into an average university). In the 2nd year, we had different physics subjects like Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat and Mass Transfer. I am now going to be exposed to more Food Subjects from the 3rd Year like Food Engineering and Meats,Poultry etc . This was only to inform you of my current status.

However, I am not really keen on pursuing Food Science in my Post Grad career. I cannot change my course of choice right now,unfortunately. However,for the Post Grad, I have majorly three to four options in mind, comprising of Maths, Physics, Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science. I know, not a clear goal yet. Out of these, I have been strongly inclining towards Maths/Physics at the moment. Doing Food Technology had never been my goal. Due to a lack of clear focus, I ended up getting bad grades and choosing a course, perhaps not so suitable for me.

I always had an intensely logical approach to everything. Whenever I study Mathematics, I want to delve down into the details of how a particular proof was created. I just lose interest in solving problems when I don't know all the details that went into creating it.I absolutely love the idea of constructing new mathematical models or creating new science, something never known before, not for the sake of getting 'famous', but for the sake for the unlimited intellectual stimulation and satisfaction it would provide me with. Since my college courses weren't so rigorous, I nearly memorized a lot of things very unwillingly and had very good marks in some of the maths/physics subjects, and not so good in some other such subjects. I am truly fascinated by the idea of Astrophysics. Any physics or maths, that helps me understand how the world works, and especially would help me innovate or write a new model after having a thorough read of the earlier established work in "intricate" detail is the best for me. I think of "why's" to every possible maths or physics statement for a very long time. Yet as of today, due to no clear structure, I have not been able to have a firm grasp on the Physics or Maths Fundamentals. I reside in India, and it is not so research driven as countries like U.S.A. with the exception of some premier institutes(which unfortunately I didn't get into, because I was very unsure of what I wanted to do in my life). I have decided I will finally work to the best of my abilities and get strong in the basics. I am not a genius, but I am smart. I believe I can do it. I have been looking at some of the top graduate schools for these programs like MIT,Princeton,Cal tech (you get the idea), but the lack of a proper structure and plan have always lead me in confusion. I know I will love very very intellectually stimulating places, looking at every piece of math or science work , and thinking what lead to this in extreme detail. Also, I would love a place where cutting edge research is done, creating the potential of developing several new innovations that change the future of math or science.

I have also considered the option of integrating food science and physics/maths/mechanical engineering in research to create something challenging and deeply meaningful.

Also,I have always been very very interested in the theoretical maths/physics rather than the applied(attending labs) parts. The lab courses just cannot hold my interest for long.

Now, I know, that on a scale of 1-10, I want to go to 10, and I am currently at 0-1. Would would you suggest I do? How should I prepare? How can I get into such top schools? How can I start at this particular moment? I am open to all useful suggestions. Especially, from people who have experience in such fields. If I don't do this, I will regret not having done this for my whole life. I clearly need help, because I realize that if I don't have a great plan, I won't be able to achieve this. What are the 'essentials' I really need and after then,what next? Please take this into consideration. I have about 2 years of college left, what can I do?

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## closed as primarily opinion-based by Qmechanic♦Jul 7 at 8:42

Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise.If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.

I understand this, but all what I need is a set of diverse individual opinions to this question to clearly understand what I am into. Every individual has his/her own experiences, and based on them, everyone is entitled to give an opinion fit for this question. I will want to hear everyone out, considering how I seem to be getting no help from anyone elsewhere. This is extremely important to me. Perhaps, reading different answers will help me decide better, and allow me to make better choices in my future career. –  user52976 Jul 7 at 9:03
If you have a specific question about a specific physics concept, please ask it. However, I suspect that, given this post where almost every sentence contains "I", you simply want to write at length about yourself and get others to talk about you. Perhaps that's why you seem to "be getting no help from anyone elsewhere". –  Alfred Centauri Jul 7 at 12:33
You are asking for opinions... Here is mine. With your current background you will not get I to the physics/math graduate program of a top school. Start again: find an interesting and challenging undergraduate program in the field you want to study - your current background will help but you are unlikely to have had the rigorous undergrad physics and math curriculum needed to succeed in grad school. Don't waste more time pursuing a degree you don't want. –  Floris Jul 7 at 12:37
@user52976 My advise would be to ask in academia.stackexchange.com BTW, I agree with Floris –  Dox Jul 7 at 15:35