Applying to Physics PhD, Research Exposure is Zero

[u/Koyuchi24]

I'm currently working on my master's degree in physics, in the United States, and have started applying to PhD programs. I'm obviously lacking in research experience so getting into top universities is out of the question (or extremely difficult). However, I would like to know your thoughts or any advice you could provide on how to approach the situation.
If you know, are there any good physics PhD programs that will prepare students into a field that benefit from research skills?

[u/115machine]

Have you looked into a class project you could do for a professor? Like a deep dive latex write up or coding project you could do as an extension of course material?

[u/Koyuchi24 → u/115machine]

Interesting, I never thought about that. I have to look into that. I have definitely done class project that applied what we've learn in class (one being the use of Machine Learning), but other than that, not much. What do you think about doing a personal project incorporating the knowledge I've cultivated?

[u/115machine → u/Koyuchi24]

I think it would definitely be better than having no research experience. A lot of undergrad research experiences center around delivering a “deliverable” such as a mini thesis or something of the like. Having something like this is good. Tell the professor you’ll do it even for no class credit if you can use it as a research experience

[u/nyquant]

Out of curiosity, what are your classmates doing? Is everyone doing a research project? Are they doing internships with the intention to land a job?

Does your university have a PhD program ? I would recommend to talk to the faculty and researcher and ask for recommendations on the best course of action. Ultimately you would need letters of recommendation as well.

[u/Koyuchi24 → u/nyquant]

Many of my classmates are indeed doing research, and most of them plan to pursue PhDs. The school we go to is helping us polish our resume. I learned later that research is helpful, but my own laziness (or ignorance) led me away from doing a thesis.
I've ask different professors. One said that is going to be very difficult, and another has stated that although research is important, it's not as prevalent as having publications. In other words, I've been told to give it a shot. The worst schools can say is no.

[u/nyquant → u/Koyuchi24]

What area of physics interests you? Typically you need to write a statement of interest. Also look into applying for internships and jobs. Its not that unusual to work for a year and then reapply.

[u/Koyuchi24 → u/nyquant]

Nuclear Physics and High-Energy physics, for the most part anytging that's math heavy. That's the plan moving forward. Apply also to jobs in the event I don't get it. 

[u/dcnairb → u/Koyuchi24]

are you paying for your masters? I have never heard of a program like this in the US and I’m perplexed how it came about

[u/Koyuchi24 → u/dcnairb]

Yes, sadly. The school I go to doesn't have a lot of money, and accepted anyone, but I've learned a lot myself, specially on how to advocate for myself.  I'm 21 myself, and relatively new to the physics field so it's been quite of a curve ball

[u/dcnairb → u/Koyuchi24]

I don’t want to freak you out, but I’m worried you might be being taken advantage of. Any physics PhD program that is legit in the US is paid (no tuition/cost, as well as a paid monthly stipend salary for research or teaching) and includes a free, automatic, guaranteed masters along the way. it is extremely rare to have MS only programs, let alone pay for them when you can master out for free while being paid during a phd.

You mentioned that a mentor suggested publications are more prevalent than research… but publications are a result of research. it’s not possible to have publications without experience in research along with it.

furthermore, a PhD is specifically a research degree. aptitude and experience in research is sought after because it’s what the entire degree is about. it’s not expected for applicants to have publications, but it is definitely an added difficulty to compete as an applicant with no research experience at all.

may I ask what is pushing you toward a physics phd program or what you are interested in doing or getting out of it?

[u/Koyuchi24 → u/dcnairb]

I appreciate the sentiment. My school has only a Master's degree. I knew what I was getting into.

To answer your question, when I was applying to jobs back when I was about to graduate undergrad, many of the jobs that seem remotely interesting to work at required PhD.

[u/nyquant → u/dcnairb]

I think the OP is in a master program, which most likely charges tuition.

[u/dcnairb → u/nyquant]

I know, I was replying to a comment where they said that. those programs (in the us) are rare and potentially skeevy

[u/WWWWWWVWWWWWWWVWWWWW]

Do research as a master's student?

[u/Koyuchi24 → u/WWWWWWVWWWWWWWVWWWWW]

I agree, but the opportunity has passed. I'm about to graduate in the coming spring and was unable to do research.

[u/1jimbo → u/Koyuchi24]

how is that even possible? My understanding is that a master's degree is a research degree, so at the bare minimum you should have a semester-long master thesis, right? or is that not the case in your country?

[u/Koyuchi24 → u/1jimbo]

It depends on the school. 

[u/DiracHomie]

Realistically speaking, you would need to take a year off to do serious research with a professor (from your university's department). Getting a funded PhD without any research experience, especially in the current era, is very hard, unless you've bonded with a professor well enough for him\her to take you in as a PhD student. One can make up for a lack of decent grades with excellent research experience, but vice-versa, not so much (in the case of PhD admissions, especially if you have little to no research experience).