Looking for advice here, any opinions welcome!
I recently got admitted into Columbias Post-Bacc SPS program for Fall 2026 and I’m looking for advice on if this is the right move for me or not.
I’m graduating in a few weeks with a Bachelors of Arts in physics and will be applying for Astronomy PhD programs for the Fall 2027 cycle (though willing to push back to 2028 if it makes sense). I had some major personal life events happen in my senior year causing me to switch my BS to a BA, drop classical mechanics and not take thermal physics, classical mechanics, or electromagnetic theory 2. My university also does not really offer any astro courses so i have none of those.
I have a solid gpa and research experiences but no publications across two different research groups, one for an academic year and the other full-time for one summer.
I’m interested in Columbia’s graduate program and while I know SPS is not necessarily a bridge to GSAS, I’m looking for opinions if the coursework I could take would significantly improve my graduate applications and “fill gaps”? I’m also interested in trying to get involved in research during my time there.
I appreciate any advice and am happy to clarify anything if needed! Thanks yall!