Hi all,
I have applied to MSc Physics as a double major in Computer Engineerlng and Physics, with separate BSc degrees earned, with GPA: 3.53/4. (My Bavarian converted GPA is 1.4)
I have been rejected because of not satisfying the academic requirements.
After searching for the requirements, the legal text states that I need to either hold a BSc Physics, or have a natural science/engineering BSc with at least 50% physics-related courses.
Besides that, I need to have at least 2.9 GPA (in german scale) and at least 150 ECTS credits.
Although, there is another document that I found, which is more like a summary, and that states the 50% rule as a general condition.
Nevertheless, I have a 305 ECTS points earned and could have easily gotten a Physics BSc only by itself as well.
When I emailed certain people explaining my situation (that I am holding a BSc in Physics as well, and the 50% rule should not apply to me), one response was "can't reply due to large number of applications, apply next semester", another was "you have below 50% studies in physics-related courses".
Since Heidelberg was my top choice of university due to having the largest and most diverse research group in my topic in all of Europe, I really want to do something to solve the situation.
What do you suggest?
EDIT: I've got responses from the dean of studies in physics (seems to be a final one):
The dean of studies in physics tells me that at the time of the application my diploma was not attached (I was about to graduate), and because of that, they have to evaluate my transcript. if I had my diploma ready, they would have had to admit me. They told me that only 103 out of 274 ECTS is physics related and that the amount is too low anyway.
Although my own calculation shows that they calculated the physics-related courses in the harshest way possible. I have 79 ECTS direct Physics credits, which covers all core undergraduate courses (EM1&2, QM1&2, Modern Physics 1&2, statistical mechanics, classical mechanics, intro to research, mathematical methods of physics). I have 30 ECTS core math courses such as calculus 1&2, linear algebra and differential equations. Those two alone make 109 ECTS, which is higher than 103 ECTS the admissions committee has calculated!
And then there is quantum algorithms, pattern recognition, intro to computing etc, computer engineering courses that are also physics electives but not PHYS coded formally, only those I have written here is enough to pass the 50% limit. There are lots of other computer engineering courses that are also very relevant, apparently they did not count a single one of them.
I have replied to him with these calculations, apparently my email formatting as bold for the most important sentences was shown to him as ALL CAPS, and he told me to "stop yelling him", and that he won't discuss the physics-related calculations. He tells me to apply next semester with the diploma, even though it is available right now.
I plan to formally appeal the decision but do not know anything about how it works, I would appreciate any help.
For further context, from the legal text:
"der Nachweis eines mit überdurchschnittlichem Erfolg bestandenen Hochschulab- schlusses Bachelor of Science, Staatsexamen oder einen vergleichbaren Ab- schluss in einem mindestens sechssemestrigen Studiengang a.) der Fachrichtung Physik oder b.) der Mathematik, Natur- oder Ingenieurwissenschaften mit einem physikrele- vanten Studienanteil im Umfang von mindestens 50%."
informal translation:
*"Proof of having passed a Bachelor of Science degree, state examination, or a comparable degree with above-average success in an academic program lasting at least six semesters:
a.) in the field of Physics, or
b.) in Mathematics, Natural Sciences, or Engineering with a physics-related study share of at least 50%."*
the summary document on the contrary:
"The main prerequisite for admission is a successfully completed 3-year Bachelor's degree in physics or another natural or engineering science subject with a physics-relevant curriculum content of at least 50%. The final grade must correspond to at least 2.9 in the German grading system"
