Rank US Universities for Physics Program

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around ranking U.S. universities based on their physics programs, specifically focusing on a list of institutions that include both well-known and lesser-known schools. Participants share their preferences and insights regarding the quality of physics departments at these universities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a preference for MIT over Harvard, suggesting they are the top two universities on the list.
  • Another participant speculates that Wellesley may have the smallest physics program among the listed universities, though they acknowledge uncertainty.
  • A different participant mentions that Wellesley has a good program and highlights the opportunity to take classes at MIT, presenting it as a viable alternative for students unsure about admission.
  • There is a clarification regarding the gender-specific nature of Wellesley and Smith Colleges, with one participant confirming they are women's colleges.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the rankings of the universities, and multiple competing views regarding the quality of the physics programs remain. There is uncertainty about the specifics of programs at several institutions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express limited knowledge about the universities outside of MIT and Harvard, indicating a potential lack of comprehensive information on the physics programs at the other listed institutions.

quasar987
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Hi,

I'm going to apply to a program that will allow me, should I be selected, to spend a year at one of the U.S. University listed below. However, the only ones I ever heard of are MIT and Harvard! I have to list those Universities in order fropm the one I'd prefer to go to, to the one I'd least like to go to. I'd be much grateful if you could list those Universities in order of best to worst (according to you) for their physics department. And of course, any comments are welcome.

1. American Univeristy

2. Bridgewater State College

3. Ithaca College

4. Harvard University

5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

6. Plattsburgh State University

7. Smith College

8. Wellesley College

Thanx a lot!
 
Last edited:
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quasar987 said:
Hi,

I'm going to apply to a program that will allow me, should I be selected, to spend a year at one of the U.S. University listed below. However, the only ones I ever heard of are MIT and Harvard! I have to list those Universities in order fropm the one I'd prefer to go to, to the one I'd least like to go to. I'd be much grateful if you could list those Universities in order of best to worst (according to you) for their physics department. And of course, any comments are welcome.

1. American Univeristy

2. Bridgewater State College

3. Ithaca College

4. Harvard University

5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

6. Plattsburgh State University

7. Smith College

8. Wellesley College

Thanx a lot!


I would pick MIT over harvard, those being the top two on the list. after that I'm not sure. I would Wellesley would have the smallest physics program out of all of them, but i could be wrong. I don't know anything about the others.

Oh also, i don't know if you're a guy or a gal, but SMith and Wellesley are women's only schools, in case you didn't know.
 
Wellesley has a good program, I know the resident astronomer there. Also the school allows you to take classes over at MIT so if you're not sure you can get in Wellesley is a good alternative.
 
I'm not female. Aren't Wellesley and Smith girls-only schools?
 

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