Any suggestions for a University?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a university that offers strong programs in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Astronomy, with an emphasis on research opportunities and a techy/geeky atmosphere. Participants share various suggestions and considerations regarding location, selectivity, and specific programs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for a university with strong programs across multiple STEM fields and mentions a preference for unique classes and a techy feel.
  • Another participant questions the feasibility of finding a university that meets all the specified requirements.
  • Suggestions include using the ABET search engine to identify accredited engineering programs in the USA.
  • Concerns are raised about the selectivity of schools that have strong programs in multiple fields.
  • Waterloo in Canada is mentioned as a good option for strong programs.
  • UT Austin is highlighted as a university with degrees in all mentioned fields, good funding, and reasonable admission requirements, particularly for in-state students.
  • A participant notes that while UT Austin is a good option, it may be more selective for out-of-state applicants.
  • Another participant shares their positive experience at UT Austin, emphasizing research opportunities and the intellectual environment in Austin.
  • The University of Arizona is suggested for its strengths in astrophysics and astronomy, particularly related to space probes.
  • Imperial College in London is mentioned as a standard choice for those considering universities in London.
  • Concerns about educational differences between the US and UK systems are raised, particularly regarding calculus education.
  • A later reply corrects a misconception about the timing of calculus education in the UK.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of strong academic programs and research opportunities, but there are multiple competing views regarding the feasibility of finding a university that meets all specified criteria. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best options available.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying opinions on selectivity and educational standards between countries, highlighting the complexity of comparing different educational systems. There are also differing perspectives on the availability of unique courses and the techy atmosphere at universities.

thewhills
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I am looking for something with very strong Physics program as well as Aerospace(Astronautical) Engineering,Electrical Engineering.Computer Science AND Astronomy...that seems about right.
Of course lots of research opportunities.

Something that lacks no class in a field, but also has weird classes. I think Science/Engineering in Sci-Fi was a classic I saw at some school.
A Science/Tech and Space policy program is a huge plus.

I want to be a bit techy/geeky feel.

I am willing to go anywhere location wise as long as the speak English since I am not sure where I want to live, but "prefer" a city,either San Francisco,Silicon Valley area,the D.C Area,Boston,New York,Seattle and maybe even London.

My final thing is I need something not too selective.
 
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That's asking for a lot! I have yet to hear of a uni that meets all your requirements. It'll be cool if it existed though :)
 
Academic is obvious the most important.
 
For the USA, I suggest using the search engine at ABET (which accredits engineering programs) to search for universities with aeronautical engineering programs. That will give you a list to start with. Then you can pick out the ones in likely locations and investigate them further to see which ones have the other programs you're interested in.
 
I agree, start with ABET.

I'm afraid that schools with so many strong programs in so many fields are going to be selective. That's how they get to be selective.
 
In Canada, Waterloo is good.
 
thewhills said:
I am looking for something with very strong Physics program as well as Aerospace(Astronautical) Engineering,Electrical Engineering.Computer Science AND Astronomy...that seems about right.
Of course lots of research opportunities.

My final thing is I need something not too selective.

In Texas, I know that UT Austin has degrees for all of those, and gets lots of funding, so research opportunities should be easy to get (I don't go there so I don't know though). Its also ranked fairly high, but getting admitted isn't too hard (all you need is a good class rank and a fairly good SAT/ACT score).
 
Minor correct, it isn't to hard if you are from Texas (due to the top 10% rule) but since many people from in-state come, they are a bit more selective from out-of-state. But I do suggest them for engineering or Texas A & M.
 
I'll vouch for UT Austin. You should definitely check it out. It has good programs for all the areas you mentioned (I'm in Physics myself, and I'm very satisfied so far). There are plenty of research opportunities as well. Admission requirements are pretty reasonable too.

If you are scared of living in Texas (like I was), Austin is actually a sort of intellectual/liberal oasis within the state. I've liked living here more than I thought I would.

The only thing UT may lack is the tech/geeky feel, but I'm sure you can find the right people to hang out with if that's what you want.
 
  • #10
Thanks for the list, it helps...Options are sadly slim...
 
  • #11
If you're interested in working on space probes, you might investigate the University of Arizona, which is home base for the Phoenix Mars lander that touched down in May. (I happened to be visiting Tucson at that time and went to the university to watch the festivities.) U of A is strong in astrophysics and astronomy in general (Kitt Peak National Observatory is near Tucson), and I think it's also well-known for optics in general.
 
  • #12
http://www.metu.edu/index.php"

Astrophysics
Aerospace Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

Check this out ABET approved too.. :approve:
 
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  • #13
Turkey would be a little...weird.
 
  • #14
If you're looking to come to london, Imperial College would be the standard choice.
 
  • #15
^^^^
It doesn't have to be in London.
 
  • #16
thewhills said:
Turkey would be a little...weird.

Just messing with you, Haha. I bet you were scratching your head the whole time after reading my response earlier. Anyway, here is a chart of Top Institutions in the World by comparison, have fun looking them all up out and good luck finding the right program.:blushing:

-- http://www.topuniversities.com/worlduniversityrankings/results/2007/subject_rankings/natural_sciences/"


-- http://www.topuniversities.com/worlduniversityrankings/results/2007/subject_rankings/technology/"
 
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  • #17
My biggest fear with going outside the US is being behind.
For example in the US, getting a B in AP calc is considered wonderful.
But in the UK that is pathetic because they finish Calc in like 9th grade.
 
  • #18
thewhills said:
But in the UK that is pathetic because they finish Calc in like 9th grade.

Erm.. no we don't. In the UK, Calculus isn't taught until 6th form, or what we call college. To try and compare, this is two years before you go to university.
 

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