Schools Choice for undergrad college and grad school as a physics major?

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The discussion centers around the decision between completing a Bachelor of Science in Physics at the University of Florida (UF) or the University of South Florida (USF). The individual is weighing the benefits of UF's stronger reputation in physics against the logistical challenges of being a non-traditional student and the impact on joint custody of their daughter. Feedback from peers and faculty suggests that while rankings can matter, the quality of education, course offerings, and research opportunities are more critical factors. USF is highlighted for its requirement for undergraduates to engage in research and its supportive environment, which contrasts with UF's more independent approach to research opportunities. The individual is also considering the course structure at USF, which appears to be well-prepared for graduate studies, while emphasizing the importance of minimizing financial and family strains in their decision-making process.
Ascendant78
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Ok, so I am just finishing my AA as a physics major and on the fence about two different universities to finish my BS. One of them is more well recognized as far as physics goes (University of Florida). However, being a non-traditional student, it would put me a substantial distance away from my daughter (me and the ex have joint custody). On the other hand, the University of South Florida is a much closer university, but they are way down there on the rankings as far as physics goes. I have had some people tell me UF would be more highly regarded, while others have said it will mainly be about grades, the courses I took, and what research I conducted during undergrad. Since I got a lot of mixed feedback from faculty at my current college, I thought I would ask some of you directly in physics that might know? Do college rankings really make much of a difference for undergrad, or is most of that type of stuff just arbitrarily evaluated?
 
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It's not the ranking so much as the quality of the education. What are the courses you would be taking? What books are used in each courses? What research opportunities are there?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
It's not the ranking so much as the quality of the education. What are the courses you would be taking? What books are used in each courses? What research opportunities are there?

Thanks for the info. Those are all things I have been trying to look into. One thing I liked about USF is that they actually require all physics undergrads to participate in research and do all they can to encourage it, while UF (from what it seems so far at least) pretty much leaves you up to contacting the professors and such yourself. Anyway, I will keep exploring both and compare them. Thanks again for the feedback.
 
Course-wise, it looks like USF is sound, with regards to grad school preparation. I.e. Two semester EM, two semester QM, advanced lab, stat mech. Research requirement is great too. Minimizing financial/family strains IMO is the most important thing.
 

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