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

[Ascendant78]

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?

 

[Vanadium 50]

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?

 

[Ascendant78]

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.

 

[heatengine516]

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.

 

[Matrix0]

I understand the importance of making informed decisions based on evidence and data. In this case, the decision between two universities for your undergraduate and graduate studies as a physics major is an important one, and it is natural to feel conflicted.

Firstly, I would like to address the issue of rankings. While university rankings can be a useful tool in evaluating the overall reputation and quality of a university, they should not be the sole determining factor in your decision. It is true that some universities may have a higher ranking in terms of their physics program, but this does not necessarily mean that they are the best fit for you as an individual. It is important to consider other factors such as location, cost, research opportunities, and faculty expertise. Ultimately, what matters most is the quality of education and research experience you receive, rather than the university's ranking.

Secondly, it is important to remember that as a physics major, your academic success will largely depend on your own efforts and dedication. While the reputation of a university may provide some advantages, it is ultimately your hard work, academic performance, and research experience that will make the most impact in your future career. Therefore, it is important to choose a university that offers a strong curriculum and research opportunities in physics, regardless of its ranking.

Additionally, as a non-traditional student, it is understandable that proximity to your daughter is a significant factor in your decision. It is important to prioritize your personal and family needs while also considering your academic and career goals. You may want to consider reaching out to current or past students from both universities to get a better understanding of their experiences and how it may align with your own goals and priorities.

In conclusion, I would advise you to carefully consider all factors, including rankings, location, curriculum, research opportunities, and personal needs, when making your decision. Ultimately, what matters most is choosing a university that offers a strong physics program and supports your academic and personal growth.