Choosing a University for an AA in Physics & Astrophysics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the choice between The University of Florida (UF) and Florida State University (FSU) for pursuing a bachelor's degree in physics, with a focus on astrophysics. Both universities offer in-state tuition benefits, and FSU is highlighted for its strong funding and research opportunities, particularly in physics and aerospace engineering. The presence of notable faculty, such as Dirac at FSU, is mentioned as a positive aspect. There are suggestions to consider Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for space physics, despite concerns about scholarship eligibility due to past academic challenges. Personal experiences shared indicate that FSU graduates have had positive outcomes in various fields, while there is less information available about UF's undergraduate environment. Additionally, Florida Atlantic University is suggested for its respected faculty in numerical relativity, although it has a smaller department. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of research opportunities and faculty reputation in making a decision.
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I am currently working on my AA in physics at a state college, with intentions to transfer to a university to get my bachelors and then hopefully masters and so on. I'm not sure if I should attend The University of Florida or Florida State University. Maybe there is another university I should attend. I would like to concentrate on Astrophysics.
 
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If you want in state tuition you could go to either one. Dirac was a professor at FSU. :)

Maybe you could look for a scholarship to embry riddle if you want to to space physics.
 
I forgot all about Embry Riddle XD Thanks for the suggestion. I don't know if ill get a scholarship because i dropped out in the past. But if I work hard and buckle down, I might be able to get some assistance.
 
If I had that choice I would definitely go with FSU only because they have that magnet facility. Also, like Mindscrape mentioned, Dirac was there. :smile:
 
I have had quite a few friends go to graduate school at FSU, evidently it is very well funded and active with research opportunities.

Not sure how the undergraduate environment is, since the only person I know who went there for his bachelors was my brother in-law. He studied mechanical engineering, then went abroad for a masters in aerospace engineering. He's a chief design engineer now at some company in Tallahassee that designs audio connectors. Not at all related to aerospace engineering, but I guess he had no trouble switching over to a EE / sound engineering job after he got back to the states. For what it is worth, he's never had anything negative to say about his undergrad experience.

All of my friends who went FSU for grad school {physics(x2)/aerospace engineering(x1)/molecular biology/med school(x2)} never applied (to my knowledge) to any of UF's grad programs ... not sure if that means anything or is only coincidence ... and again, that's only talking about grad school not undergrad ... plus 6 people is a pretty small sample size plus an esoteric mix of specialties.

I remember one of my friends ended up going to UF for law school. Haven't talked to her in years though, I think it was one of her top choices due to the type of law she wanted to practice. Sorry that doesn't say much about their undergrad nor anything else really, just little to no experience knowing anybody who went to UF.
 
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I can't say much about UF right now, but I was recently accepted to their Physics PhD program, and I may be visiting next month. If I do I'll send you a PM with my thoughts of the campus and city.
 
Thank you. This has been helpful. George please do follow up with me. It would be good to stay in touch, in case I ever need your help with something I don't understand. :P
 
Drotzer said:
I am currently working on my AA in physics at a state college, with intentions to transfer to a university to get my bachelors and then hopefully masters and so on. I'm not sure if I should attend The University of Florida or Florida State University. Maybe there is another university I should attend. I would like to concentrate on Astrophysics.

Take a look at Florida Atlantic University. It's a tiny department, but there some very well respected people in numerical relativity.
 
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