Choosing a University for an AA in Physics & Astrophysics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around choosing a university for pursuing a bachelor's degree in physics and astrophysics after completing an Associate of Arts (AA) in physics. Participants explore various university options, including The University of Florida, Florida State University, and Embry Riddle, while considering factors such as research opportunities, funding, and personal experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether to attend The University of Florida or Florida State University, seeking advice on the best choice for concentrating on astrophysics.
  • Another participant suggests that both universities offer in-state tuition and mentions Dirac's association with FSU, implying a potential advantage.
  • A participant recalls Embry Riddle as a potential option for space physics, although they express doubt about obtaining a scholarship due to past academic challenges.
  • One participant favors FSU for its magnet facility and mentions the positive reputation of the university among friends who attended for graduate studies.
  • A participant shares anecdotal experiences of friends who attended FSU for graduate school, noting a lack of applications to UF's graduate programs, but acknowledges the small sample size of experiences shared.
  • Another participant mentions their acceptance into UF's Physics PhD program and offers to share insights about the campus and city after a visit.
  • A suggestion is made to consider Florida Atlantic University, highlighting its small department and respected faculty in numerical relativity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on which university is the best choice, as multiple competing views and personal experiences are presented regarding the merits of FSU, UF, and Embry Riddle.

Contextual Notes

Participants' recommendations and opinions are based on personal experiences and anecdotal evidence, which may not reflect the broader academic environment or opportunities available at each institution.

Drotzer
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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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