Deciding between schools: advice

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting a university for transferring as a physics major, with a focus on various institutions including UVA, RIT, Stony Brook, Indiana University, Purdue, UMass Amherst, and George Mason. Participants share insights on research opportunities, financial considerations, and the implications of school rankings for graduate school applications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their choice of schools, noting they are coming from a community college and aiming to catch up in their physics studies.
  • Another participant suggests considering in-state schools due to potential cost advantages, highlighting that out-of-state tuition can be comparable to private school costs.
  • Concerns are raised about George Mason University being perceived as having a weaker program in the sciences compared to the other listed institutions.
  • RIT is identified as a private institution, which is clarified by multiple participants.
  • A participant mentions their acceptance into a summer internship at Fermilab, indicating proactive engagement in research opportunities.
  • One participant leans towards UVA or one of the Indiana schools, expressing that financial aid will be a significant factor in their decision-making process.
  • Another participant argues that school ranking may not be as crucial as the ability to gain research experience, sharing their personal success in gaining admission to prestigious graduate programs despite attending a large state school.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the importance of school rankings and the perceived quality of programs, particularly regarding George Mason University. There is no consensus on which school is definitively the best choice, and financial considerations are acknowledged as a significant factor in the decision-making process.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various factors influencing their decisions, including financial aid, research opportunities, and personal experiences, but do not resolve the complexities of these considerations.

Nima223
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As the question suggests, I am deciding between uva, rit, stony brook, Indiana u, purdue, umass Amherst, and George mason. Sort of a random list, I know. I am going to be a transfer physics major. Hoping to get into research and apply to grad school (I am coming from a community college so I have catching up to do).
 
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Nima223 said:
As the question suggests, I am deciding between uva, rit, stony brook, Indiana u, purdue, umass Amherst, and George mason. Sort of a random list, I know. I am going to be a transfer physics major. Hoping to get into research and apply to grad school (I am coming from a community college so I have catching up to do).
This is quite the disparate list!

These are all state schools (more or less), so if money is an issue, you should think about the schools in your home state. If you pay out of state tuition, the cost will often rival the cost of a private school.

Of all of the schools, George Mason is probably the weakest program in the sciences.

Other than GMU, these are all very large flagship campuses of state university systems. You should have good opportunities for doing research, but you need to be aggressive to get these opportunities. You should also look into applying to REU programs for summer research. It is too late this year, but certainly next year. The REU sites usually have deadlines for application early in the calendar year.
 
Quantum Defect said:
Other than GMU, these are all very large flagship campuses of state university systems.

RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) is a private institution.
 
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jtbell said:
RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) is a private institution.
Indeed it is.:oops:
 
I've actually looked into Reus and was accepted into a summer internship at Fermilab. So hopefully this will help me get on my way.
 
I am leaning towards uva or one of the indiana schools. Money is certainly my main issue but I am pretty sure I will get a fair amount of aid. Is there a big difference between uva and a higher ranked physics school, say iu?
 
I don't think the ranking matters so much as long as you are able to do well and get good research experience, which it sounds like you are doing with I the Fermi REU.

For what it's worth, I'm at your typical large state school and have been admitted to some pretty swanky Ivies for grad school. I would suggest going with the cheapest route for undergrad.
 

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