Help to find best high school in the US to become a theoretical phyicist

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the best high schools in the US for a 15-year-old aspiring theoretical physicist. Participants explore the implications of attending high school in the US versus the UK, particularly regarding future admissions to prestigious universities like Caltech and MIT.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that specialized high schools in the US may require state citizenship for admission.
  • There is debate over the necessity of attending a US high school to gain admission to top universities, with some arguing that schools like Cambridge or Oxford may be equally viable options.
  • Concerns are raised about the difficulty of gaining admission to highly selective schools like MIT and Caltech, with some participants emphasizing the importance of graduate school over undergraduate institution choice.
  • One participant questions the seriousness of the inquiry, suggesting that the quality of high school may not significantly impact future success in physics.
  • Suggestions are made for extracurricular activities, such as science fairs and research projects, to enhance educational opportunities.
  • Clarifications are sought regarding the brother's current educational status and the relevance of standardized tests like the SHSAT.
  • Participants discuss the importance of US citizenship or permanent residency for educational opportunities in the US.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and effectiveness of attending high school in the US versus the UK. There is no consensus on the best approach or the importance of specific high schools for future success in physics.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of taking advantage of educational opportunities, but there is uncertainty about what specific actions would be most beneficial for the brother's aspirations.

  • #31
gwnorth said:
@PeroK I wasn't preaching to you. I was expanding on your posting for the benefit of the OP.

Okay, sorry. I misunderstood.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Replusz, member 666967 and gwnorth
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Jirnyak said:
Yeah I see, thank you for the usefull website!
To be honest, Oxford is not the case because it is world leading in humanities but not the best in physics and mathematics. Of course Oxford is cool university and I respect it but I i just want to focus on and to do the best.

This is categorically false hahaha look at oxford's theoretical physics group in the physics dept.

https://www2.physics.ox.ac.uk/research/rudolf-peierls-centre-for-theoretical-physics and the

and their theoretical physics group in the math dept.

https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/groups/mathematical-physics/members

They are full of amazing researchers... in particular the latter link... those are HUGE names! tons of old genius and young up-and-comers
 
  • #33
Jirnyak said:
Dear everyone,

My younger brother who is 15 years old and me, both live in the UK. He is determined to become a theoretical physicist like Zeldovich or Ginzburg.
We have an opportunity to send him to a US high school because it is the best place to become and be a physicist.
Could you please suggest good (potentially the best) physical and mathematical high schools in the US to start becoming a physicist?
And of course he will apply to Caltech and MIT because he wants to do physics his whole life.

Thank you for your attention,

My brother and me)
Are you looking for private schools or public? The best are some of the private academies. If you want a public option, then one of tbe specialized science and math magnet programs is your best bet.
However, some require admission via test.
 
  • #34
This thread is nearly two years old.

According to the OP's profile, he was "last seen" on PF in November 2020.
 

Similar threads

Schools Help with shortlisting graduate programs in HEP-PH/TH
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Schools Question About Relevance of a HBSc degree at UofT Compared to US Universities
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
5K
Admissions Advice on how best to spend my time for graduate school applications
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Admissions How to prove Physics competency to grad school admission committees?
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Other I wanna become a theoretical physicist(questions and doubts)
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
6K
How to switch from engineering with unknown undergrad name to Physics?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Schools Top School, Low GPA, Good CV -- Grad School for Theoretical Physics?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Can I be a successful physicist or mathematician?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
How to become a physicist from an engineer?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Admissions Statement of purpose critique request (high-energy theory PhD)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K