The discussion revolves around the considerations and challenges of pursuing a physics degree in Puerto Rico, particularly in the context of preparing for further education in the U.S. Participants express concerns about the quality of physics programs, the value of a degree from Puerto Rican universities, and the implications for graduate school admissions.
Participants do not reach a consensus on the quality of physics programs in Puerto Rico or the best path forward for prospective students. Multiple competing views remain regarding the adequacy of local education and the application process for U.S. colleges.
Limitations include the lack of specific data on the performance of Puerto Rican physics graduates and the varying requirements of U.S. colleges regarding standardized testing. The discussion reflects personal experiences and opinions rather than established facts.
High school students in Puerto Rico considering a physics degree, educators advising students on college options, and individuals interested in the educational landscape of physics programs in Puerto Rico.
Jahn said:Im 16 and going into my senior of high school. I am interested in Quantum Physics(Espacially Quantum Field Theory). But I am not sure if a bachellor’s in physics in Puerto Rico is worth it. And if they would actually prepare me for a future degree in the U.S. If that's not the case, do i still have time to consider getting a degree in physics.
Jahn said:Im 16 and going into my senior of high school. I am interested in Quantum Physics(Espacially Quantum Field Theory). But I am not sure if a bachellor’s in physics in Puerto Rico is worth it. And if they would actually prepare me for a future degree in the U.S. If that's not the case, do i still have time to consider getting a degree in physics.
Dr. Courtney said:The universities in Puerto Rico are not highly regarded in Physics. I'd contact the department of interest and ask some hard questions, which they may try and avoid if they are in recruiting mode. Ignore their sales pitch and insist on answers to these questions:
Over the last five years, how many BS degrees have been earned in your Physics program?
How many of these graduates took the Physics GRE, and what were their scores?
How many of your graduates went on to PhD programs in the US, and which schools did they attend?
If the school in Puerto Rico dodges these questions, or if their answers to these questions prove unsatisfactory, then you should consider other options.
Jahn said:Alright, let's say the physics program her is not what i should go for. I am taking the college board now on the 23th of june. And there I have to put 3 options for college. Heres he thing, I don't think I can put a college from the US because i must take the SAT for that. My question is whether I can apply later in my senior year of hs to college in the US.
Btw thanks for answering.
Does "college board" mean something different in PR than in the mainland US? When I was in high school many years ago, "college board" and "SAT" meant the same thing in everyday language. More formally, the College Board is the organization that administers the SAT.Jahn said:Im taking the college board now on the 23th of june. And there I have to put 3 options for college. Heres he thing, I don't think I can put a college from the US because i must take the SAT for that.
The exam I will take is the PAA Puerto Rico. there's also one for Latin America. I accidently called it college board since I am so used to it. Thats why I ask because colleges here ask for this results not SAT or anything else.jtbell said:Does "college board" mean something different in PR than in the mainland US? When I was in high school many years ago, "college board" and "SAT" meant the same thing in everyday language. More formally, the College Board is the organization that administers the SAT.
The three colleges that you will list are simply the ones that they will send scores to automatically. You can request later that they send scores to specific colleges/universities that are not on that list, that you actually apply to.
Dr. Courtney said:The universities in Puerto Rico are not highly regarded in Physics. I'd contact the department of interest and ask some hard questions, which they may try and avoid if they are in recruiting mode. Ignore their sales pitch and insist on answers to these questions:
Over the last five years, how many BS degrees have been earned in your Physics program?
How many of these graduates took the Physics GRE, and what were their scores?
How many of your graduates went on to PhD programs in the US, and which schools did they attend?
If the school in Puerto Rico dodges these questions, or if their answers to these questions prove unsatisfactory, then you should consider other options.