How good and well-known is the physics program at RPI?

[GoldenOrbWeaver]

Hi! I was recently admitted to RPI with significant merit aid, so while I'm still waiting to hear back from other universities, there's a high chance I end up there. I'm hoping to double major in physics and math so I can go to grad school for geophysics or condensed matter physics (still deciding), and I'm wondering if RPI would prepare me for that. I've heard that it is very rigorous, which I want, but it isn't ranked particularly highly and seems to be mostly known for engineering. I very much want to go to a top school like MIT or Stanford for grad school and I'm wondering if RPI is good enough for that? Thanks.

 

[CrysPhys]

I very much want to go to a top school like MIT or Stanford for grad school and I'm wondering if RPI is good enough for that?

Most major US universities have an alumni office, or even specifically a physics alumni office. Check whether RPI does. If so, ask them whether they have stats for the last 5 or 10 yrs on how many BS Physics grads have gone on to PhD Physics programs at MIT, Stanford, or other university of your interest.

But be aware that your undergrad university per se is not dispositive. There are many variables. This forum once had a regular member named @Dr. Courtney, who often related the story of how he got his BS Physics from Louisiana State, but made a strong enough impression to be admitted to the PhD Physics program at MIT (but IIRC he had to take remedial undergrad courses at MIT).

 

[DaveE]

As you said, RPI has a good reputation in the engineering community (EE anyway). It's a good school, IMO. Your grad school admissions are a ways off, there's a good chance you'll change your path before then. In any case, your grades, test scores, recommendations, and such will probably be determinative from any reasonably good school.

I think undergrads put too much weight on a universities reputation. You will need to learn physics if you want to do physics. There are many, many good instructors that can teach undergrad physics. You don't need, nor are you likely to interact much with the Nobel laureates that the PR types advertise. Ideally you will choose a school that allows you to maximize your ability to learn, there are many good choices. Your happiness, lifestyle, finances, and the availability of alternate academic paths is probably more important than going to the "very best" school.

 

[gmax137]

As you said, RPI has a good reputation in the engineering community (EE anyway).

It has a good rep in nuclear engineering as well.

It's a good school, IMO.

I agree. I have known and worked with quite a few RPI alumni.

I think undergrads put too much weight on a universities reputation. You will need to learn physics if you want to do physics. There are many, many good instructors that can teach undergrad physics. You don't need, nor are you likely to interact much with the Nobel laureates that the PR types advertise. Ideally you will choose a school that allows you to maximize your ability to learn, there are many good choices. Your happiness, lifestyle, finances, and the availability of alternate academic paths is probably more important than going to the "very best" school.

This is so true. See if you can find out how many physics majors the school graduates each year. Use this to estimate the number of students you would expect to be in any particular course. A lower number is good. Who teaches the physics major courses? Professors or grad students? I think these kinds of questions are more important than "what's school X's rep?"

ask them whether they have stats for the last 5 or 10 yrs on how many BS Physics grads have gone on to PhD Physics programs at MIT, Stanford, or other university of your interest.

This is really sound advice.

Are you a skier? Troy has a long cold winter.