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).