Is UCSC a Good Choice for Physics Undergraduates?

AI Thread Summary
UCSC's physics program, while not as widely recognized as those at Cal, UCLA, or UCSB, offers strong opportunities, particularly in astrophysics and particle physics. The presence of notable faculty such as Michael Dine, Howard Haber, and Tom Banks enhances its reputation in these fields. Students who excel in coursework and engage in research can improve their chances of gaining admission to prestigious graduate programs like MIT or Caltech. The discussion highlights the importance of individual performance and research experience over the specific institution attended for undergraduate studies.
ohnoesawolf
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Hello all,

I'm a community college transfer student who was recently admitted to UCSC for physics as a junior. I've heard good but very few things about their program and was just wondering if there is any clout behind that. I realize most students want to go to Cal, UCLA, or UCSB for physics but does UCSC have anything to offer?

I also found this undergraduate handbook on their webpage: http://physics.ucsc.edu/undergrad/ughandbook09-10.pdf"

Any insight into this would be excellent. I'd like to continue on to graduate school after I complete my bachelor's degree. How well do you think their program would set me up to get into something like MIT or Caltech?

Thank you in advance.
 
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Any idea on what kind of research you want to do? For astrophysics ucsc might be one of top 5 places worlwide...
 
I'm very interested in particle and I'm very interested astro. From what I've been reading about their program, it seems like they're really great for both.
 
It fits very well your interests. If you are into particle stuff Michael Dine, Howard Haber and Tom Banks are there. If you go to ucsc and do really well in courses and find a nice research project your chances of getting to any place for a phd will be good (asumming you do a good gre and all that, but that is not dependent on your choice of where to do the undergrad).
 
Awesome, this was the exact encouragement I was looking for. Thanks!
 

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