Physics at UC Merced: Info for Students

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics department at UC Merced, focusing on its reputation, the implications for graduate school applications, and the living conditions in Merced. Participants express concerns about the department's relative newness and its potential impact on future opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that UC Merced is relatively new and may lack a strong reputation, raising concerns about its impact on graduate school applications.
  • There is a suggestion that prospective students might consider gaining research experience and improving GRE scores to apply to more reputable programs instead.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the living conditions in Merced, with conflicting reports about crime and safety in the area.
  • One participant mentions that despite the challenges, UC Merced is still part of the University of California system and is motivated to build its reputation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are multiple competing views regarding the reputation of the physics department and the desirability of living in Merced.

Contextual Notes

Participants express concerns based on anecdotal evidence and personal perceptions, which may not fully capture the complexities of the department's reputation or the living conditions in Merced.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective students considering applying to UC Merced's physics program, as well as those interested in the implications of attending a newer institution within the UC system.

LightOfSpeed
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Anyone have info on the physics department here?
 
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I hear it's in California.

Seriously, that question is way too open-ended. You're going to have to tell us what kind of "info" you're looking for.
 
I realize it's still relatively new and may not have much of a reputation yet. But the department seems cool and interdisciplinary. Could the school's lack of reputation hurt anyone who wanted to go to graduate school there? In other words, would it even be worth it to go there at all, or would it be better to do research for another year and try to get better scores on the GRE in order to apply to more reputable schools? I just wouldn't want to be in a position where a prospective employer throws out a resume because it says PhD in physics from UC Merced.

Also, what would it be like living in the town? Do people go insane? I've heard it's in the middle of nowhere but I've also heard there's gangs and a lot of crime in Merced, so is it dangerous?

I'm considering applying there and there's no way I can get into top-tier programs at the moment so that's why I wanted to know.
 
LightOfSpeed said:
I realize it's still relatively new and may not have much of a reputation yet. But the department seems cool and interdisciplinary. Could the school's lack of reputation hurt anyone who wanted to go to graduate school there? In other words, would it even be worth it to go there at all, or would it be better to do research for another year and try to get better scores on the GRE in order to apply to more reputable schools? I just wouldn't want to be in a position where a prospective employer throws out a resume because it says PhD in physics from UC Merced.

Also, what would it be like living in the town? Do people go insane? I've heard it's in the middle of nowhere but I've also heard there's gangs and a lot of crime in Merced, so is it dangerous?

I'm considering applying there and there's no way I can get into top-tier programs at the moment so that's why I wanted to know.

Merced would really suck as a place to live. There is a reason it got hosed so badly in the housing crisis.

That said it is still a UC. Also, they are hungry to build a reputation, so that's good.
 

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