Places to study theoretical physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying suitable schools for studying theoretical physics, with a focus on the theoretical versus experimental bias of various physics departments. Participants share their experiences and seek recommendations for undergraduate programs that emphasize theoretical work, particularly in areas like quantum gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in determining the theoretical or experimental focus of different physics departments and seeks advice on schools strong in theory.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the specific field of theory the original poster is interested in.
  • A participant suggests that for graduate schools, it is more beneficial to look at professors rather than curricula, while for undergraduate schools, research opportunities and overall atmosphere are also important.
  • Another contributor notes that each school has specific research thrusts and encourages the original poster to identify their interests to receive tailored recommendations.
  • A participant shares their background, indicating they are currently in community college but planning to transfer to a top program, expressing a strong preference for theoretical physics and a dislike for experimental work.
  • The same participant mentions a specific interest in quantum gravity research and seeks recommendations for programs that focus on this area, particularly non-string quantum gravity groups.
  • Some participants question the feasibility of transferring from community college to top programs, while others affirm that many students take this route to save money before transferring.
  • One participant provides details about their academic achievements and current coursework, indicating a desire to transfer to Rutgers University and subsequently to a more prestigious physics program.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of finding a program that aligns with theoretical interests, but there is no consensus on specific schools or programs. Multiple competing views exist regarding the best approach to selecting schools based on individual preferences and academic backgrounds.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of experience and academic backgrounds, which may influence their perspectives on suitable programs. The discussion reflects a range of interests within theoretical physics, particularly regarding quantum gravity, but lacks specific recommendations for schools.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a focus on theoretical physics, particularly those in community college looking to transfer to four-year institutions, may find this discussion relevant. Additionally, individuals interested in quantum gravity research could benefit from the shared insights.

CPL.Luke
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I've been looking through a bunch of top notch schools curriculums and am having a hard time figuring out the experimental or theoretical bias of the departments, and I was wondering if any of you had some experience with what schools were very good for theory.
 
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CPL.Luke said:
I've been looking through a bunch of top notch schools curriculums and am having a hard time figuring out the experimental or theoretical bias of the departments, and I was wondering if any of you had some experience with what schools were very good for theory.


What field of theory?
 
Hi Luke--are you looking for grad schools or undergraduate schools? If you're looking for graduate schools you should look at professors rather than curriculua. If you're looking for undergraduate schools, you will also be well served looking at undergraduate research opportunities, overall atmosphere, etc.
 
Every school has only a few thrusts when it comes to their departments. You have to look for the program that fits you, search for theory groups that work in areas that interest you. If you give us an indication of whet you want to try, we can make reccomendations.
 
well I'm just going into my undergraduate education now at the local community college, but I'm planning to start what will probably turn out to be a very long series of transfers between schools in order to get to a top notch pogram next semester. What I'm really looking for right now is a bunch of schools that I would like to end up at.


I really enjoy physical theory and I'm very good at math and I think I'm pretty good at solving problems so I would like to go into theoretical work. Not to mention I have a very low tolerance for actually conducting experiments. So I would like to know what undergraduate programs take a more theoretical viewpoint of physics.

as for specific interests I like quantum gravity research a lot (I know I've been roped in by greene and smolin and all the rest) So any non-string quantum gravity groups are a bonus.
 
top programs...and you go to community college?
 
rickpaul80 said:
top programs...and you go to community college?

Sure. Many people go to CC to save money and then transfer to a big name school.
 
It probably wouldn't hurt to mention that this would normally have been my senior year of high school, but because I wasn't doing well at the high school (I didn't do much homework, and little of anything in my history and english courses) so I decided to drop out, I took the GED test and scored in the top 3% of all traditional high school graduates and I got perfect scores in the science and history subtests. I also took the AP physics C mechanics and E&M tests on which I scored a 5 and a 4 respectively even though I didn't take the course, same with the AP calc BC test.

I'm now taking 19 credits this semester that include the following courses

Calc 3
Physics 2 (thermodynamics, waves and optics)
differential equations
linear algebra
and stat 1


I'm hoping to transfer to Rutgers University next semester and then transfer somewhere else for next fall.

after a brief stay at rutgers I really want to be in a good top notch physics program where the curriculuum/department is biased towards the theory side of things.
 
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