Planning to study Physics/Math in USA or UK

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around selecting universities in the USA or UK for undergraduate studies in Physics and Mathematics. Participants share insights on university rankings, personal experiences, and admission chances based on standardized test scores.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks advice on universities with strong undergraduate programs in Physics and Mathematics, noting their SAT scores and upcoming subject tests.
  • Another participant suggests that UK university rankings for undergraduate teaching are best sourced from newspapers, particularly the Times Educational Supplement, and mentions HEFCE's ranking system.
  • Several participants list top US institutions for Physics and Mathematics, including MIT, Caltech, Princeton, and Harvard, while also highlighting Cambridge as a strong option in the UK.
  • Concerns are raised about the high costs of attending private universities in the US, particularly for international students, and the challenges of obtaining financial aid.
  • A participant expresses a desire for more specific recommendations regarding good science schools and inquires about the chances of admission with their SAT scores.
  • Another participant notes that American schools may expect higher SAT scores, particularly for domestic applicants, but acknowledges that this might differ for international students.
  • One participant emphasizes that while aiming for top schools is fine, there are many other universities in the US that offer quality education in Physics, including both large state universities and smaller private colleges.
  • A well-known annual ranking by "US News and World Report" is mentioned as a resource for exploring a range of options, though it is noted that these rankings are general and not specific to Physics or Mathematics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on which universities are best for studying Physics and Mathematics, with no consensus on specific schools or ranking systems. The discussion reflects differing perspectives on admission chances based on SAT scores and financial considerations.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the limitations of university rankings, noting that many are based on research output rather than undergraduate teaching quality. There is also uncertainty regarding the implications of SAT scores for international applicants.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering undergraduate studies in Physics or Mathematics in the USA or UK, particularly those from international backgrounds seeking insights on university selection and admission processes.

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Hi, I am currently 12th grade in India. I am planning to go to USA or UK to study Physics and Maths (undergraduate.) I need some help with deciding which universities to apply to. I've taken the SAT and my (highest out of two tests) scores are

critical reading : 730 (97th Percentile)
math : 720 (94th percentile)

Im also going to take the Math and Physics subject tests and the TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language) soon. Which universities have strong undergrad physics/math departments and what are my chances of getting in? I've already looked at some university ranking lists. All of the lists I've seen base their rankings on research/citations etc. None of them say anything direct about the undergraduate course.

I would appreciate it if some of you could share your personal experience and/or opinions. What I'm looking for is a good course, fairly good faculty, good library, and fair chances of getting in.
 
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In the UK, the best ranking systems for undergraduate teaching come from the various newspapers. The most authoritive of these is probably the Times Educational Supplement.

There are also ranking systems employed by the UK funding body, HEFCE. This ranks universities on a scale of 24 for their teaching - but it's quite mediocre, 24/24 is basically 'satisfactory in all areas'. Most good departments get 24.
 
well for physics and math, there are a few top notch schools in the US you might want to look at

MIT (massachusettes institute of technology)
Caltech (california institute of technology)
Princeton
Harvey Mudd

those are probably the canonical best schools in america for physics and math, and judging by your sat scores you might want to go to one.

also I've heard harvard has a very good math program, and in the UK I know cambridge is a very good school for physics
 
Do I have a chance with those? Also, can some of you who have already studied physics and/or maths tell me about your undergrad school? Personal experience/opinions will be appreciated.
 
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Please be aware that the best private schools in the U.S. are hideously expensive. If you or your parents are wealthy, no problem. But while aid, loans and scholarships are certainly available, I suspect that they are difficult for foreign students to obtain.

Graduate school, is a different matter. While tuition is still high, tuition waivers and small stipends for being a TA or RA are common.
 
Sorry for reviving the thread, but i didnt get what i wanted. Maybe I wasnt specific enough.

- Which schools are good for science (in your opinion)?

- With my SAT score (1440 / 1600), do I have a chance of getting into top schools?

- Can you tell me something about your undergrad school? (this question is aimed at undergrads, or people who have recently completed their undergrad studies)

Assume that I'm not applying for financial assistance and that I don't need any.
 
I'm not really an expert on this, but for American students, American schools want to see the 2400 SAT score with the writing section... it might be different for international students, but it's definitely something to look into.
 
My SAT score including writing is 2050
 
It's fine to try for the very best (e.g. Harvard, Princeton, Cal Tech,...) but the USA has dozens of other schools where you can get a good undergraduate education in physics, ranging from large state universities (Berkeley, Michigan, Illinois...) to small private colleges (Harvey Mudd, Swarthmore, Davidson, Oberlin...).

One well-known annual ranking of undergraduate schools is the one by the weekly newsmagazine "US News and World Report":

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/rankindex_brief.php

They're general rankings rather than physics/math specific rankings, and they're obviously sensitive to the specific criteria used and how they're weighted. Nevertheless, they should give you an idea of the range of options that are available here.
 
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