Queens & Waterloo Physics Grad Program Insights

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The discussion centers on insights regarding graduate programs in physics at Queens University and the University of Waterloo, highlighting the social scene and program dynamics. Waterloo currently has about 3,000 graduate students and plans to significantly increase this number in the future. The physics program at Waterloo is noted to be split with Guelph, which may be a consideration for prospective students. In contrast, Queens is described as having an active graduate community, with students expressing satisfaction in their experiences. The University of Toronto is mentioned as having the strongest graduate studies in Canada, with a notably large program. Additionally, alternative options outside Ontario, such as Michigan State and Syracuse, are suggested for consideration. The conversation also touches on the importance of connecting with current students for firsthand insights.
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Can any Queens or Waterloo graduate students give me any insight in the program and the social scene, and how the physics grad programs are at either of those schools.
 
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There aren't many grad students at Waterloo (only about 3000). Waterloo is currently planning to triple the grad student body, but that won't materialize in the close future. I can't say anything about Queens, though I know someone who is a physics grad student there, a of latest news at least (he used to come on this forum by the alias of 'Data', but he haven't seen him active in a while). I can try to put you in touch with him, P.M. me if you are interested. Otherwise, have you gotten offers or are you simply pondering over the question? If the latter, have you considered UofT? Their grad studies are the strongest in the country.
 
Waterloo's physics graduate program is split with Guelph's, not sure if you want that

U of T's grad program is really large

Have you looked at places outside Ontario? How about Michigan State or Syracuse?
 
I didn't look outside of Canada, perhaps for my PhD, after visiting the groups and the campus I decided on Queens, they seem to have a very active university in general, and the grad students I spoke to in the group I am joining seem very happy to be there.
 
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