Seeking Advice on Choice of School

  • Thread starter Thread starter richardfatman
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Choice School
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a prospective physics PhD student who has been accepted into top programs at Stanford, Harvard, and Princeton. The student expresses a preference for high-energy theoretical physics (hep-th) and formal theory over phenomenology. While acknowledging Princeton's strength in string theory, the student is uncertain about their fit for a career in that field and is leaning towards choosing between Stanford and Harvard. The advice given emphasizes the importance of engaging with potential supervisors and current students to make an informed decision based on personal experiences.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of high-energy theoretical physics (hep-th)
  • Familiarity with graduate program structures in physics
  • Knowledge of string theory and its implications
  • Experience in academic networking and mentorship
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Stanford University's physics department and faculty specializing in hep-th
  • Investigate Harvard's approach to formal theory and its research opportunities
  • Connect with current graduate students at both Stanford and Harvard for insights
  • Explore the implications of pursuing a career in string theory versus other areas in physics
USEFUL FOR

Prospective physics PhD students, academic advisors, and anyone navigating graduate program choices in theoretical physics.

richardfatman
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
As the results for physics phd program admissions have come out, I am lucky enough to get into several top programs including Stanford, Harvard and Princeton. So far, I have no clue which one to choose and I would like to hear some advice.

Personally, I would like to study hep-th and I am more interested in formal theory rather than phenomenology. I know that Princeton is undoubtedly the best in string but I am not sure I am intelligent enough to pursue a career in string theory later. So it seems that I will probably make my choice between Stanford and Harvard. Any suggestions and advice are welcomed. thx
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you haven't already, talk to potential supervisors and current graduate students at the institutions you're considering. Rather than the best program on paper, try to select the best one based on your experiences with each.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: CalcNerd

Similar threads

Schools Help with shortlisting graduate programs in HEP-PH/TH
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Admissions Do I have a shot at top HEP-th programs?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Other HEP-Th vs. HEP-Lat for PhD
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Admissions Admission into Princeton Grad School
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Other Need advice on the Physics Programs I can realistically apply to
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Schools Question About Relevance of a HBSc degree at UofT Compared to US Universities
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
5K
Admissions Grad School Admissions: Which do I Bother With?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Schools Choosing between UC Berkeley and Caltech - Math
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
Admissions Sincerely seeking graduate school admission advice
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Crafting an Effective Graduate School Statement of Purpose
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K