Senior in High School looking ahead for Colleges.

[Robert4149]

Hello, first off, I want to say hello, I am new here! I am also a senior in high school looking for colleges, as well as what the road of physics has to offer after college.

Secondly, I enjoy astrophysics with a passion, as well as quantum, and particle physics. But more on the quantum and astrophysics part.

Should I look into a college that has a major in Astrophysics? Or should I look into schools that offer a physics major with a specialty in quantum/astro/particle physics? Which one is the better decision?

I have a college(my top choice) in my head. Does anyone have any idea if University of Minnesota: Twin Cities is a good college for such things? I am also looking for sort of cheap tuition. But if I want to go into something I enjoy, I am okay going into debt for a while. Regardless, I am going to be in debt one way or another through college.

So, when I enter college and get past associates, and hopefully bachelor degree. Do I have a chance to get some sort of internship(again, if I'm lucky) or some job that is related to the major of my choosing? All together, what are my chances and lists of applicable job opportunities during and after college, if all goes well.

Thank you for reading and responding!

 

[Bipolarity]

Have you considered doing a search on the collegeboard? You seem to be considering only academics and finances. While they are major concerns in the university selection, they are also not the only concerns. Hence I would recommend you do a thorough personalized search on the College Board to obtain better results to aid you in the college selection process.

Also, getting a job in one's own field is extremely difficult (unless one is an engineer in a field with high demand). Also, how sure are you that you will major in physics? This is an important question, because most colleges allow you to change majors, which a lot of students end up doing. That said, if you are not absolutely certain of your major (and I am almost sure that you are not), then you should look into the general academic atmosphere of a school rather than its focus on specific subjects, for a certain subject may cease to interest you at a later time.

BiP

 

[eri]

Just plan on majoring in physics. Most schools don't offer anything more specific than that, and that's fine. If you want to do research in the field for a living, you'll specialize in graduate school. U Minnesota is fine. Make sure they offer opportunities for undergraduate research if you are planning on grad school (there are very few jobs in astrophysics if you don't have a PhD, and not many even if you do).

 

[jtbell]

U of Minnesota is definitely a decent place to go. It's a big school with research in a variety of fields. Have you checked their web site?

http://www.physics.umn.edu/

As eri said, in physics you don't usually specialize seriously until you get to grad school. When I started grad school (at U of Michigan), I thought I might go into low-temperature physics. I ended up getting my Ph.D. in experimental particle physics. The grad student in the cubicle next to me there (also working in particle physics) did his undergrad at U of Minnesota.

 

[Matrix0]

I can say that it's great to see your passion for physics and astrophysics at such a young age. Both are exciting and constantly evolving fields, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to pursue after college.

When it comes to choosing a college, I would recommend looking for schools that offer a physics major with a focus on astrophysics or quantum/particle physics. This will give you a strong foundation in physics while also allowing you to specialize in your areas of interest. However, it's also important to consider the overall quality and reputation of the college, as well as the opportunities for research and internships in your chosen field.

I am not familiar with the University of Minnesota: Twin Cities specifically, but it's always a good idea to research the faculty and their areas of expertise, as well as any research opportunities or partnerships with other institutions. Additionally, you can reach out to current students or alumni to get their perspective on the program.

In terms of tuition, it's understandable to want to keep costs low, but as you mentioned, it's important to prioritize your passion and future career goals. Don't be afraid to apply for scholarships and financial aid to help offset the cost of tuition.

As for job opportunities during and after college, there are many options available for those with a degree in physics or astrophysics. These can range from research positions at universities or national labs, to careers in industries such as aerospace, technology, and finance. It's important to keep an open mind and explore different opportunities to find what interests you the most.

Overall, with dedication and hard work, you have a great chance of finding a fulfilling career in the field of physics. Best of luck in your college search and future endeavors!