Top Astrophysics Universities in U.S.

[Nadya]

Does anyone know what the top universities with astrophysics programs are? I was looking over University of Chicago and University of Arizona lately, but which one would you consider to have a better program?

 

[eri]

Are you looking for undergraduate or graduate programs? What kind of grades, test scores, and activities/research do you have? If it's an undergraduate degree, what do you plan to do with it? Not all astrophysics programs include enough physics to get you into a graduate astronomy/physics program.

 

[Simfish]

http://graduate-school.phds.org/

ranks of astrophysics programs there

 

[Nadya]

Well, my grades are rather strong. I am actually interested in both undergraduate and graduate (I'm a high school senior). I want to plan a bit in advance. By activities, do you mean clubs and such?

 

[eri]

You'll do undergrad and graduate work at different schools, so you're just looking for undergrad now. Strong grades are good; U of A isn't too hard to get into if you live in-state, harder out of state. U of Chicago is hard to get into in either case. But it really doesn't matter; you can study physics pretty much anywhere and then go to a good graduate school if you did well. How about your local state schools? Many are excellent, and it's cheaper than private schools. If you want a shot at a top school, they'll want to see activities that show them what you're interested in - like math and science clubs, joining a local astronomy club, even doing research.

 

[Nadya]

Well, I am a student at Florida, but Florida is quite obnoxious, and I would like to experience life in a new state I suppose. I actually have very high interests in UChicago but I was worried if the University of Arizona was more of a 'party school'.