What are the Best U.S. Physics of Gravity Graduate Schools?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting graduate schools in the U.S. that specialize in the physics of gravity, including both classical gravitation and quantum gravity. The participants explore the differences between these fields, the relevance of historical theories, and the importance of aligning personal interests with research opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about which graduate school to apply to, specifically seeking the best U.S. Ph.D. programs in physics of gravity and quantum gravity.
  • Another participant notes that gravitation encompasses both classical and quantum research, suggesting that universities may excel in one area but not the other.
  • There is a mention of historical context, indicating that while Einstein's theories were groundbreaking, the search for a consistent gravitational theory continues, albeit with differing perspectives on its necessity.
  • Some participants highlight the importance of personal interest in research topics, such as numerical or mathematical studies of Einstein's theory, quantum gravity approaches like loop quantum gravity and string theory, and related fields like holography and quantum cosmology.
  • A participant shares a resource for U.S. News rankings of graduate schools in astrophysics and encourages applying to schools with faculty members whose research aligns with the applicant's interests.
  • Another participant expresses a strong interest in quantum gravity and the fundamentals of physics, while also mentioning an interest in machine learning applied to physical and mathematical problems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best graduate schools or the most relevant research focus, indicating multiple competing views on the importance of different aspects of gravitation research.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about how to align their interests with potential graduate programs, highlighting the challenge of making long-term academic decisions. There is also a lack of clarity on the specific differences between gravitation and quantum gravity as fields of study.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective graduate students interested in physics, particularly in the fields of gravitation and quantum gravity, as well as those considering interdisciplinary approaches involving machine learning in physics.

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Hello friends,
I am graduating in a few months with a bachelor of physics and willing to apply for graduate schools. I am very doubted about which grad school I should apply. I just know what I don't like,but how can I know what I actually like?
My main questions are the following:
What is the best US Ph.D. school in physics of gravity (or gravitation)?
How about Quantum Gravity? What's the difference between gravitation and QG?
What is the best US grad school if I want to understand, space and time, gravity, and continue what Einstein was doing?
I have found a good university in Canada, but I want one in US.
Thank you!
 
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You're going to have to be more specific. Gravitation is a very large subject, covering as I'm sure you know both classical and quantum regimes of research. Any university strong in one is not necessarily strong in the other.

Also, what Einstein was doing was done -- 100 years ago. The programme of finding a consistent gravitational theory still exists in some regard, but by and large it seems Einstein got it right and that's that. There are some people talking about Brans-Dicke and TeVeS, but I wouldn't advise trying to go into this as your sole research focus.

Of course you can still study Einstein's theory, from either a numerical or mathematical perspective. Also as you know there are efforts to quantize the theory, either through a canonical approach (think LQG), or strings. Furthermore, even apart from developing a full theory of quantum gravity, there is lots of work being done without such a full theory (think holography and quantum information relating to black holes, or quantum cosmology).

So what are you interested in??
 
Here's the US News rankings for GR/Cosmoogy:

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankings...ols/top-science-schools/astrophysics-rankings

if you really put stock in that. Use the drop box to see the high energy physics rankings. In any case, you should really just apply to schools at your level that have a several faculty members doing research that you think might appeal to you so you don't have to choose a specific subject right away.
 
Thank you for your replies. I think I'm highly interested in Quantum Gravity. See, I really enjoy understanding and discovering fundamentals of physics.
Here is something else which might sound funny to you. I have a really difficult time choosing what to do for my grad school since I have to do that my whole life. For example, machine learning with physical and mathematical approach also interests me. If you are a Ph.D., etc, how did you choose your path in academic life?
 

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