What are the top UC colleges for physics?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Jordan LeClaire
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    Physics Undergrad
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around identifying the top University of California (UC) colleges for studying physics, with a particular emphasis on theoretical physics. Participants share their insights and experiences regarding various UC institutions and their physics programs.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions a 3.8 GPA and seeks advice on which UC colleges are best for physics, particularly theoretical physics.
  • Several participants list UC Santa Cruz, Berkeley, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Irvine as solid options for physics.
  • Another participant adds that UC San Diego and UC Davis are also good choices, while noting uncertainty about USC's status within the UC system.
  • One participant asserts that UCSB is a top ten department and has a strong track record for graduates entering prestigious physics graduate schools.
  • A UC Berkeley student expresses satisfaction with their department, highlighting the accessibility of research positions and the supportive nature of professors.
  • Another UC Berkeley student echoes the positive sentiment about the program and mentions the historical significance of the university in physics, referencing Nobel laureates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that several UC colleges have strong physics programs, but there is no consensus on which institution is definitively the best. Different opinions are expressed regarding the strengths of UCSB and UC Berkeley.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference personal experiences and anecdotal evidence regarding the quality of programs, which may not encompass all aspects of the institutions' offerings.

Jordan LeClaire
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I'm 17 years old and going to be applying to colleges next month. I plan to major in physics. My UC/CSU GPA is a 3.8 (probably will be a 4.0 or higher by the end of this semester due to AP and community college courses), whereas my accumulative weighed GPA is a lousy 3.2. Therefore, my only real option is to apply to UC colleges and hope for the best.

My community college astronomy professor told me UC Santa Cruz is an excellent college for physics. I don't know, though.

Any thoughts on what UC colleges are best for physics, specifically theoretical physics?
 
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Lots of solid physics schools in the UC system: Santa Cruz, Berkeley, LA, Santa Barbara, Irvine.
 
San Diego is good also; Davis is good. USC (University of Southern California), come to mind (not sure USC is in the UC system.).
 
mpresic said:
San Diego is good also; Davis is good. USC (University of Southern California), come to mind (not sure USC is in the UC system.).

USC is private.
 
Dr. Courtney said:
Lots of solid physics schools in the UC system: Santa Cruz, Berkeley, LA, Santa Barbara, Irvine.
Would you say UC Santa Cruz or UC Santa Barbara has a better physics program? Thank you for the help.
 
Definitely UCSB. It is a top ten department and is incredibly strong in many areas. A lot of UCSB grads go on to the very best physics grad schools.
 
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I'm a UC Berkeley physics student and I've been incredibly satisfied with our department. Professors are generally very helpful and approachable. If you're competent and willing, research positions are quite accessible (especially with Lawrence Berkeley National Lab just up the hill). That being said, the UC System is full of great programs; UCSB and UCSD are also very good from what I here.
 
pixatlazaki said:
I'm a UC Berkeley physics student and I've been incredibly satisfied with our department. Professors are generally very helpful and approachable. If you're competent and willing, research positions are quite accessible (especially with Lawrence Berkeley National Lab just up the hill). That being said, the UC System is full of great programs; UCSB and UCSD are also very good from what I here.
Agreed, I think UCB Physics is a good program, and there is something about being able to roam the halls where plutonium was discovered.

Plus, of the 22 Nobel prizes awarded to Berkeley, one-third was to Physicists.

http://physics.berkeley.edu/about-us/nobel-laureates
 
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