Where Should I Apply for Graduate School in Condensed Matter Experimentation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around seeking advice on where to apply for graduate school in the field of condensed matter experimentation. Participants share resources, suggestions, and considerations for selecting programs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about good programs for condensed matter experimentation and whether smaller, less prestigious schools with interesting experiments are worth considering.
  • Another participant suggests that Urbana is a top-notch program and recommends consulting the US News World and Report for a list of graduate schools, although it requires a fee.
  • A different participant mentions a free resource, gradschoolshopper.com, which lists over 100 U.S. graduate schools under "Condensed Matter Physics," but does not comment on their reputations.
  • One participant advises considering geographical restrictions and suggests looking at university rankings, as well as researching professors whose work aligns with the applicant's interests in condensed matter, noting the field's broad nature.
  • Another participant references a book titled "Graduate Programs in Physics 2008" published by APS, which contains listings of physics graduate programs, suggesting it could be useful for finding schools and contact information.
  • A later reply expresses appreciation for the information shared in the thread.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share various resources and suggestions, but there is no consensus on specific programs or criteria for selection. Multiple competing views and resources are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions depend on geographical preferences and the applicant's academic background, while the effectiveness of the resources mentioned may vary based on individual needs and circumstances.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective graduate students interested in condensed matter physics and those seeking guidance on selecting graduate programs in related fields.

thebuttonfreak
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I am applying to graduate school this fall and would like to know where to apply. I am interested in condensed matter experimentation. What programs are good? Which ones are getting the most attention? Is a smaller less prestigious school with some interesting experiments worth my attention?


Just need general guidance.


thanks
 
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I know Urbana considered a top notch condensed matter program, for more schools consult the US News World and Report Top Grad Schools, its like $7 but a nice little reference for at least FINDING what grad schools you might be interested in.
 
For a general listing of U.S. graduate schools, www.gradschoolshopper.com has over 100 listed under "Condensed Matter Physics," and it's free. I don't know about reputations.
 
Are you restricted geographically? Look through the university rankings for schools that (a) you think you might get into and (b) are in cities where you might want to live.

Browse through the webpages of a few places and come up with a list of Profs whose research seems interesting. (condensed matter is a pretty broad field). You can probably find out who the professors collaborate with by looking at their publications.

Also, if there are professors at your current school who *you* think are doing interesting research you can ask them who they think is doing really cool work!
 
This might not help you specifically with CMP, but there should be a book called "Graduate Programs in Physics 2008" lying around somewhere in your physics department. It's published by APS (I don't recommend buying it, since it runs at about $60). At my school, the Society of Physics Students had it. I'm sure your department has a copy as well. It'll give you listings of all the physics graduate programs in the United States, along with contact information, admissions statistics, etc. It was very useful when I was applying to grad school. In fact, I'd have never found the school I'm currently attending if not for it.
 
good things in this thread! thanks!
 

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