Where should I apply for undergraduate physics programs in the US?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for undergraduate physics programs in the US, particularly for an international student seeking institutions with strong physics departments and significant research opportunities. The scope includes considerations of university rankings, financial aspects, and the overall quality of education in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about their qualifications and the lack of demonstrable interest in physics, seeking advice on universities with strong programs and research facilities.
  • Another participant highlights UC Berkeley's financial resources, suggesting it is among the richest universities.
  • A question is raised regarding whether the inquiry pertains to undergraduate or graduate programs, clarifying that the original poster is applying for undergraduate freshman admission.
  • One participant suggests that attending a quality state school may be beneficial, arguing that undergraduate education is similar across institutions and that excelling at a state school can lead to opportunities at top graduate programs.
  • This participant also notes the financial advantages of state schools compared to private institutions, emphasizing that the reputation of the undergraduate institution becomes less significant in later academic stages.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present differing views on the best approach to selecting a university, with some advocating for prestigious institutions while others recommend state schools for financial and practical reasons. No consensus is reached on a specific list of universities or the best strategy for application.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference rankings and financial considerations but do not provide specific criteria for evaluating physics programs beyond general reputation and research output. The discussion lacks detailed exploration of individual university programs or specific attributes that might influence the decision-making process.

Who May Find This Useful

International students considering undergraduate physics programs in the US, educators advising students on university applications, and individuals interested in the financial implications of attending different types of institutions.

ILikeJava
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A brief introduction: I'm a senior, international, applying to universities in the US (and Cambridge). So far, I've applied to Cambridge, Caltech and University of Chicago (the last 2 were EA). But these are all, I would think, nearly impossible for me to get into - I have the scores (meaning that a fair amount of people have gotten in with worse than what I'm applying with), but I haven't been able to do anything that would demonstrate to them that I am actually interested in physics (and I'm almost certain that I want to major in physics and maths).

Now, I've talked to my physics teacher a fair bit and the one thing he stressed was that I should look at big universities with a lot of money (where I would get to play with 'the big toys'), and I'm inclined to agree with him. The trouble I'm having now is deciding on places where I have a decent chance of being accepted with a good-very good physics program and said 'big toys'. My question is if anyone has any recommendations here; are there any hidden gems, so to speak, that I should consider?

Also, for the most part, I have a rough idea of what universities are considered at least somewhat 'good' (though maybe not for physics?), and I know a few which I think I like (UC Berkeley, Reed College & UMich Ann Arbor). But I feel like I'm missing something here when I look things up - is there anything in particular I should be searching for (rather than just 'good physics universities')?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Berkeley is rich...probably the richest...
 
Undergraduate (BS) or graduate school (PhD)?
 
Woops, sorry; forgot to mention that. I'm applying for undergrad freshman; currently a senior in high school.
 
ILikeJava said:
Woops, sorry; forgot to mention that. I'm applying for undergrad freshman; currently a senior in high school.

Well here is some rankings of the RESEARCH OUTPUT of american uni's (http://physics.about.com/b/2009/04/23/us-news-college-physics-rankings.htm). However, honestly if I was an american I'd recommend doing your undergrad at a quality state school. Undergrad classes will be pretty similar no matter where you go and if you excel at a state school there's nothing stopping you from going to one of the top 5 for grad school. And the reason I'd recommend it is that it's my understanding that state schools are less retardedly expensive than "private" schools. So I'd save your money because once you're in grad school no one cares where you did your undergrad (and once you're a post doc no one cares where you did your grad, and once you're a junior prof... etc.)
 

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