Which University Best Prepares for Top US Graduate Schools in Physics and Math?

  • Thread starter Thread starter IcedCore
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on choosing between three universities for a dual major in physics and math, with a focus on future graduate school prospects at top institutions like Caltech, Harvard, and MIT. The individual expresses a preference for Waterloo and UToronto, citing Waterloo's better learning and social environment, while noting UToronto's competitive atmosphere. Concerns about financial aid are raised, as none of the universities offer substantial support. Participants emphasize that all three universities provide a solid education, but differences in research opportunities and classroom environments are highlighted. Some suggest considering McGill for its smaller physics department and vibrant location, while others argue that the choice of university will not significantly impact GRE preparation or research opportunities, which ultimately depend on the student's initiative and performance. The consensus is that regardless of the choice, a strong academic foundation will be established at any of the mentioned institutions.
IcedCore
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
Hey guys,

I'm looking forward to majoring in both physics and math, however I'm not sure which of the three universities I should attend to accomplish this. Assuming that I do get accepted into all three universities, which I would say is a sure bet as my grades are much higher than their cutoffs, which would better prepare me for the likes of top tier graduate schools at the States, such like Caltech, Harvard and MIT? I know that thinking that far ahead for my education isn't necessary at this point because I have 5 years of schooling ahead of me to go ( currently entering grade 12 ) until grad school, but i'd like the comforting feeling of knowing which options are better ahead of time.

Factoring in different pros and cons for each university, I'm pulled towards either Waterloo and UToronto. None of these universities give good financial aid, but Waterloo does have a better learning and social environment, so I've heard. UToronto seems to be very cutthroat and the stiff competition might make things very uncomfortable. I do like competition, but the things I've heard somewhat scare me. Then again, I don't believe all that I hear.

I do believe that I'm a good student, with an open mind for the many ideas with which physics beholds, and the curiosity to venture for its gain and knowledge. I aspire to become a physicist, so I ask, which school is best?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
IcedCore said:
Hey guys,

I'm looking forward to majoring in both physics and math, however I'm not sure which of the three universities I should attend to accomplish this. Assuming that I do get accepted into all three universities, which I would say is a sure bet as my grades are much higher than their cutoffs, which would better prepare me for the likes of top tier graduate schools at the States, such like Caltech, Harvard and MIT? I know that thinking that far ahead for my education isn't necessary at this point because I have 5 years of schooling ahead of me to go ( currently entering grade 12 ) until grad school, but i'd like the comforting feeling of knowing which options are better ahead of time.

Factoring in different pros and cons for each university, I'm pulled towards either Waterloo and UToronto. None of these universities give good financial aid, but Waterloo does have a better learning and social environment, so I've heard. UToronto seems to be very cutthroat and the stiff competition might make things very uncomfortable. I do like competition, but the things I've heard somewhat scare me. Then again, I don't believe all that I hear.

I do believe that I'm a good student, with an open mind for the many ideas with which physics beholds, and the curiosity to venture for its gain and knowledge. I aspire to become a physicist, so I ask, which school is best?

They're all good, seriously. What matters more is you getting the marks, research and GRE scores.
 
Well, there are clearly many differences. Which one would have more/better research opportunities? Which one would prepare me better for the GRE? I know that they are all good. That's why I narrowed it down to those three. You didn't really help me choose which one :\
 
IcedCore said:
Well, there are clearly many differences. Which one would have more/better research opportunities? Which one would prepare me better for the GRE? I know that they are all good. That's why I narrowed it down to those three. You didn't really help me choose which one :\

Alright then. I thought you were strictly talking about the programs which are generally the same in all of these universities.

I would personally go to McGill for their Honours Physics program just because Montreal is amazing and the physics department is smaller then say Toronto and Waterloo i.e (better research opportunities). I'm going to apply to McGill for their Honours Mathematics program and if I get accepted it would be between McGill and UToronto.
 
Last edited:
Why wouldn't you consider Waterloo? I'm not judging, I'm just curious.
 
IcedCore said:
Why wouldn't you consider Waterloo? I'm not judging, I'm just curious.

I don't really like the campus. Don't get me wrong, the program is pretty awesome but I can't really stand the 1950s brutalist style in some of the buildings, especially the math building. McGill and U of T on the other hand make me fell comfortable...:biggrin:.
 
They're all good. Waterloo is often likened to being the 'MIT' of Canada. But regardless of where you go you will get a good education. Research opportunities fall on you, not the school. If you get the grades and get a prof to WANT to hire you then I'm sure you'll qualify for an NSERC grant. Also, only you can prepare for the GRE, all 3 of those schools will give you a good backing education to give you the foundation knowledge for the GRE but that won't be enough for you to do well on it. You'll have to do it yourself.
 
@Kevin, Haha, I guess i'll have to visit the university and see for myself (: How's the financial aid @McGill ? I'm pretty sure that if you don't live in Quebec, the tuition skyrockets by double or triple.

@Clever, I do understand that GRE prep is on me, but shouldn't the classroom work and lectures cover most of the material. I assumed that the actual GRE prep is simply targeting specific things that weren't covered in depth in class, but still touched on at least once in certain classes. Then again, I could be terribly mistaken.
 
Classroom work/assignments/lectures will cover the majority of what's on the GRE, but between the 3 schools you have listed I doubt there will be much discrepancy in the material taught. You will be well prepared going to any of the 3 listed.

As for the actual GRE test prep and test material you should take a look at some of the posted Physics GRE tests online, I believe there are 3 or 4 official exams released. They will give you an idea as to what's tested and to what level of detail you're expected to know stuff
 

Similar threads

Schools Which Canadian university should I go to for physics undergrad?
Replies
8
Views
3K
Admissions Advice on how best to spend my time for graduate school applications
Replies
15
Views
2K
Admissions Should I submit an 840 PGRE in my applications to top US PhD programs?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions Sincerely seeking graduate school admission advice
Replies
20
Views
2K
Schools Question About Relevance of a HBSc degree at UofT Compared to US Universities
Replies
23
Views
4K
Admissions Do I have a high enough PGRE score for the best US universities?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Schools Comparing Small & Large University Physics Programs for Graduate School Readiness
Replies
14
Views
2K
Admissions Advice to enhance my profile for grad school
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions Being Competitive for Top US Graduate Schools
Replies
19
Views
2K
Admissions How to improve graduate school applications after college?
Replies
32
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top