Which University is Best for a Mathematics and Physics Double Major?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the selection of a university for pursuing a double major in mathematics and physics. Participants share their insights and experiences regarding various institutions, focusing on the quality of education, graduate school placement, and personal experiences at specific universities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Personal experience sharing

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about choosing between Brown University, Duke University, and Williams College, highlighting a desire for input based on personal experiences.
  • Another participant suggests that financial considerations should be prioritized, recommending the cheapest option for a bachelor's degree.
  • A different participant notes that financial aid packages make the cost of attending the schools being considered equal.
  • One contributor advocates for Brown University, citing its Ivy League status, favorable grading, and a less intense academic environment as advantages for graduate school applications.
  • A Williams College alumnus argues for Williams, emphasizing the excellence of its math department and the strong teaching focus, which they believe benefits students more than larger universities with a research emphasis. They provide anecdotal evidence of successful alumni from Williams, including those who pursued advanced degrees in mathematics and physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present differing opinions on which university is best suited for a mathematics and physics double major. There is no consensus, as some prioritize financial aspects while others focus on academic reputation and personal experiences at specific institutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants' recommendations are based on personal experiences and perceptions, which may not reflect broader trends or outcomes. The discussion does not resolve the complexities of choosing a university based on individual priorities and circumstances.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective students considering a double major in mathematics and physics, particularly those evaluating different universities and their respective strengths in these fields.

CombatAce
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I have lurked around the forums for some time now and finally decided to make a post as I cannot make up my mind of where to go. I just graduated from community college with my AA in mathematics and have applied (and accepted) to several schools as a transfer student. I wish to proceed in obtaining a bachelors in mathematics (although I would like to double major in physics if possible) and then proceed for a Ph.D. in mathematics or physics.
As of now my debate lingers among, Brown University, Duke University, and Williams College. I also have been placed on the waiting list at Cornell University.
I would like your own input from your own personal experience and observations of which school would provide the best education in mathematics and/or physics for an undergraduate, as well as best placement into graduate school.
Thank You
 
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My advice would be to remember that it is just a bachelors degree and pick the cheapest.
 
As far as money is concerned they are equal thanks to their financial aid package.
 
I would go with Brown because its an ivy which
means

favorable grading
environment is not too academically intense (course requirements are lax)
big name

all of which are positives for applying to graduate school.
 
Hi,

Congrats on getting into so many great schools...

I'm a Williams Alum (class of 2000). I can't speak to the other places, but I would argue for Williams. The math department at Williams is excellent and renowned for its teaching, something a large U won't give you since research is a bigger focus. As a result, Williams tends to graduate a large number of math majors in proportion to the total class. I have 3 close friends who were all math majors. One is currently doing her math PhD at Brandeis. Another taught HS math and now works as a programmer. The last was a math/physics double major (sound familiar?), who went on to get his PhD at Harvard. He's now a post-doc who won this amazing fellowship at Harvard and has been running his own lab for the past 4 years.

-p
 

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