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

[CombatAce]

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

 

[Sheneron]

My advice would be to remember that it is just a bachelors degree and pick the cheapest.

 

[CombatAce]

As far as money is concerned they are equal thanks to their financial aid package.

 

[j93]

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.

 

[mathteacher]

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