Schools World`s best physics Ph.D university

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on identifying top universities for pursuing a Ph.D. in experimental physics, particularly in the U.S. and Europe. Key points include the importance of faculty quality and research alignment over general university rankings. Notable institutions mentioned include Caltech, Stanford, Princeton, MIT, and Cambridge, with specific emphasis on their strengths in various physics fields. The conversation also touches on the necessary entrance examinations for international students, highlighting the GRE requirements, and the need for a solid research proposal when applying. Participants share insights on the application process and eligibility criteria, noting that prior publications may not be mandatory but can enhance an application. Overall, the dialogue emphasizes the significance of matching personal research interests with the right supervisor and program.
saiarun
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Can anyone give the link to know the world`s best physics centres or university for doing Ph.D. in experimental physics. I want to do research in American or European university. I also want to know the related entrace examinations for admissions and their eligibity.
Thanking you in advance :smile:
 
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It depends on the field. Basically the quality of a PhD program is going to be determined by the quality of the faculty, as you will do most of your learning (physics skills, not material) from them while working on your thesis. So it deepends on what field, because differenct universities have different porfessors working on different projects.
 
Well, if ever I choose to be a professor, wherever I'll be will become the best place to do a Ph. D. :biggrin:
 
From what I can tell so far, schools look good sure... Princeton, CalTech, etc, but your degree will mean much more to you if you get with a good supervisor who is interested in the same things you are. Doing cosmology at Princeton might look good, but if you really want to do micro black holes, then perhaps stanford or USCB would be better.
 
This is probably little or no help at all but according to the "Best Graduate Schools" of 2000 (Yes, I know laugh now) from US NEWS the top physics graduate schools are as follows:
1. CAL Tech 1. Stanford 3. Harvard 3. MIT 3. Princeton 3. Berkeley 7. Cornell
7. U of Chicago 9. U of Illinois 10. Columbia (NY) 10. Santa Barbara 10. Yale and so on . . . Ranked according to 5th graders all over Siberia.
 
If you are interested in experimental/applied physics, look to the technological schools; MIT,CalTech, etc. Theoretical I would lean towards Stanford or Princeton. lol that's some pretty high goals there, good luck in your endeavors.
 
I don't know how good Cambridge University (yes, England) is with experimental physics, but I know for a fact that it is good with areas such as astrophysics. Cambridge, as far as I know, has a good reputation with the entirety of physics, so I would assume that it would also do good with experimental physics.
 
Since you bring up Cambridge, what would be the process in going from an AMerican undergraduate university to a doctorate at Cambridge?
 
  • #10
university of Gent...

regards

marlon
 
  • #11
I am an Indian doing my Masters in physics in India. I want to know the entrance exams for entering into the university's in abroad. What are the eligibilty? Do we have to publish some paper before?
Thanking you in advance.
 
  • #12
franznietzsche said:
Since you bring up Cambridge, what would be the process in going from an AMerican undergraduate university to a doctorate at Cambridge?

I think it's probably the same as for someone who did their undergraduate in the UK. You have to fill in an application form with a research proposal and stuff, I think. Check the graduate admissions on their site for more info.
 
  • #13
I'm currently an undergraduate physics major in the U.S. Which place would you guys suggest as being the best place to get a PhD in astrophysics? Right now I'm looking at Columbia, University of San Diego, University of Arizona, University of Illinois, and Renslauer.
 
  • #14
Princeton, Caltech.

Bahcall is at Princeton, one of the big heads in the field.

Thorne is at Caltech, leader in black hole/wormhole theory.
 
  • #15
saiarun said:
I am an Indian doing my Masters in physics in India. I want to know the entrance exams for entering into the university's in abroad. What are the eligibilty? Do we have to publish some paper before?
Thanking you in advance.

r u in IIT by any chance?
 
  • #16
  • #17
It completely depends on the field. Generally larger public institutions have good experimental programs

Ex University of California, Michigan, Virginia, Chicago.

The Ivy Leagues are known for their theory departments, but obviously you can't go wrong.

In general, a smaller college will pick one subfield and specialize in it with several proffessors/postdocs working. So sometimes its the unknown names that have the best subfield programs in the world.
 
  • #18
Hi jai6638, I am not an IITian. I want to know whether we have to write G.R.E(general test)
""or"" Advanced G.R.E(subject test) for physics ""or"" both for getting into Ph.D in U.S.A.
Can anyone help me?
Thanking u in advance
 

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