4 answers
Alexander
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
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How do you decide what college to pick?
I want to be a physicist but I don't know what college I should try to get into. Any recommendation? #college-advice #physics
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4 answers
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
141
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
For the purpose of disclosure, I was a practicing physicist that turned into a mathematics professor before retirement.
I earned my BS in physics at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, my MS in physics at Arizona State University, and my Ph.D. in geophysics at the State University of New York at Stony Brook (now Stony Brook University). After a one-year tenure of postdoctoral fellowship at the Geophysical Laboratory of the Carnegie Institution of Washington (now Carnegie Institution for Science), I spent two decades working as a consulting scientist of Raytheon at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. I left scientific consulting for an academic appoint as professor of mathematics at the University of Maryland University College (now University of Maryland Global Campus) and work another fourteen years before my retirement.
Based on my experience, the initial choice of college at the undergraduate level is not terribly important. It is more important that you pick a college with a solid physics department. I was lucky in that the physics department at the University of Hawaii at Manoa was, indeed, a rather solid one.
The choice of college for your MS and Ph.D. in physics will be more critical. It will depend on the area of physics you would like to get into. You will have a few years in your undergraduate endeavor to figure that out.
I earned my BS in physics at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, my MS in physics at Arizona State University, and my Ph.D. in geophysics at the State University of New York at Stony Brook (now Stony Brook University). After a one-year tenure of postdoctoral fellowship at the Geophysical Laboratory of the Carnegie Institution of Washington (now Carnegie Institution for Science), I spent two decades working as a consulting scientist of Raytheon at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. I left scientific consulting for an academic appoint as professor of mathematics at the University of Maryland University College (now University of Maryland Global Campus) and work another fourteen years before my retirement.
Based on my experience, the initial choice of college at the undergraduate level is not terribly important. It is more important that you pick a college with a solid physics department. I was lucky in that the physics department at the University of Hawaii at Manoa was, indeed, a rather solid one.
The choice of college for your MS and Ph.D. in physics will be more critical. It will depend on the area of physics you would like to get into. You will have a few years in your undergraduate endeavor to figure that out.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Alexander
John Kriegel
Write and test software
27
Answers
Troy, Michigan
Updated
John’s Answer
As one of the other responders pointed out, the undergraduate choice is not critical, but there are a few ideas that might be helpful:
1) If you can attend a school that gives you personal attention this can be helpful.
2) Try to keep your knowledge base and skills broad early in your studies and career. Physics is connected with many other fields of study. Related fields: math, astronomy, chemistry, materials science, computer software.
3) Even liberal arts schools may be good for you.
4) Keep open minded. Well this should be true for all sciences.
If possible, establish friendships with profs and TA's that can inspire you. Also with other students that share your values and interests. And be aware that there can be negative influences.
1) If you can attend a school that gives you personal attention this can be helpful.
2) Try to keep your knowledge base and skills broad early in your studies and career. Physics is connected with many other fields of study. Related fields: math, astronomy, chemistry, materials science, computer software.
3) Even liberal arts schools may be good for you.
4) Keep open minded. Well this should be true for all sciences.
If possible, establish friendships with profs and TA's that can inspire you. Also with other students that share your values and interests. And be aware that there can be negative influences.
Jacob Schwarber, CPA
Finance Lead
130
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Hi, Alexander,
Selecting what colleges to apply to is a daunting decision. The good thing is that regardless of where you go, how much you get out of/enjoy your college experience is based on the effort you put into making it rewarding. With that said, I'll give a few recommendations for things to think about when you're beginning your college search.
First, think about what majors/programs you're interested in (which it sounds like you have done) and perform some research on the internet. Many schools have virtual tours so you can get a sense of campus life somewhat easily.
I also think visiting schools before you make a choice is a very good decision. It's important to have some evaluative criteria prior to visiting campuses. You should base your questions on things you want to get out of your college experience. Some items to consider are:
- programs you might be interested in
- faculty to student ratio
- extracurricular programs
- study abroad opportunities
Many schools will give you the opportunity to talk to students during your visit. Ask your tour guide or students you're introduced to what things they took into consideration when they made their choices.
I know it's intimidating to being your college search. Do thorough research about the schools online before visiting and ask questions while you are there. Don't be afraid to ask silly questions - I volunteered in the admissions office when I was in college and I honestly don't think I ever heard a bad question; chances are, someone else nearby has a similar one.
At the end of the day, there probably isn't just one, perfect school for you. You have a lot of control over how much you get out of your college experience. Do your best to make a sound decision now and don't look back - focus on having the best four years you possibly can.
Here is an article with some questions you can use as a starting point for brainstorming: https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/the-college-solution/2010/10/19/36-questions-to-ask-on-a-college-visit
Selecting what colleges to apply to is a daunting decision. The good thing is that regardless of where you go, how much you get out of/enjoy your college experience is based on the effort you put into making it rewarding. With that said, I'll give a few recommendations for things to think about when you're beginning your college search.
First, think about what majors/programs you're interested in (which it sounds like you have done) and perform some research on the internet. Many schools have virtual tours so you can get a sense of campus life somewhat easily.
I also think visiting schools before you make a choice is a very good decision. It's important to have some evaluative criteria prior to visiting campuses. You should base your questions on things you want to get out of your college experience. Some items to consider are:
- programs you might be interested in
- faculty to student ratio
- extracurricular programs
- study abroad opportunities
Many schools will give you the opportunity to talk to students during your visit. Ask your tour guide or students you're introduced to what things they took into consideration when they made their choices.
I know it's intimidating to being your college search. Do thorough research about the schools online before visiting and ask questions while you are there. Don't be afraid to ask silly questions - I volunteered in the admissions office when I was in college and I honestly don't think I ever heard a bad question; chances are, someone else nearby has a similar one.
At the end of the day, there probably isn't just one, perfect school for you. You have a lot of control over how much you get out of your college experience. Do your best to make a sound decision now and don't look back - focus on having the best four years you possibly can.
Jacob recommends the following next steps:
This was super helpful, thank you!
Alexander
lyn B
College Advisor
3
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
lyn’s Answer
Hello! I would say to visit as many colleges as you can. Also take into consideration your financial aid offers, the resources available at the college like study abroad, internship partnerships, student services, clubs/orgs related to your major. Make sure they offer a pathway for what you want as your major. Talk to the admission counselors and ask them about what your major would look like. Best of luck!
Thank you so much, lyn!
Alexander