Astronomy/Astrophysics/Planetary Science programs

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I am planning to focus in one of those three areas in college, and likely for a career. Could someone give me advice on what colleges I should be considering for them, given my scores and information?
FYI:
I have an ACT score of 35 (34E/33M/36R/36S), SAT score of 2260 (800R/700M/760W), a 5 on the European History AP test, and projected 5's on Macro/Micro, Lang, Bio, and US Gov. I am currently in a very low income bracket (180% of the poverty line), and my activities resume is average (standard debate captain, quizbowl team captain, etc).
My weak spot is that I won't be taking AP Calculus/Physics until senior year.</p>

<p>Also, exactly how viable is a career path in astronomy or planetary science? I'm looking for input from multiple sources on this.</p>

2

<p>Jobs in physics or astronomy are relatively scarce, but some other decent paying jobs like computer software and quantitative finance may take some physics or astronomy majors as “smart people who can do math”.</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/internships-careers-employment/1121619-university-graduate-career-surveys-4.html#post15518814[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/internships-careers-employment/1121619-university-graduate-career-surveys-4.html#post15518814&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>For any prospective schools, check their net price calculators to see what their financial aid estimates are. Also check to see if they have any large enough merit scholarships.</p>

<p>What is your state of residency? Many state universities are good for physics and astronomy, but out of state ones are unlikely to be affordable on need-based financial aid (though some may have large enough merit scholarships).</p>

3

<p>chris, This will give you an idea what some astronomy/astrophysics majors have done after graduation. [Graduates</a> | Astronomy](<a href=“http://astronomy.williams.edu/people/graduates/]Graduates”>Graduates – Astronomy)</p>

<p>You would be eligible for need based aid at many private college. You should contact QuestBridge for help.</p>