<p>Does anyone know why Princeton's astrophysics program is so small? Is it due to a small number of applicants, or is it hard to get accepted to?</p>
<p>I am sure it has nothing to do with acceptance rate since you are not admitted directly into the program but rather the university as a whole. My son explored astrophysics initially (settled on BSE civil engineering in the end) and overall was impressed with their department. His final choice had to do with the field…simply liking the field better (CE is quite small at Princeton as well). Don’t let department size throw you off…they have some amazing profs in those small departments!</p>
<p>Princeton just opts for a smaller department. But don’t worry — it’s top of the line, and the kids who concentrate in it get their money’s worth.</p>