Hi,
I want to do theoretical/computational physics and I’m having trouble deciding between these three schools. I’ve been wait listed at Chicago, but I want to know now if I would go there if I got in off the wait list.
I know berkeley is ranked higher in physics and math than Penn, but I’ve also heard that research opportunities are incredibly hard to get. I think research is my biggest factor in my decision.
I live in central VA, and distance is definitely a factor. I am comfortable going all the way to California, but only if there is a good reason to. I’ve also gotten into the vagelos MLS program at Penn. I emailed one of the co directors, and I would only need to complete a few extra classes. I could still use the two guaranteed stipends on physics research.
I’m leaning towards Penn because of the guaranteed research, but I’m unsure if I should stay on the wait list at Chicago. It seemed like they had a lot of research opportunities, but that a lot of them were focused on internships (I would rather do paid summer research at Chicago than an internship).
What should I do/consider? Thanks!
Don’t bank on making it off the waitlist. I’m sorry, but it’s a fact. You have to consider a waitlist like a delayed rejection–someone didn’t feel like ripping the BandAid off of you in one shot. They’re doing it slowly. I would go to Penn if it’s affordable but that’s just me.
I have a PhD in astrophysics from Berkeley… it is indeed very highly ranked in physics… definitely in the top 5… but that ranking is for the PhD program. Penn is in the top 20 for its GRADUATE physics program.
At the UNDERGRAD level, they will both give you the same quality of curriculum, education, and opportunities. Penn students will have zero trouble getting into PhD programs, internships, job opportunities.
In fact, for UNDERGRAD, I would lean toward Penn. I just don’t think the undergrad experience at the UCs is worth the cost for out of state students… undergrad classes are huge, especially in the first 2 years… the advising is not very personal… the bureaucracy is very frustrating.
If Berkeley is clearly your favorite, then go for it… but if it is close and you are having difficulty deciding, strongly consider Penn. The Ivy League schools are significantly more supportive in advising and access to resources for undergrads.
I would lean towards Penn as well for research as well as undergraduate attention. I’ve heard it can be difficult to stand out and you really have to be proactive in a 400+ seminar that Berkeley is known for. Berkeley is a great school at the grad level, but Penn is hard to beat for undergrad. It’s your choice whether you want to stay on the wait list for UChicago.
I know that getting in off the wait list is a long shot, I just wanted to know now if I would accept the offer. I wanted to have all the information now rather than have to make a rushed decision later
If it is affordable (you have mentioned nothing regarding finances), go to UCB. Penn is excellent (I discount Chicago’s waitlist, in general they tend to be polite rejections), but Berkeley is among the VERY best postgraduate physics departments globally.
Sorry. I have no financial issues. I would be able to go to penn debt free