<p>I was accepted into Carleton, and have been interested in going to it for a while. However, I'm more into math and science--specifically, physics. I know for a fact I want to major in physics, possible major or minor in mathematics as well. Indeed, I love both physics and math dearly. I don't hate liberal arts, like polisci or philosophy--rather, I am virtually clueless on what they are all about, but am interested in learning. I'm not sure if this would provide me with too much of a challenge--i.e., because of Carleton's requirements, would I just die at the overload of non-sciencey classes?</p>
<p>But I digress. What makes me hesitant about accepting Carleton straight off is the fact that Cornell also accepted me. I have heard that the professors there are involved in serious research and publishing. A friend who goes to Cornell claims that I'd have numerous opportunities to get involved in such research, even when I'm a freshman. I understand that Carleton is a smaller school, and probably (I do not know if this is actually true) doesn't have the same quantity of physics "equipment" as a larger university like Cornell would have. Plus, I understand that Carleton takes pride in the fact that most of its professors aren't involved in serious research, being full time professors instead. There are more "big names" in Physics at Cornell, I would imagine (how big, I'm not sure). Plus, Cornell has name recognition.</p>
<p>On the flip side, I've heard that graduates are generally favored when it comes to choosing students to participate in research, and therefore I will have a less likely chance of getting involved because of this. Plus, I've heard that a Physics major is rather tough to get at Cornell.</p>
<p>So, essentially, tell me about the research programs in physics at Cornell, how hard it is, &c. Would most undergrads be able to get involved in research easily?</p>
<p>The major thing you should be considering is big university vs. LAC. </p>
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So, essentially, tell me about the research programs in physics at Cornell, how hard it is, &c. Would most undergrads be able to get involved in research easily?
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Yeah you can get involved in research pretty easily. A prof would be hesitant to take freshmen because they don't know enough physics and have other things to worry about like classes and adjusting to college. As long as you are enthusiastic, you can get a research position somewhere. </p>
<p>There isn't really some kind of defined research program so I can't say how "difficult" it is. You join a prof's lab and work until you graduate or decide to quit. It's basically a job.</p>
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On the flip side, I've heard that graduates are generally favored when it comes to choosing students to participate in research
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I'm not sure what you mean by "the grad student is favored". You won't be given the coveted ground-breaking research project because the grad students are the ones who has the full-time job of research. You will most likely help a graduate student out at first and only after you've proved yourself to be capable only after you prove yourself capable will you get your own project.</p>
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doesn't have the same quantity of physics "equipment" as a larger university like Cornell would have.
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<p>The only fancy equipment is in the research labs. You won't really be using anything big like an STM. If you take upper-level courses in biomedical engineering or nanofabrication, for example, you'll get a chance to play around with some cool equipment. Don't come to Cornell expecting to use the latest breakthrough technology as part of a course. In fact, you shouldn't expect that anywhere. You only really get to play with the fun stuff in research labs.</p>
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Plus, I've heard that a Physics major is rather tough to get at Cornell.
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<p>If you survive it at one school, you can probably survive at any other.</p>
<p>I think you'll find Cornell chemistry classes more competitve than Carleton's. Both good schools. Carleton is teensy tiny, though, which I view as a negative.</p>
<p>(I'm from the Twin Cities, but attended Cornell, as do my kids.)</p>