Hi,
My son has been admitted to CU Boulder for Undergraduate Studies in Physics (his intended major) and also to UIUC for a seperate major within the same college as Physics - Arts and Sciences, where he then hopes to transfer to Physics. He is enthusiastic about both as they are highly reputed schools for Physics. In particular, his interests lie in High Energy/Particle Physics and Quantum Information Systems.
He likes Boulder’s location but doesn’t mind UIUC either. Which school would you guys consider to be more suitable? His main concerns are Research, Academics and Internship opportunities but any other information is welcome!
Illinois has the bigger overall academic rep, but more important are fit and cost. Is there a notable difference in cost?
For two universities where you have to be admitted by major, why would he not go to the one where he’s already been admitted to the major of his choice? Especially if he likes Boulder’s location and is only so-so on UIUC. Both schools are great places to be.
Thanks @prezbucky . There is no major difference in cost. He is comfortable at both places and likes each location for different reasons.
@juillet he thinks that UIUC might offer him better job and internship opportunities and doesn’t see transferring into Physics as a big challenge. Moreover UIUC has large research groups in his areas of interest.
I thought UIUC was very impacted and that it is hard to get courses, housing, etc.
I’d go to CU anyway (and in fact I DID go to CU) because it is a great and fun place, but check on the situation at UIUC.
I wouldn’t give subfield interests a whole lot of weight when choosing a college. It’s important when choosing a graduate school. But an undergraduate physics major needs to build a strong foundation of knowledge across the entire field if they have interests in graduate school and research as a career, and undergrads’ subfield interests will evolve, change, and grow over time.
@xraymancs is a professor of physics and can give you a good perspective on this.
The undergraduate physics curriculum is much the same at any university and both are major research universities so he should be able to find plenty of research opportunities. Perhaps UIUC has more groups in the area he is interested in but this is a more appropriate criterion when looking for a Ph.D. program not for the B.S.
As a graduate of UIUC (many years ago), and having sent a number of our undergraduates there over the past few years, I know it to be an excellent program with lots of choices for a Ph.D. student. Colorado is also very good though and he won’t go wrong with either one.
Thank you @xraymancs.Its consoling. And Thank you @julliet . Even though he is starting undergrad he is pretty focussed on research and physics in particular. So, thats why the question.