FSU vs GT for physics (not engineering)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Florida State University
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<p>Okay, so I know GT for engineering is superior, but I'm an aspiring physicist and have heard good things about FSUs physics program. These are both the same cost for me, so how is FSU for physics as compared to GT.</p>

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<p>Perhaps the most obvious difference is that FSU is home to the only National Laboratory in Florida - the [NHMFL[/url</a>]. It appears GT has an affiliation with the ORNL, but that lab is not in Georgia. Come to think of it, Florida State is also affiliated with ORNL.</p>

<p>The FSU operated NHMFL was just given an increase in funding and renewed for another five years to the tune of $160 million from the National Science Foundation. </p>

<p>Another example of FSU excellence in physics:

See: <a href=“http://www.physics.fsu.edu/news/2010/CalemHoffman/default.asp[/url]”>http://www.physics.fsu.edu/news/2010/CalemHoffman/default.asp](<a href=“http://www.magnet.fsu.edu/]NHMFL[/url”>http://www.magnet.fsu.edu/)</a></p>

<p>Hope this helps!</p>

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<p>This was very helpful information!! FSU is looking much more appealing now. Does anyone else have any insight?</p>

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<p>For what it’s worth, here are the USNews rankings for Physics:</p>

<p>FSU - #48 Physics
GaTech - #30 Physics </p>

<p>They are both highly-ranked in this field, but GaTech has an edge in the rankings.</p>

<p>On the other hand, I’ve heard some grousing from GaTech students and alumni about a hyper-competive culture at GaTech, along with draconian GPA deflation measures that make getting a 3.0+ very difficult (could be an issue if you want to go to graduate school). Of course, a more competitive environment may not necessarily be a bad thing if that’s what you’re into.</p>

<p>I think GaTech is hard to get into. This means that if you can get into GaTech, you might be able to get a merit-based grant from FSU, or get into their honors program.</p>

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<p>

I’d say Tech is more “self-selective” than it is selective. My stats were pretty good, but I wouldn’t say that they were astounding, yet I was admitted to the CS program. Since I have graduate school plans, it was just too expensive to attend. However, you are correct, my stats were just about good enough to receive the FSU’s University Freshman scholarship. </p>

<p>If you were in-state, I would recommend going to the in-state school. Since you aren’t, I’d say go to the school at which you think you would feel happiest. But I will point out that FSU is a lot less expensive out-of-state than Tech is. </p>

<p>When I visited Tech, the atmosphere felt very “cold,” whereas at FSU it felt much warmer.</p>

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<p>I should also note that of ALL the public and private universities in Florida - Florida State has the highest investment of NSF dollars. Some schools like to tout med school dollars, well, FSU can tout NSF dollars.</p>

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<p>If you think you are really that good in physics - I’d contact Dr. Tabor at FSU. You could be the next Calem Hoffman. Make an appointment and go see him.</p>

<p>My D1 was a biochem major and was able to conduct her experiments at the Mag Lab as an undergrad. This can be done again.</p>