Hi all, I am currently an undergraduate at a small liberal arts college and I have had some doubts that it is the right fit. I am double majoring in Physics and Math. My hopes are to pursue a Ph.D in physics, my concern is that there are very few if any other students here that are as focused on academics as I am. I am considering transferring to a “better” school in hopes of perhaps finding more people with my mindset. Right now I am considering Case Western and Cornell, I did not apply to these schools when considering a college (for no real reason in particular). I graduated from a very small rural school at the top of my class, but I completed my junior and senior year of HS at a branch of Ohio University, I have good test scores etc… I am now done with my first year here, I have completed math through differential equations, the first year of Physics, and have a 4.0. I have worked as a math tutor both here and at OU, and was a supplemental instructor for general chemistry here. I currently work in a Physics research lab on campus and have good relationships with the faculty, (im actually dog sitting for one of the physics profs this weekend). My question is: is it worth it to transfer to a more prestigious school with a more recognized program or stay here where I can continue to conduct research as an undergraduate and have closer relationships with faculty?
Am I right in assuming that financial aid is not an issue? If not then your reason for wanting to transfer is compelling. Best for someone heading to an eventual PhD in math/physics is to be surrounded by like minded students. The depth and breadth of the coursework also matters. Cornell is a good choice.
While financial aid is of mild concern, I quite sure this is what I want to pursue. That being the case, I believe that a slightly greater financial burden may be a price worth paying for the advantages it could yield.
The question is whether you current school has the bandwidth to allow you to continue to progress in math/phusices. It may be that they can offer you independent study. I would talk to your advisor/department chair and see what s/he thinks. Sounds like your getting lots of great opportunities where you are. If that can continue, do you like it enough to stay?
I talked to a professor that said with the current job market the best way to get a job doing what I want to do (university professor) is to graduate (with a graduate degree) from a top 10 university. The Physics dept here is great, and I know that I will be prepared to go into grad school at any of the top universities, my only concern is that those aforementioned universities do not know that. I honestly think I may even be better prepared for grad school coming from here, but im probably the only one that thinks that. So I don’t know if leaving the great relationships and opportunities here is worth what I may gain by graduating from a more recognized university.
My understanding is grad school depends on grades, recommendations and GRE scores. If you think your current school is best to prepare you in those areas then finish out there.
Getting a degree from a “more recognized university” is not especially valuable for getting into graduate school. Graduate admissions are not that provincial; they understand that smart students do not always attend name brand colleges. Plus, the kinds of letters of recommendation that you are likely to get from your LAC professors will probably be better than the letters you might get from a bigger school (because the professors are less likely to remember you). A glowing set of letters of recommendation from several professors is worth much more than a high profile school without such letters.
Do not forget that your GRE score is also a major factor in graduate school admissions.
I do think, though, that you have a legitimate point about your fellow students. Obviously, being around other smart dedicated student is an advantage.
My recommendation is to go ahead and apply for transferring to a handful of universities; then see where you are accepted and evaluate your options once you have concrete knowledge about each school. I recommend that you look at other schools besides CWRU and Cornell. Also take a look at University of Rochester (which is similar to CWRU in many ways) and Johns Hopkins.
Good Luck.
Case would not likely give much aid to a transfer.
What do you mean by “slightly greater financial burden”?
How much did you borrow for your frosh year?
How much will your parents pay?
Grad schools care about GPA, GRE scores, courses taken, and LORs…not school name.
It cost $6000 this year, all of which my parents paid.
Is that $6,000 or $60,000? If it is only $6,000 then you are getting a ton of aid, probably much of which is merit aid. As @mom2collegekids says, the college you transfer to probably will not give much merit aid. Perhaps zero. You should look into that.
Personally, I would stay where I could conduct research and maintain a close relationship with faculty members. For something like you want to do (physics and math/ PhD in physics), having that background and making connections in the field is imperative. Sure, Case Western and Cornell are great schools but I would prefer to be a name in the program, not a face.