I’m currently a junior and wanted some input on where to start thinking about going to College in a year. I want to become a physics major but don’t know where I should go. The schools I’m thinking about are: RPI and RIT and Georgia Tech. I live in NY and could probably get good scholarships for both RPI and RIT, but I think GT is a better school (so I’ve read). I’m skeptical about GT becuase, as a native Long Islander, I have no idea what it’s like to live in Atlanta.
I also have Stanford as a reach. I don’t think I’ll get in, but I have a 2020 SAT score and a 29 ACT (which I’m retaking next month and will probably get a 31+ on since I ran out of time for 2 sections the first time I took the ACT) and a 97 unweighted average.
RPI has slightly higher SAT scores than Georgia Tech. This doesn't make RPI better, but it makes the claim that GT is better more difficult to substantiate.
Physics is different from engineering. If you are sure you would like to study physics, then you will have the option to study at one the schools on your list or many others.
That's true. From what I saw though GT is considered a "better" school, no? I may be mis-remembering.
I'm positive on the field of physics. I either want to do physics education or theoretical physics. I haven't decided. What are some other major schools I should look into?
Also, in regards to financial issues, I’m not too concerned about that. I’m technically an independent since I don’t live with parents/guardians (an emancipated minor). My guidance counselor said that no matter where I end up going I’ll have a strong financial base. I’m just trying to figure out where I should go.
Physics majors have done outstandingly well at a variety of colleges. RPI would be excellent, of course, but other types of schools should be considered as well. The University of Rochester should be on your list. Colgate, Hamilton and Wesleyan, as examples, have produced Apker Award winners out of their physics departments. Hamilton’s has also produced a Nobel Prize winner. Some colleges of this type are known for their Phd productivity in the sciences (lists are available). You would have over two dozen physics courses from which to choose at any of these colleges. Enough, it seems, for most undergraduates. Your choice of college will depend on what you are looking for.
For physics, equal. Rensselaer is a medium-sized university with access to the capital district. RPI’s gender imbalance is somewhat offset by the presence of other, nearby, colleges. Hamilton is woodsy (with access to a village and suburban area), sporty and exclusively undergraduate-focused. As you commented, Hamilton has an especially beautiful campus.
Hamilton would be a much better option than RPI. RPI has lost its edge over the years and also has a considerably smaller endowment. Higher endowment translates to more aid, better maintained facilities and the latest technology and lab equipment. I would definitely include the University of Rochester, Carleton College and perhaps Case Western Reserve to your list. I personally think you will get the best undergraduate education at a liberal arts college, but you should visit these schools before deciding whether to pursue liberal arts colleges or research universities. By the way, as an undergraduate you are likely to have more research opportunities at a liberal arts college than at a research university.
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Also, in regards to financial issues, I’m not too concerned about that. I’m technically an independent since I don’t live with parents/guardians (an emancipated minor). My guidance counselor said that no matter where I end up going I’ll have a strong financial base. I’m just trying to figure out where I should go.
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You’re GC is wrong…very wrong.
Most schools don’t meet need so even if you’re independent, there a MANY schools that will not give you much aid.
So, yes, you do need to be concerned about that.
GT is a STATE school, and you don’t live there. They will expect you to pay for most costs. They won’t care that you’re low income or that you’re independent.
Geesh…you’d think GC’s would know better…but they don’t.
“I’ll have a strong financial base.”
Based on what?? Do you have $200,000 in a bank acct?
If not, then LISTEN to mom2collegekids.
Your GC does NOT know he is talking about!!
Someone has to pay for your college education and if YOU cant afford to pay, then find a college that will pay YOU to go there.
I’m not too sure which college has the best physics program, but if you’re interested in the tech-y kind of schools, maybe look at WPI too? I just went to visit and although I didn’t end up choosing it (because i’m from the other side of the country) I thought it was a nice campus and not as bad of a location as I thought. However may be different coming from a native opinion. But anyways, good school and the projects they do there are amazing. I’m not too sure if you’re a guy or a girl but I didn’t even notice the gender imbalance when I visited.
You have the same SAT score I had and WPI gave me 20k per year. I also applied to Case Western Reserve University and got waitlisted (although eventually accepted), if I had the time and the money I would have wanted to visit the campus there (they’re really big on demonstrated interest too so maybe it would’ve helped?). I heard it’s a great school with solid sciences without leaving out the humanities. And they have great music there, probably much more to do than in Worcester (right next to Cleveland vs 40-60 min from Boston)
Only 60-80 schools “meet need”, meaning that if they admit you they’ll make sure you can attend and provide sufficient financial aid. All other schools - that’s about 3,600 of them- don’t. They don’t care whether you’re independent or not, if they admit you and you can’t pay, it’s not their problem. Of course, if you have excellent test scores, some of these schools may offer you a scholarship. Some scholarships are automatic (look at the pinned threads at the top of the Financial Aid Forum) while others are competitive.
This is a website for first-generation students (meaning neither parent graduated from a 4-year college); it’s got lots of information so read the list but also read the other stuff. http://blog.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/blog/colleges-that-meet-100-of-student-financial-need/
I’m impressed that you’re taking the initiative to research this yourself. Mom2collegekids and Myos1634 know quite a lot, so follow up on their advice.
Make sure you have an in state safety (a school that will accept you, that you can afford, and would be happy to attend) on your list. You may qualify for a federal Pell grant (up to ~$5k), a NYS TAP grant (up to about $5k), and you can get the federal student loan (~$5500), so if you get work study and work over breaks you may be able to afford a SUNY.
Do check the threads pinned to the top of the financial aid forum for schools with guaranteed merit. But keep in mind that while the Pell grant and student loan can be used anywhere, the TAP grant is only for NYS schools. If you get full Pell and take the federal student loan, that will go a ways toward covering your room and board, so you need at least a full tuition scholarship to go OOS. You’ll have to plan for money for travel, books, fees, health ins., a phone, laptop, and incidentals, so make sure to look closely at the costs of each school and don’t spread yourself too thin. Good luck.
Rutgers is internationally ranked in Physics and domestically would certainly be in the top ten or even higher. Penn State and University of Maryland are also top schools for physics.
“Rutgers is internationally ranked in physics, and domestically would certainly be in the top ten”
This type of statement needs a source, particularly if it’s “certainly” true. Context is also important. Rankings of graduate departments, for example, may not be relevant to the OP.
You have good scores but not stellar. Unless you have a large college fund, paying for college could be a hurdle. Research the schools that meet full need. Many of these schools are very selective and you may not get in. As others have stated your GC is wrong.
Check out Genesco for an in-state option. Franklin & Marshall is a school that meets full need and you seem to meet their acceptance profile.
