<p>Still waiting for open house, but applied/was accepted for Physics, but am nervous about resources and courses offered given the small representation of Physics majors.</p>
<p>Any Physics majors out there or does anyone have any insight into the physics/astronomy courses at Cal Poly?</p>
<p>Ickglue, if you’re out there, I believe physics was your second major - any thoughts would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Sorry, I don’t have any information for you but I am interested in the question. D is currently at CP - in business and loves it. S is a HS junior passionate about physics and Cal Poly is high up on his list. Mission23…what other schools are you considering?</p>
<p>Considering U of Arizona, Baylor (for physics/astrophysics), UCSB (waitlisted), USD. Would love to stay in CA and hear only good things about Cal Poly, but heard there are only 145 physics majors out of 19,000 students (not sure how that factors into the quality of the program, though the new science center opening next spring is encouraging).</p>
<p>The science center looks very impressive, I’ve been watching the progress. When son went to visit CP he toured the engineering department and all specialties were very hands on and it seems there is quite a bit of corporate support. I have assumed this is also the case for the physics department - but have not verified it. Are you willing to share your basic stats?</p>
<p>3.87 GPA, 1870 SAT, only taking one AP class (AP Calculus), average ECs and community service hours, CA resident, white male.</p>
<p>Don’t worry so much about the size of the undergraduate physics student body, that can be an advantage in getting to know the faculty better. More importantly, ask yourself which university gives you not only the rigorous courses but the best opportunity to get involved in research. This is usually better at a research university.</p>
<p>Are you planning to stop at an undergrad degree or go to grad school? If you want a PHD, be sure to ask the department about how many physics grads go on to graduate school. I was researching Cal Poly for my son and noticed that the stats in recent years were poor for numbers of physics graduates going on to higher degrees. That’s in contrast to previous years, where they fed a lot of graduates to good programs.</p>
<p><a href=“https://www.careers.calpoly.edu/search.php[/url]”>https://www.careers.calpoly.edu/search.php</a></p>
<p>Yes, I am planning to go on to a graduate program. I’m also torn between physics and astronomy, maybe biophysics, and that also makes me nervous about Cal Poly given how difficult it is to change your major. It was my #2 choice (nearly tied with UCSB) so I was so excited to get accepted, but am in the phase of looking more closely at resources, facilities, course options, etc. as well as what you mentioned, CASrMom, best program to prepare me for graduate programs. Cal Poly seems a no brainer for Engineering, but how much focus is put into their Physics program? That’s what I still need help in finding out. Hoping to get more answers at open house next week but the people on these boards have been so helpful!</p>
<p>OsakaDad and Ickglue - would love your input!</p>