Nevada - Reno for geolgy & atmospheric sciences

College Search & Selection
1

At a recent college fair, my daughter spent a lot of time talking to the representatives at various WUE schools. One that seemed to get her attention was University of Nevada Reno.

Things she likes about this school:

  1. Has a program in atmospheric sciences, which a lot of her other schools for geology don’t. She is interested in both as possible majors at the moment.
  2. The recruiter at the college fair went on and on about how much money the School of Mining has (geology major at UNR is in this school)
  3. There is at least one professor who does planetary science in the geology department (this is a hard requirement for her - she wants to go to grad school in planetary science after undergrad)

Looking at the stats of the kids and the graduation rates, it doesn’t seem as strong of a school as her in-state safety option overall. (In-state safety does not have atmospheric science though).

I’m wondering if people could share experiences/opinions about their kids going into the stronger departments at a somewhat weaker school.

She is probably applying to some very selective colleges (Johns Hopkins, etc.) so there is a definite possibility of having to go to a safety in the end.

2

University of Washington - Seattle has a top notch atmospheric science department. And a small undergraduate program where she will get a lot of attention. It’s very strong across the physical sciences.

3

I don’t think it could hurt to apply. The school is relatively cheap from out of state. I don’t think that the graduation rates are a fair representation of the school itself. It’s largely a commuter school (even though it has a LOT of school spirit), and a lot of kids from Vegas transfer out after realizing how expensive housing actually is. It’s a standard in-state school, but being from Nevada, I can tell you that UNR definitely has the reputation of being the more science-oriented college. She could also apply to the honors college too.