<p>I am met with a dilemma. I have three choices for a physics major right now: Berkeley, UVA, Penn State. I live in VA so UVa would be very cheap and affordable, but the physics dept is inferior to the other two. Penn State seems like a moderate choice plus I am given a fair amount of money. Berkeley is excellent but it is very expensive and I would have to pay 40k a year (not counting loans and work study). I plan to pursue a PhD. I really want to go to Berkeley but what do you think is the wisest choice for me?</p>
<p>well as you know, you will have no expenses to pursue your graduate studies in physics so the need to save money for the next step is not as big of a factor as if you planned to go to medical school or if you were going for a liberal arts/business PhD. While in graduate school your loans will be deferred. That’s not to say factoring in cost is not a concern. Also, add the cost of travel to attending berkeley.
Really, its up to you and how much you like berkeley and if the debt it worth it to YOU. 40x4 is a lot. </p>
<p>Is there a particular scholarship you received at PSU? There may be some perks with that you might not be aware of. </p>
<p>some PSU scholarships are renewable (for example the 4k for getting into honors college) but i think that is about it.
i am almost sure i will not be going to berkeley anymore so it’s down to psu vs. uva now</p>
<p>ok. Knowing that you would be in SHC, this tips the scale in PSU’s favor (vs UVa). Would this do it on its own, no. But as you figured out the science departments at UVa are not as strong as those at PSU. Research opportunities at PSU will be much greater than UVa. This is a crucial part of getting into the best PHD programs- the research.
SHC has many more perks than is evident from the website or what you’d get from the accepted students visits. The special grants and programs really make difference. ECoS has a separate pool of summer and research scholarships. I would recommend that you contact ECoS about setting up a visit. If you ask, they will try to schedule meetings with professors in the physics dept.</p>
<p>oh wow i did not know that. thank you so much</p>