Carleton was my first choice as a LAC to study Physics, but after knowing about Northfield’s winter, being an asian, I had to drop carleton, since the weather’s unbearable.
Now I am left with Haverford, Vassar, Davidson and Bates. Saw that Haverford’s a great school being a great PhD feeder. But since it’s tougher to get into, am considering of the other three.
Particular comparisons on these colleges will help a lot!! Especially comparisons on their STEM faculties.
Here’s a comparison of PhD feeder schools:
All strong schools but Haverford is particularly strong in the sciences (like Carleton).
Plus, you get the benefit of easy access to Philly and all it has to offer including its airport and the Quaker Consortium with Bryn Mawr, Swarthmore, and Penn.
1 Like
With Carleton eliminated, Haverford represents your top choice for physics. Note that its consortium member Bryn Mawr produced an Apker Award (the highest recognition for undergraduate research in physics) finalist last year:
https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201808/apker.cfm
Regarding winter temperatures, I recommend you consider data:
Average January Low (°F)
Northfield: 5
Lewiston: 9
Poughkeepsie: 15
Haverford: 23
Davidson: 28
1 Like
Any of these colleges can lead to PhD. Spend time looking at the courses offered – including frequency not just being in the catalog – to see if the breadth and focus fit your interests. Look at professors bios and research areas. My D is a bio/math Phd track student and when she dug into Haverford she found it’s small even for an LAC (1400 students) and it seemed like some classes were infrequently taught. As someone pointed out, you can cross enroll in other nearby LACs but it’d be informative to find out how often that happens.
Maybe you’re not adding new colleges but Reed is worth a look for Physics and the winter is more mild.
Do you care about other aspects of the colleges besides its Physics profile? If so, that can help you make a decision.
“Haverford she found it’s small even for an LAC (1400 students) and it seemed like some classes were infrequently taught. As someone pointed out, you can cross enroll in other nearby LACs but it’d be informative to find out how often that happens.”
Actually smaller. 
Haverford has a strong graduation rate. Obviously students are finding access to all the classes they need.
Cross registration is super easy. It is VERY frequent with Bryn Mawr, less so with Swat and Penn as the distance takes a little more time than the 5 minutes between Haverford and BM.
good question! I work with a LOT of Ph.D. Physicists. Here’s some schools that have produced some of the nations top research physicists: Swarthmore, Whitman (a good safety perhaps), Haverford, Colorado College, Pomona, Harvey Mudd, Reed. All warmer than MN. Not a LAC, but similar undergrad experience: my DH has a Physics degree from Dartmouth and a friend is starting Cornell Physics in the Fall. A big differentiator to consider is if you want a B.S. or a B.A. Not all LACs offer B.S. even in Physics.
“A big differentiator to consider is if you want a B.S. or a B.A. Not all LACs offer B.S. even in Physics.”
Does that really matter much, @techno13, or is it “semantics” at those LACs, as they certainly don’t provide a lesser or less rigorous experience?
Whether the college grants only BA or BS doesn’t really matter. If it offers both, then it likely differentiates between the two with somewhat different programs. For graduate schools, what really matters is the experience graduate schools have with and the reputation of the undergraduate program.
Nor do all non-LACs (e.g. UCB, where physics and math majors earn BA degrees). In any case, BS versus BA degree title should not be a significant factor.
For undergrad schools that are significant PhD feeders, I say there’s no difference whatsoever.
1 Like
I need the college to meet my financial need. Reed doesn’t provide 100% demonstrated need to international students… Really loved Reed’s faculty with Griffiths being there. But had to drop the option because i can’t afford college if they don’t meet my need
Loved both Swarthmore and Dartmout, but they are tougher to get into
Reed says it does: “Reed meets the full demonstrated need of all admitted students.”
https://www.reed.edu/apply/guide-to-applying/international/international-guide.html
Well folks, just found out Haverford gives 100% demonstrated aid only to a few number of international students. My hopes got shattered, I now can’t afford to ED it!
I am left with Vassar, Davidson and Bates.
I don’t think any of us on this board can tell you which to choose. They are all great schools where you would get a very high quality degree. Have you spent time looking reading forums and threads on the three colleges to get a sense of where you think you’d enjoy being the most? If you have specific questions about Davidson, PM me as my daughter attends.
Good luck!
Have you checked the net price calculator on each school (keeping in mind that they may be less accurate for international students due to potentially-US-specific questions that may not properly account for family income/assets in other countries)? Claiming to “meet need” is based on the college’s own definition of “need”, which varies from one college to another and may not necessarily be the same as what you and your family need to afford the college.
I didn’t say it ‘should’ matter, I said it’s a differentiator-- and primarily for schools that offer both. Yes, some BS degrees require more science/math than some BA programs. My DD is looking at programs that offer both and there is a significant difference in some cases. My husband has a BA degree is Physics and he took extra science as electives (a million years ago, it could’ve changed). I do agree the general reputation and match for OP’s desired track matters most (theoretical versus experimental, M.S. Engineering versus Ph.D. Physics track, etc.)
Also FWIW:
Cutting and pasting a prior thread response:
"Those #s [meaning type linked in post # 1 above] still have as denominators all students, not just those interested in PhDs, or even majoring in the given fields.
By contrast the AIP studies at least limit to physics majors:
“Physics bachelor’s receiving their degrees from departments that
grant graduate-level physics degrees are more likely to pursue
graduate study in physics.”
http://www.aip.org/statistics/trends/reports/bach2010.pdf
“•Physics bachelors from large departments are more likely to attend graduate or professional school with the intention of earning a degree in any field than physics bachelors from smaller departments (Figure 1).
•Graduates of large departments rate their physics and math preparation for a career more highly than graduates of smaller departments”
“http://www.aip.org/statistics/trends/highlite/bachplus5c/bachplus5c.htm”
"