Physics Major: Stanford or Berkeley?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey Guys,</p>

<p>I just had a question for all you - thank you so much in advance for any responses. </p>

<p>I am planning on majoring in Physics (I am really into astrophysics as well - Berkeley has an astrophysics major while Stanford has a physics major with concentration on astrophysics or theoretical physics). My top 2 choices currently are Berkeley and Stanford.</p>

<p>I have heard varying opinions on whether Stanford has a better physics program than Berkeley - always either "Stanford has a better everything, its prestigious" or "Berkeley is just as good as Stanford, prestige doesnt matter. What I haven't heard is... actual details about what is the difference between the two physics majors, if there are better professors, what opportunities there are, etc.</p>

<p>Also, although academics is important, I do want an interesting undergraduate experience - in fact, its at least as important if not more important that I grow socially as well. They are both different schools, but I love both of them and would probably do well in either. </p>

<p>Do you have any ideas/suggestions/advice? Thank you!</p>

2

<p>Visit both and see which one you want to attend, go to that one if you get in.</p>

3

<p>My area is not physics but I would suggest that you consider the difficulty required in getting high grades. Berkley is notorious for giving low grades. This is not an ego thing, if you want to go into astrophysics, you will need to go to grad school. Grades are an important aspect of the application. Aside from this point, both of these are fabulous schools and you would be well served by attending either.</p>

4

<p>^ haha that's a good way if you've got the time and the money. </p>

<p>I'd say do research online, on this site, contact the admissions offices of the two, see if they can put you in touch with the physics department/physics students.</p>