Physics!

College Majors
1

<p>I'm a high school senior. I put down my intended majors and careers as "undecided" for forever, but a few weeks ago I decided I wanted to go into physics. Time was too short for me to drastically change the schools I was applying to. If I'm accepted to more than one, I don't know where I'll go. </p>

<p>Given that I only settled on a major a few weeks ago, I need to go to a school that's strong in physics as well as other areas so I won't end up completely screwed if I change my mind. But as far as physics goes... I've heard that some math departments tend to be hyper-competitive, and that in some only the brightest undergrads get much attention... does the same thing usually happen with physics? I'd like to avoid that. </p>

<p>Also, how smart does one have to be to succeed as a "professional" physicist rather than in, say, industry or teaching high school? I figure I'm competent -- 790 SAT math, 800 math IIC, 800 SAT-II physics, A+ in AP physics, almost an A+ self-teaching BC calc in under 3 months -- but I'm not exactly a genius or anything.</p>

<p>By the way, I applied to these schools: Yale (first choice, deferred EA), MIT, Princeton, UVA, Brandeis, Stanford. Any thoughts?</p>

2

<p>I don't really know how a department can give some math/physics majors more attention than others....do you mean that some students get more awards/scholarships? I wouldn't really worry about it, just do your best and I'm sure you'll be fine. </p>

<p>When you say "professional" physicist I assume you mean someone who does research in physics....from your background it definitely seems like you have a good math/science foundation, which will help a lot in your college classes. You certainly don't have to be a "genius" though, just put a lot of effort into your work and try out research as an undergrad, to see if you like it. </p>

<p>Out of your list of schools, MIT, Princeton and Stanford probably have the strongest physics departments, but you could get a great education at any of them.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

3

<p>Heh. I'm not really sure what people mean when they talk about the brightest students getting more "attention." More research opportunities? Attention from professors?</p>

<p>Thanks a lot for your input, it was really helpful.</p>