<p>Hi all,
I've noticed that at many LACs, Biology and Chemistry seems to be the main focus of their science programs. I am pretty interested in Physics, and want a good liberal arts education. As far as I've seen, it's places like Princeton, Cornell and MIT where Physics is more popular. Carleton seems to be the only small LAC where Physics is popular.</p>
<p>When I got the sciences viewbook from Dickinson, it hardly had a mention of Physics (only one). All explanations of research projects, etc where about Bio and Chem.</p>
<p>Even where Physics does have a presence, it seems like the Astronomy courses are more popular. </p>
<p>I am wrong about the lack of emphasis on Physics? Are there many other places where Physics is emphasized? Any that are less competitive than these colleges?</p>
<p>Note: I am not worried about the quality of the Physics teaching. I'm only worried about the kind of interest I will see in my classmates. I am very interested in Physics (and very good at also, if I leave my modesty aside for a bit) so I want interested classmates, just like the Bio and Chem majors will have.</p>
<p>Please share any relevant information you have.</p>
<p>Have you looked into Harvey Mudd College? I think they do have a strong Physics department. There is a lot of flexibility with HMC being part of Claremont consortium. Reed College is another LAC with strong Physics program.</p>
<p>I have visited Harvey Mudd College. It is in a nice sunny location. Not too close to LA but not too far that you can not take a break and enjoy what LA offers. Campus buildings are not all that good looking but that doesn’t bother me.</p>
<p>Reed College is also a well known college but doesn’t get a lot of attention. It is in a beautiful part of the country but it stays cloudy or rains for about 8 months in a year. Social scene at Reed is something people either love or hate. I have not visited Reed campus.</p>
<p>My stats are a bit low for both Reed and Harvey Mudd. (SAT1: M: 800 CR: 610 W: 670 SAT2: Math L2 800 Phy: 800). So I was looking at places a little less competitive (similar to Union or Trinity College maybe?)</p>
<p>Also, I will apply only if I can find a college where the deadlines haven’t passed. I asked this question simply to know what is actually there.</p>
<p>Ok, sorry I misunderstood your question. I am assuming that you are an international student. i think your SAT scores would have been fine for Harvey Mudd. Colleges that come to my mind with reasonably good Physics program who still accept apps are places like RP, Case Western and WPI but they are not LACs. Good luck with your search. Where all have you applied so far?</p>
<p>Colleges have trouble to get people majoring in physics. It’s not uncommon to see less than 10 people (per class) majoring in physics at research universities. You can imagine what kind of enrollment number LACs would have. HMC is an exception because it’s mostly a specialty (science-oriented) school; I am not sure if it’s really a LAC.</p>
<p>"HMC is an exception because it’s mostly a specialty (science-oriented) school; I am not sure if it’s really a LAC. " Not that I care about US News & World Report rankings but HMC is listed as 14th ranked LAC! Given that HMC students can easily take classes at Pomona or other Claremont colleges makes it very special. I think HMC’s core curriculum has a strong HUM component. Also there is a lot of flexibility outside of core.</p>
<p>Some of the women’s colleges have decent physics departments. Bryn Mawr has been sending its grads off to top Ph.D. programs for years. Smith offers degrees in engineering - always another good place to find people who like physics even if they aren’t physics majors. If you are guy, check out Swarthmore and other co-ed LACs that have engineering programs.</p>
<p>@happymomof1: I guess Union and Lafayette would be the other ones. Swarthmore I think is way too reach (considering that I am already applying to Cornell) and too late to apply, I think. @TippuSultan: It’s always great to a complement like that. I’ve applied to places like Richmond, F&M, Clark, ConnColl and Dickinson. (There are a total of 12 on my list).
Maybe I should have applied to HMC, but I’m not going to cry over spilled milk.</p>
<p>I’m considering rushing an application to Reed. Since it is only one “why” essay and I have a whole day to write it, I may get something good. I’ve read a little about Reed and like it, so I guess the essay won’t sound forced.</p>
<p>Just a caveat: The “Why Reed?” essay is arguably the most important component of the Reed application. Reed relies heavily on what people call fit and they judge your “Reedieness” through your essay. So, unless, you’re confident enough to pull off something substantial, meaningful and you can see yourself as a Reedie, I’d suggest you not apply. Having said that, ultimately, it’s your choice. :)</p>
<p>I am a current student at Mudd. If you need finaid, Mudd would have been a long shot anyway – Mudd is poor as far as finaid for internationals go. I was accepted to Reed last year, and I will be happy to read your Why Reed essay. Email me at zooplankton AT gmail DOT com.</p>
<p>I think I have a few important points that would make my essay pretty strong. I’m going to start writing it in a couple of hours and have someone who has agreed to read it. So I think I can write something pretty good.</p>
<p>@fiona_ Thanks for the offer. It’s very nice of you. Depending on how much time I have after I feel I have given my best on the essay, I’ll decide whether or not to bother you. Thanks! :)</p>
<p>Hey all!
Thanks for all the advice. I applied to Reed, and am glad I did.</p>
<p>I have another question, pretty much a continuation of my first question. Say I finally attend a school that doesn’t boast about it’s Physical science programs or bio and chem are emphasized more in the sciences. How much do you think I will enjoy subjects like Physics there? Would it be demoralizing to have only a few other Phy majors in my class? Will it be good because the classes will be very small? </p>
<p>If there are any Physics majors here, interested in the pure physics, from LACs, what has been your experience? How have you enjoyed Physics?</p>
<p>Also, is this isolation of Physics valid? Does it not happen to the level I am imagining it to be? Does it happen to other subjects also?</p>
Depending on how much time I have after I feel I have given my best on the essay, I’ll decide whether or not to bother you. Thanks! :)</p>