UC Davis vs University of Nevada Reno (Geology/Geophysics)

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone had any input that might help my decision making in regards to these two schools. I have been accepted to Davis and am waiting to hear from Reno. I have heard Davis has a better overall rank but Reno has a really good Earth Science department. I was accepted to Davis as an Applied Physics major but I just don’t know if that’s really the route I should take if I want do be a geophysicist since there is hardly any geology in the program. I would like to go to grad school for geophysics too so that plays a role in my decision as well. Does Reno have just as many research opportunities? Can anyone vouch for Reno?

Any info you have will help! Thanks in advance.

The only anecdotal evidence I can provide is a client of mine - who was successful enough in life to donate the money to build a business school building (different school) in his name -thought Nevada Reno was just fantastic. He had a couple of key employees from there that were stars. He left them a bit of money at his passing. He was a sharp guy. Of course that was business school and not geology. But I always remember him taking about the school every time the college search subject came up. He wasn’t a grad either. Something impressed him.

@privatebanker Thanks for the reply! I’ve heard many good things about the school as well and Reno sounds like an exciting town. I’m sure I would enjoy my time there.

I don’t know any more than what I mentioned. But if you like it and it has your major it will be a great educational opportunity for you. The big state flagship schools are all respected in general. Heard great things about UC Davis too. Good luck with your choice and work hard. Good things will come to you and you will learn many interesting things along the way most importantly.