My son is interested in studying physics and math as an undergraduate and plans on attending graduate school for a PhD in physics. Which program would be the best for an undergraduate? We are leaning towards Cornell, Chicago or UC Santa Barbara since they have small class sizes, research opportunities and individual attention. It seems like Berkeley is more focused on graduate students. We have visited all of the schools except Berkeley and were impressed with the programs.
People say Berkeley is better for grad school, however I know some thriving undergrads there. Santa Barbara is a beautiful place, but housing there is a nightmare. The only affordable housing is in Isla Vista, the most populated square mile possibly in the country. Maybe that’s a false rumor, but I’ve lived there and they are expensive tiny dumps. I can’t speak on Chicago. If the programs all sound impressive, go with the environment he likes best. I’d vote Cornell, but I might be a little biased
