<p>I only recently decided on my major (physics), and until then I had always wanted to go to a smaller liberal arts college. I still want to, but am unsure whether that would put me at too large a disadvantage when applying to a top research university for my PhD. I didn't want to go to a top school for the undergraduate because I heard that they look at grades more than where you went, and it would be easier to get higher grades at a less competitive school, plus I just like the atmosphere... But generally small, 4-year liberal arts colleges don't have programs as well-developed. I'd also need it to have graduate-level math courses, since as a senior I'm currently enrolled in AP Calculus AB and want to continue learning mathematics for all four years...</p>
<p>It would NOT be easier to get higher grades at a less competitive school. Physics majors in the US are all smart… I used to think there was a big difference. I had to do 99% of the same work that my friends at GA tech did in engineering but I don’t get nearly the same recognition that they did. For reference , I went to a school with fairly small engineering/physics departments for my undergrad.</p>
<p>BTW you might change your major once you see things for yourself.
Calculus AB is roughly Calculus I. After you take a junior/senior level Linear Algebra class , let me know if you want to continue learning mathematics.</p>
<p>If you want a small university feel with an engineering program, look into the smaller research universities among the [Association</a> of Independent Technological Universities: AITU](<a href=“http://theaitu.org%5DAssociation”>http://theaitu.org) schools. They usually have a graduate program in physics and they prepare students well for graduate school. Look at their web sites to see if they have a graduate program, not all of them do.</p>