<p>I got into both of these schools, Havey Mudd, CMU and Carleton but have narrowed it down to UChicago and Williams because they're the cheapest and I'd save about 25k (across 4 years) by attending one of them as opposed to the others. I want to major in Physics and Mathematics (or Computer Science). I know the math at both schools at both schools is awesome. However I feel like the physics at UChicago is more renowned whereas I'd be able to get more research experience at Williams. I also don't know if I'd be able to handle the workload at UChicago, I'm willing to work hard but I'm starting to doubt my intelligence compared to the other UChicago Physics and Math Majors. At least at Williams I think I'd be able to find help easier if I need it. The environments don't matter too much, I've visited both schools and would be fine with either despite their vast differeces. So which school would offer the better physics education and grad school placement?</p>
<p>If you got into all those schools, you definitely can handle the workload. At least, you are intelligent enough to. If you have good time management skills and don’t overdo yourself with EC’s and such, you should be fine. That said, are you willing to work through the Humanities and Social Science components of the Chicago Core? If they’re not your cup of tea, then Williams might be better.</p>
<p>Chicago has great research opportunities for undergrads. Outside of campus, you have Argonne and Fermilab. Chciago is very much a research institution so you don’t have to worry about not being able to do research. There will be research available if you want to do it!</p>
<p>Also, if you got in Chicago, it means that the admissions office believes that you will do great at their school. About the finding help thing, perhaps you have the idea that students are so academically intense that they are not willing to help each other. Not true! One of the great things about the University of Chicago has the great academic curiosity and learning for the sake of learning. The environment is not cutthroat; generally, people are very open to each other and are willing to share their knowledge about their schoolwork or other curiosities. Through the Core curriculum, you’ll find that many people are taking similar classes as you. That was part of the design; by allowing students to collaborate with one another through their Core, the school develops a sense of community as people collaborate and work together.</p>
<p>When it comes to the math and science, it is really quite difficult to top Chicago. Chicago’s math programs is one of the most reputable in the world. Their physics department is also one of the top. </p>
<p>And listen to this. You are wondering if you should go to Williams because the “Uchicago students have higher intelligence.” Ideally, one should go to a school where one can challenge themself. If you view Chicago as more of a challenge academically, I recommend Chicago. You want to be sure that you made the right decision in getting the best education and best satisfaction in your choice.</p>
<p>“Chicago has great research opportunities for undergrads. Outside of campus, you have Argonne and Fermilab. Chciago is very much a research institution so you don’t have to worry about not being able to do research. There will be research available if you want to do it!”</p>
<p>I have to highlight this point to correct any assumptions OP may have. UChicago has so many research opportunities, in fact, that there are more positions than people to fill them. Of course you’ll get people talking more about UC than Williams on this forum, and I’m not going into physics, but it must be amazing to have two national research facilities managed by your school. In addition, professors have open office hours and are really open to helping their students, and students say that they will even be upset if no one shows up.</p>
<p>As someone who went to Williams (undergrad) and UChicago (grad) I can guarantee that the math and physics majors at UofC aren’t more intellectually able than the Williams equivalents; basically all the math and/or physics majors I knew at Williams were brilliant and went on to stellar grad schools, etc. Math physics simply kick ass at Williams. As you seem to know, Williams has three NATIONAL math professors of the year on faculty, and its math grads consistently go on to the very best Phd math and econ programs. And check out Williams’ unparalleled record in terms of producing Apker (the most prestigious national undergrad physics award) winners: four in the last dozen years, when only two are awarded each year nationally …</p>
<p>[Chris</a> Chudzicki awarded Leroy Apker Award | Office of Communications](<a href=“http://communications.williams.edu/news/chudzicki-apker/]Chris”>http://communications.williams.edu/news/chudzicki-apker/)</p>
<p>And be sure to check out what Williams grads in physics are doing, as you can see, you can pretty much write your ticket:</p>
<p>[Graduates</a> | Physics](<a href=“http://physics.williams.edu/people/graduates/]Graduates”>Graduates – Physics)</p>
<p>Really, you’ll get a great education at either school, what is more important is where you personally will thrive. Very, very different environments and settings, as is facially obvious. So go where you think you’d be happiest, and that will be the right decision for your future as well.</p>
<p>Williams is the greatest LAC in the world…</p>
<p>Hey guys, thanks for all your help! A lot of people were telling me to go with my gut, and while I liked UChicago and what it had to offfer, I loved Williams, so I committed there. Hopefully I can attend UChicago for grad. school :)</p>