<p>My son has been accepted to Ohio State's honors program and Virginia's regular program. Any thoughts on which would be the better choice? Due to scholarships (in state at Virginia), the costs are about even. Thanks.</p>
<p>For most majors UVa.</p>
<p>UVA. Amazing school, amazing educational opportunities and amazing national reputation!!</p>
<p>Since costs are about equal, I’d just let him go to whichever school he likes best and sees himself enjoying. The obvious choice (instate, more “prestigious”, higher ranked) is UVa but if it were so obvious to him, I doubt you’d be asking this question.</p>
<p>How does he feel about big sports schools? UVA probably has a better overall academic program but tOSU in sports… Much preferred if that’s your cup of tea.</p>
<p>UVa is half the size of Ohio State. I think that is a major plus for UVa.</p>
<p>Thanks for all of the help. Sevmom, my son has visited both schools many times and believes he would be happy at either school. I am a native Ohioan, hence his interest in OSU (he grew up on Buckeye football; although he realizes that this is not a good reason to chose a college). </p>
<p>I agree that on the surface UVA beats OSU hands down in most academic categories for undergrads. I am wondering, however, about the benefits of an honors program (special dorms, priority registration for classes, more attention from faculty, special classes, myriad study abroad programs and research opportunities). If anyone has been through or knows about the OSU honors program, I would love to hear from you. Thanks.</p>
<p>Enjoying Buckeye football and keeping an Ohio connnection actually could be valid reasons for considering a school, especially when costs are similar . Hopefully you’ll get some feedback from someone familiar with OSU Honors. Good luck to you and your son with the decision, muckdogs07. Both great schools.</p>
<p>go to uva trust me.</p>
<p>What are junior’s intended major or fields of interest?</p>
<p>@muckdogs07</p>
<p>In terms of overall academic between the two schools, it is ‘my opinion’ that TOSU is really not far off from UVA based on various ranking metrics - if anything, Ohio State is currently the most improved public higher education institute based on all aspect of academic imho. Hence, I believe, as “LakeWashington” pointed out that it really has to do with your son’s intended major?? </p>
<p>RANKINGS</p>
<p>THE WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS 2011-2012:
UVA: 135, TOSU 57 (TOSU >> UVA)</p>
<p>TOP UNIVERSITIES BY REPUTATION 2010-2011:
UVA: Not Ranked, TOSU 54 (TOSU >>> UVA)</p>
<p>*USNEWS 2012 Best Colleges
UVA 25, TOSU 55 (UVA > TOSU)</p>
<p>The Washington Monthly 2011
UVA 53, TOSU 42 (TOSU > UVA)</p>
<p>World’s Best Universities: Top 400:
UVA: 126, TOSU 111 (TOSU > or = UVA)</p>
<p>@muckdogs07,</p>
<p>Quote:</p>
<p>“My son is out of state (Virginia) and received a $10,000 scholarship (think called Buckeye, but not sure) and the $3,000 Provost scholarship too. This makes attending OSU the same cost as UVA, which he has also been accepted at (EA). He wants to major in physics, and I understand that OSU has a very solid physics program. I would appreciate any insight anyone has into the OSU physics program. He also got accepted as an honors student Are all honors students guaranteed honors housing? What do people at OSU think of the program? Thanks.” </p>
<p>Just saw your updated post at tOSU sub-forum which indicated that your son will be a Physics major!! hooray!~ First off, congrats to you & your son on the scholarship received as an OOS applicants from TOSU. As a parent, you must be proud & of course, academically, he must be very brilliant as well!! 
</p>
<p>Well, besides all the ‘perks’ from being in the Honors College that everyone knows about (early registration for classes, small classes & ambitious / challenging learning environment living in honors dorms, nationwide recognitions,…etc.), Ohio State’s Physics Dept is not only highly regarded / ranked but also provides a whole lot more opportunities (research or employment) than that of UVA.</p>
<p>USNWR ranks TOSU’s Physics at #23 vs UVA’s eight-way-tie at #40. What makes Ohio State Physics better, one might wonder? Well, besides the metrics used for the ranking, Ohio State offers top-notch facilities located at the newly built $50 million Physics Research Building on campus & the next door $100 million Scott Laboratory for Aerospace / Engineering Physics. In addition, the department’s point-of-pride includes but not limited to a pair of Nobel Laureates alumni & faculty, such as Dr. Kenneth G. Wilson. </p>
<p>In terms of research opportunities, quite a few research centers currently reside in the Physics Research Building as well (CCAPP - Center for Cosmology and Astro-Particle Physics, ENCOMM - Center for Electronic/Magnetic Nanoscale Composite Multifunctional Materials & CEM - Center for Emergent Materials NSF - Materials Research Science and Engineering Center) & a few dozen research groups on campus. </p>
<p><a href=“https://physics.osu.edu/research[/url]”>https://physics.osu.edu/research</a></p>
<p>Furthermore, through the recent increasing cooperation & sponsorship with the nearby world renown Battelle Memorial Institute, the school now provides ample opportunities for students and graduates in terms of learning, researching & future employment. </p>
<p>BMI’s Profile: </p>
<p>[Research</a> giant Battelle flies under radar, but reach is worldwide](<a href=“http://www.hivelocitymedia.com/features/Battelle8_25_11.aspx]Research”>Research giant Battelle flies under radar, but reach is worldwide)</p>
<p>In addition to operating three of its own research facilities, as of 2010, Battelle manages or co-manages on behalf of the United States Department of Energy the following national laboratories:</p>
<pre><code>* Brookhaven National Laboratory (through Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC – a collaboration between Battelle and Stony Brook University)
- Idaho National Laboratory (through the Battelle Energy Alliance – a collaboration between Battelle, BWX Technologies, Inc., Washington Group International, Electric Power Research Institute and an alliance of universities)
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (in partnership with MRIGlobal)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (through UT-Battelle, LLC – a collaboration between Battelle and the University of Tennessee)
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (through Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC – a collaboration between Battelle, BWX Technologies, Inc., Washington Group International, the University of California, Bechtel National, and The Texas A&M University System)
Additionally, on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security:
</code></pre>
<ul>
<li>National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center</li>
</ul>
<p>Last but not least, I believe the “fit” factor should also be taken into strong consideration in picking the desire college for your son. The fact that you had mentioned from your previous post that your have Ohio ties and his love for Buckeye football should perhaps ease the final verdict in picking the ‘right college’ for him. Nonetheless, I strongly suggest a visit to both campuses if not already done so. Columbus is a large city, and has plenty to offer in terms of entertainments and sightseeings, coupled with high-octane tOSU sports - which is why the school is constantly filled with unrivaled spirit & energy, a vastly different vibe from that of Charlottesville.</p>
<p>P.S. You might want to watch this short video clip which demonstrates how some of the physics classes are taught at TOSU:</p>
<p><a href=“- YouTube”>- YouTube;
<p>In short, Best of Luck to your son & Go Bucks!! :)</p>
<p>Sparkeye7,</p>
<p>Thanks for all of the great information re physics and OSU!!! I knew OSU’s physics department was good, but did not know it was one of the best. My son has been to Columbus several times and thinks it is a really nice city. He also loves the OSU campus and, of course, the stadium with the stained glass windows. Also, he’s not very preppy, and it appears OSU students generally are more down to earth. I think he will probably visit OSU and UVA for the night visit and then make his decision after that. This is really helpful!!!</p>
<p>muckdogs07,</p>
<p>^^“Also, he’s not very preppy, and it appears OSU students generally are more down to earth.”</p>
<p>Most definitely! Although it seems that gradually, Ohio State is becoming more preppy as well due to higher percentage of Greek life, and a good portion of wealthier student body attracted from otherwise would have been Miami of Ohio (J Crew U) prospective students due to the recent improvement in terms of overall academics at tOSU. </p>
<p>[Gee:</a> Greek life up 73 percent, should be more - Campus - The Lantern - Ohio State University](<a href=“http://www.thelantern.com/campus/gee-greek-life-up-73-percent-should-be-more-1.2812129]Gee:”>http://www.thelantern.com/campus/gee-greek-life-up-73-percent-should-be-more-1.2812129)</p>
<p>Also, contrary to popular belief, most if not all of Ohio State’s academic programs are stronger than that of UVA based on USNWR or NRC rating / ranking - with the exception of perhaps English, Business & Law School. And in the case of Physics Dept., not only does TOSU have top-notch facilities, but also possesses “a dozen” more faculties when compared to UVA. Furthermore, the department continues to expand according to the recent aggressive academic plan for the school. That’s all. :)</p>
<p><a href=“https://physics.osu.edu/open-faculty-positions[/url]”>https://physics.osu.edu/open-faculty-positions</a></p>
<p>[The</a> Ohio State University - YouTube](<a href=“The Ohio State University - YouTube”>The Ohio State University - YouTube)</p>
<p>[What</a> it means to be a Buckeye - YouTube](<a href=“What it Means to be a Buckeye - YouTube”>What it Means to be a Buckeye - YouTube)</p>
<p>Go Bucks!! lol</p>