<p>I will be applying to UNC as a physics major this fall and was wondering, what are the sciences like here? I know UNC has an amazing record in most of the humanities, but how does its physics program compare with other schools? The reason why I'm asking is because I'm planning on pursuing graduate studies after my undergraduate time. I'm hoping to get into a really strong graduate program for physics and was wondering if UNC will help or hurt me.</p>
<p>Er...sorry for that wall of text.</p>
<p>Also, how good of a shot do I have of getting into UNC (I'm applying In-State)
GPA UW: 3.66 GPA W: 4.33
ACT: 33
AP's: I've taken APES, AP English, APUSH and AP Psyche exams (five on all of them :)) I'm also taking six more this year.
Extracurricular: A lot of clubs, volunteering, piano</p>
<p>Aye, another physics major here. It’s rigorous. It’s more rigorous than what the textbooks offer, so professors frequently offer expanded proofs and supplementary topics. But it’s not so rigorous that professors require nonstandard textbooks or eschew them altogether (see: MIT’s physics program).</p>
<p>Will you do well? It depends. Only about one in five science or math majors here “do well” (to get into a graduate program, at least). Why is that? Well, I would say most high schools in North Carolina do not prepare students for the kind of thinking they are expected to do when they enroll in their science or math courses at UNC. That kind of thinking is very independent, seeking to achieve a conscious and working understanding of the material in between class sessions (and a willingness to struggle, especially if math is not your best subject). Most of the time, the problems you will be solving have a small (if any) direct effect on your grade.</p>
<p>It looks like you haven’t taken any physical science or math APs prior to your senior year… Think about it this year as you are taking them.</p>
<p>" Only about one in five science or math majors here “do well” (to get into a graduate program, at least). Why is that? Well, I would say most high schools in North Carolina do not prepare students for the kind of thinking they are expected to do when they enroll in their science or math courses at UNC. "</p>
<p>I couldn’t agree with this more. I have two kids, one a graduate of a good NC high school
and one a graduate of an extremely rigorous private school overseas. They had nearly identical SAT scores, but one struggled more in the sciences and math. I’ve felt all along that that was the reason.</p>
<p>Sciences are definitely challenging here. I was a math and science oriented student in HS (5s on APs, etc) and while I still do well here, it definitely required upping my game when it comes to good studying habits. In particular, the professors assume you can memorize facts and content (that’s what got you here), so the focus is synthesizing multiple concepts and developing the ability to apply and analyze.</p>
<p>I’ve slowly been realizing that I need to focus more and more on my study habits. In the past I haven’t had any class that I’ve really had to put that much effort into, but AP Physics isn’t like that at all. Recently, I’ve started doing the optional homework and studying more for the tests after a few abysmal test graces (steady C’s :(). This year I hope to figure out what studying methods work the best for me.</p>
<p>AP Calculus, however, has been relatively easy. Nevertheless, I will start doing homework in that class soon as well, I don’t want my grade to go down hill.</p>
<p>I can understand that the competition is fierce, but, it seems that as long as someone actively spends time on the content out of class they can succeed. Is that right? </p>