<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 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 differences. So which school would offer the better physics education and grad school placement?</p>
<p>“Graduate school placement” for a serious physics student is largely about finding a mutual fit for specific research interests. There is not much about the college per se that gives you decisively better creds or connections into the inner circle of a famous graduate department. From that perspective, it doesn’t much matter whether you pick Chicago or Williams. It’s all about YOU learning to have some fun with physics and finding the problem areas that excite you. Chicago is a bigger space to explore that than Williams is. Williams presumably is a more nurturing place than Chicago is. If you think the nurturing and helping is more important to you than the bigger space (more students, more faculty, more courses, more stuff), then choose Williams. If you think you need a little more room to roam, choose Chicago. Neither choice will hold you back in grad school “placement”.</p>