Best school for physics major?

lunaAndAberforth
Sat, 23 Jun 2012 16:18:21 +0000

I love physics! I took honors level junior year, and I am taking AP next year. I’ve loved it for years before though, from watching television shows about the universe to reading books by Stephen Hawking. I’m pretty good at math, but I can’t memorize anything, I can usually figure it out though.
So, what I’m trying to ask is: what’s a good school for a physics major with my stats?

Superscored SAT: 730CR 720M 800W (should I retake?)
GPA: 4.31W/3.87UW (top 5% in class, my school doesn’t rank)
Decent extracurriculars, president of a few clubs; lots of community service.
I can get great recs from counselor, math teacher, physics teacher, and English teacher.

I’m also probably going to become a National Merit Finalist (eventually…)

So I want to go somewhere where I can get a full ride. I might get some financial aid, but it’s doubtful.
I’ve visited Princeton, MIT, BU, and NYU. I didn’t like NYU, but I mainly went there because my friend was interested. I liked Princeton the most, but as you all know, they don’t offer scholarships. BU is my next favorite, and they have the trustee scholarship - I’m just not sure if I could receive it.
My mom loved MIT, and wants me to go there, even if I have to take out loans. (she was the one who wanted me to accept a full ride in the first place - now she changed her mind)
I’ve received letters in the mail from U of New Mexico saying that they could give me a full tuition for NMF status. I went to a Duke TIP program at Texas A&M after freshman year, and liked that campus too, and I know they give money for NMF too.

I’m not interested in Alabama at all.

I really liked Princeton because of their traditions and the kind of secluded campus.

I didn’t like NYU because it was really urban. I think a lot of it for me is the appearance of the campus, I need to feel comfortable there. I like European/old style architecture and lots of trees! :)

I also want to be near a larger city, at least within an hour or so (by train or bus).

So yeah, any suggestions will be truly appreciated! Thanks in advanced!!