I’ve been accepted as a Junior transfer for Fall 2015 at Michigan for physics, though I plan to double major in physics and mathematics. I have plans to go on to grad school to earn a PhD in a field of physics at a top university.
I realize that at the undergraduate level the most important factor is the effort of the student, not the institution one goes to (necessarily). Still, even for a public university, UMich has a pretty heavy price tag. I’d like some reassurance about the programs and resources offered in these departments there.
So far I have only heard back from UMich, but I have also applied to Cornell, UPenn, Hopkins, Duke, Rice, and UF (in state, would be the cheapest option for me). From what I’ve seen about UMich though, I’m really sort of fond of it. Academics come first for me, however, and I’d like to make a more informed decision about choosing to attend UMich over these other schools.
All your options are great. Mathematics and Physics classes at Michigan are small, and the curriculum is one the best. Michigan’s Mathematics sequences are considered among the best in the nation, and both departments are ranked very high (Mathematics between #7 and #10 and Physics between #10-#12). The facilities and faculty is top notch, and considering the large size of their faculties (vis a vis the small number of majors), the attention given to undergrads will be excellent. Traditionally, Mathematics and Physics majors also place very well in top PhD programs.
I wouldn’t be concerned about those programs and respective resources at Michigan – they are excellent. I would be more concerned about OOS tuition, as well as how you will perform in advanced classes for both of those majors. Unless some of the privates offer you a financial aid package, their costs would be as much, or greater, than Michigan. Presumably if you were accepted at Michigan, you’d have a reasonable shot at UF; what are the costs involved there?
Edited to add: if you are accepted by Rice, there is a possibility their tuition or package may be somewhat less, but without your input, there’s no way to tell. If you can reasonably afford Michigan and do well there, it would provide an excellent pathway towards your goals.
I’m not sure of how much financial aid I’ll be able to get as an OOS transfer student. At UF I could possibly manage a full ride with in-state scholarships and grants–even if not, since it’s a public in-state school, the tuition would be lowest out of all either way.
My current university is a local, private research university I commute to from my home with tuition of up to 40k a year, but I get a full ride plus some rollover funds due to all the state- and school-specific scholarships and grants I have. Because I did my first two years of undergrad practically free, my parents have decided that they would be willing to do what’s necessary to pay for the remainder of my undergrad education at any great school. The goal is for me to go to an excellent, full-stipend physics grad program afterwards, though.
@Alexandre, Thanks for the link. I initially applied to Michigan specifically for their physics department, so I’ve already done a bit of research on the facilities and opportunities offered. I was convinced enough to apply. The information you provided is reassuring.
Additionally:
Wherever I go, I plan to get involved in research during the year as soon as possible. How feasible would it be for a transfer student to get started in research after matriculating at UMich?
I’ve also read that the same professors who teach graduate courses also teach undergrad. How accessible are they for recommendations and general after-class conversation?
Finally, is it easy to take grad school courses as an undergrad at UMich?
“Wherever I go, I plan to get involved in research during the year as soon as possible. How feasible would it be for a transfer student to get started in research after matriculating at UMich?”
You would be best served asking a current Physics major, but I would assume research opportunities will vary according to your specific area of interest, as well as your classroom performance.
“I’ve also read that the same professors who teach graduate courses also teach undergrad. How accessible are they for recommendations and general after-class conversation?”
That is definitely the case at Michigan. Undergraduate and graduate students share similar facilities, faculties and curricula. That is why I find it strange when people insist on saying that Michigan is better at the graduate level than it is at the undergraduate level. How can that be when they are essentially the same?
“Finally, is it easy to take grad school courses as an undergrad at UMich?”
If you have taken the prerequisites, and your grades are good enough, I cannot see why not. I took graduate level Econ classes.
Again, you are best served asking a current Physics students as my answers may not be entirely accurate.
Thanks for the input regardless, Alexandre. How would I go about asking a current physics major? I was going to try calling the physics department with additional questions, but I’m not sure how I would be able to get hold of a student.
@eyo777, it’s definitely possible to take grad-level Physics courses as an undergrad as long as you’ve had the needed background, either by doing well in the prerequisite classes, or proving that you’ve mastered the pre-requisite materials. My freshman son’s been taking several 500-level Physics for some time now without any issue. If you’re not too sure, make an appointment to talk to the Prof directly to gauge if you have what it takes to succeed in that course of interest.
Initial offer with gift money alone would leave me at 10k/yr. With loans, it would be 2k/yr. Never expected such generosity for an out of state student. I was weighing my options with the thought of paying full-price (55k/yr), now Michigan definitely seems enticing; I’d take it over a full ride at UF. Not sure how much the privates would offer me if I am accepted.
It’s best to save money while attending undergrad, right?
Yes, it is best to save money while attending undergrad. For that amount of aid Michigan is offering you for a junior transfer, I’d highly recommend taking it, unless another one of your apps offers a better financial aid package (and here I’m not referring to Florida – I’d much rather see you at Michigan physics). Michigan provides a great education and stepping stone to grad school, and a very attractive aid package to boot. Congratulations.