<p>I’m doing a bunch of college visits over my upcoming spring break, but I only have time for one more school. I’ve narrowed it down to either University of Wisconsin (Madison) or Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). I plan to major in physics, so I’m not sure if MSOE has any major in physics, but I could also consider engineering as well. Which would be best to visit during the spring? The other one I will most likely visit over the summer sometime. Any ideas?</p>
<p>University of Wisconsin Madison is an excellent school and will likely have most of what you’re looking for in terms of academic programs. </p>
<p>rkepp12 are you a junior or a senior? What state are you from and what kind of schools are you looking for? Do you think you will go beyond bachelor’s degree? What kind of a budget are you on for school?</p>
<p>Milwaukee School of Engineering is worthy of a visit.</p>
<p>UW-M, you might like the culture, but depending on what state you are coming from, not sure if OOS tuition is worth what UW has to offer.</p>
<p>You may either really like MSOE or not. Does Marquette interest you at all - it is very close…like a few miles away from MSOE. Could easily get both schools visited in one day. </p>
<p>Graduates from MSOE and Marquette probably get a closer look from employers than UW, partially because of the caliper of education and reputation of those schools. UW has a great reputation but students do not get as much individual attention unless you are stellar.</p>
<p>SOSconcern, I am currently a junior from Illinois. I do plan to do graduate work in my field. The budget isn’t much of a concern, since I plan to apply for many scholarship. I’m more concerned about getting a feel for different schools right now. </p>
<p>My biggest issue is that I don’t think MSOE has a physics program. In the end, I hope to do physics, and if possible, theoretical physics. Would either school be better than the other for this?</p>
<p>Look at the merit opportunities and make sure your merit expectations are realistic. Schools have departmental and general scholarships. Other scholarships can be much more tricky - you might put in a lot of effort and not win anything. You might look at the “Great Schools at Great Prices” out of current US News Best Colleges - online <a href=“http://www.usnews.com/bestcolleges”>www.usnews.com/bestcolleges</a> The article uses 2012-2013 net cost of attending who received the avg level of need-based financial aid in these schools included that are in or near the top half of their categories. They also have the payback picture for class of 2012 listing schools with most debt and least debt (also broken out by categories). </p>
<p>I know even without doing a FASFA that we would not qualify for need-based financial aid. If family income is 6 figures or upper 5 figure, expensive schools have an expectation of family contribution.</p>
<p>Maybe your GC can give you some resources on how to research schools with physics and theoretical physics. Naviance search? </p>
<p>I would suggest you start a thread about seeking quality STEM colleges that have a strong physics dept and theoretical physics - then you research those institutions. Other CC folks may know of these school/program gems. </p>
<p>Not sure about your geographical limits, or if there are other important considerations. Are your parents willing to pay for the difference between a ‘good’ program and a ‘great’ program - of course defined by you and where you want to go.</p>
<p>I would also suggest visiting schools that may offer what you are looking for and having your ACT/SAT test scores sent so you are on the school’s radar. What does your GC think about your stats and potential schools?</p>
<p>Get going early enough in your senior year with applications and scholarship applications, trying to work off the best matches for you - you do not want to spend so much time on academic or financial ‘reaches’ and not enough on schools that would accept you and also offer potential scholarships.</p>
<p>I have a friend’s DD who is also a junior and very interested in physics (including advanced degrees) and she is trying to steer her to look more into eng and being able to get a job after undergrad. This gal will go to a in-state university (has two other siblings currently in college). Starting in one program or the other has overlapping classes, and this gal has dual enrolled Community College with HS so she will have calc series done and math through differential equations like an older sibling. Has sight currently set on state flagship (will have full tuition scholarship automatic based on her stats and may also obtain departmental scholarship) which is a great choice for her IMHO. My DD is going there this fall in eng.</p>
<p>You definitely want to be in the right STEM learning environment. Good luck. </p>