<p>Is it really true that it is almost impossible to get into top grad programs in Physics from UC Berkeley? I know that there is limited contact with faculty, limited research opportunities, and there is a lot of intense competition. However how much harder is it really than at smaller schools like CMU or Swarthmore?</p>
<p>Could somebody help me out and give me a realistic description of what it takes to get into a top grad school in physics from Berkeley and let me know how much harder it is than at smaller schools?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I am a little confused when your using the term “from Berkeley”</p>
<p>Are you asking, if one attends UC Berkeley as an undergraduate would that disadvantage them for being accepted to physics graduate programs at other graduate schools? </p>
<p>Or are you asking, is it near impossible to be accepted to the physics graduate program AT UC Berkeley.</p>
<p>Hi Jweinst1, thanks for replying. </p>
<p>From what I understand ( I could be wrong so that is why I am asking), it is more difficult to get into top Physics graduate schools from big schools like UC Berkeley because it is difficult to get to know faculty, obtain research, get great grades over the competition, etc. I wanted to know whether that is correct and if so how much harder it really is than at smaller schools where there is a lot of faculty interaction, research opportunities, etc. </p>
<p>Hello! I am a current undergrad majoring in applied math at Berkeley and have taken several classes in physics and know many physics majors. Yes, the graduate program at Berkeley is challenging and is difficult to get in (since it’s one of the best). As an undergrad taking undergrad classes, it is very easy to get to know professors and graduate student instructors. When I took upper division first semester quantum mechanics I had the greatest professor and greatest GSI and greatly enjoyed the experience. Many people I know double in applied math/physics and I’ve never heard of people having trouble getting involved with research or contacting professors. The physics department hosts many lectures and seminars during the year and offers many upper division electives and graduate courses (undergrads are welcome to audit or enroll in graduate classes). </p>
<p>I do not know many people who have applied to Berkeley grad school for Physics so I cannot comment on how difficult it is to be accepted if you attend a large public school for undergrad, but if you are willing to work hard, make the effort to get involved with research and contact professors, and have a passion for physics, then I am sure you will be successful.</p>
<p>Thanks so much Mbotvinnik, I appreciate it!</p>