UIUC Grainger vs. Wash U for both Physics and Philosophy [similar cost]

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21

Thank you. Those are great resources. I was there at the WashU admitted students disruption, which I thought the administration handled fairly well, though caught off guard. While disturbing, being there in person to see how they reacted (immediate condemnation, court warrants, suspensions, strong policies and principles, letters to guests, student community, etc.) and actually made me feel more comfortable in this regard about WashU than UIUC and all of the other schools on her list.

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22

I actually think that Wash U has been handling the situation quite well. Many colleges have protests now and it is more about how the administration handles things. I know many Jewish students at both schools.

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23

This is precisely what is making her decision so difficult!

That would be great, but she hasn’t met any yet! She may reach out to the Society of Physics Students.

Also, as a kid that likes data, she wants to run the numbers. However, due to the limited sample size, its dificult to isolate actual WashU Physics undergraduate student outcomes for true like-for-like comparison against UIUC.

I’d be interested in understanding the WashU fit and social scene. She tends to avoid crowds, preferring small get togethers over large gatherings. She’s far more inclined to go out to dinner and a show than a big party or sporting event. She’ll likely join clubs with a philanthropic focus and will be happy to develop a small, close-knit group of kind-hearted, studious, creative friends. I think she could find this at either school.

Thanks all for your thoughts and advice!

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24

Agreed on WashU administration. Based on student feedback, do you think the UIUC administration is on par with WashU in terms of how they are handling things?

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I haven’t been following Illinois as closely, I live close to Wash U so I hear more about there.

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26

I went to the University of Wisconsin, which has its share of large house parties. The U of Illinois is similar to UW in many ways, so I would assume that “party scene” could be added to that long list.

I have been to WashU, and while I am not an expert on the area (nor the social scene at the school), I would assume that most of the parties there are generally smaller than they tend to be at Illinois/Wisconsin. She probably won’t have to fight her way to a keg in a corner.

And WashU is in quite a nice neighborhood with many nice dining options. It is close to a free zoo, and not too terribly far from neat places like the Cheshire Hotel (Fox & Hounds!) and The Hill, which is St. Louis’s Italian district. She could grab a great sandwich at Gioia’s or a fine Italian dinner at one of the many spots there.

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27

It sounds like the ideal combination would be WashU for undergrad (flexibility, better social fit) and UIUC for grad school (Physics specialty), especially if she keeps in touch with the Physics professor.

Note that it’s considered advantageous for graduate students to complete these studies at a different university than undergrad for cross pollination of ideas, exposure to more theories and approaches, etc. Staying at the same school for both isn’t forbidden but looked down upon unless you attend Harvard or MIT.

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28

It must be near dinnertime, because you are making me hungry! Sounds like she will great dining options if she chooses WashU. Thanks!

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29

The WashU undergrad / UIUC grad option does sound like a good plan - we’ll definitely encourage her to think of a longer horizon. Thank you.

30

If she chooses WashU, I highly recommend:

  • Brasserie by Niche – French bistro

  • Bogart’s Smokehouse – awesome barbecue spot

  • Fox & Hounds – dimly lit English-style pub full of hunting stuff
 chessboards for tables
 really nice, big chairs. Limited menu, but great food. It’s in the Cheshire Hotel.

  • Imo’s Pizza – St. Louis style thin crust pizza. We loved it.

  • Gioia’s – great little deli on The Hill

  • Zia’s – very good Italian dinner spot on The Hill

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31

Thank you - that sounds like a lovely set of options. She may be inspired to road trip to STL to dine even if she attends UIUC!

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32

She has chosen Washington University in St. Louis! Thanks for all of the advice!

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33

Congratulations! :confetti_ball:
Thank you for letting us know.

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34

Wanted to add that the recent investment in the Center for Quantum Leaps at WUSTL was a key factor in her decision:

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35

Very cool!

I note that is one of eight “signature initiatives” within their broader Arts & Sciences strategic plan, and they have an impressive breadth collectively:

https://strategicplan.artsci.wustl.edu/signature-initiatives

Somewhat comforting to see them using their rather ample resources in this way (as a parent of another WUSTL A&S-bound kid).

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36

Building for a better future! These programs will provide amazing opportunities. I look forward to seeing our students thrive and prepare for lives of meaningful contribution!

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37

So, some late breaking news: D24 was admitted to Harvard off the waitlist tonight
 Now we have until May 23 to decide between WashU and Harvard.

Saturday is prom and her graduation ceremony is May 22, so it’s going to be quite a week if we try to fit in a campus visit somehow.

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