University of Chicago vs. Columbia for Physics

[phuriku]

<p>

UChicago has a strong program in theoretical physics. If you want a more practical approach, Columbia is a better choice.

</p>

<p>Well, not quite… Let’s put it this way. The classes are very theoretical (as they should be - this will prepare you for graduate school more than anything). On the other hand, your research doesn’t have to be. Remember, Chicago has Yerkes Observatory, and many of the astrophysics professors work there, so we have lots of professors here who do work in many practical fields.</p>

<p>Personally, I would prefer Chicago to Columbia for astrophysics. I will try to write a post defending this logic later, but for the moment, I’ll refer you to the (potentially outdated) NRC rankings in which Chicago ranks 5th and Columbia ranks 18th: <a href=“http://www.stat.tamu.edu/~jnewton/nrc_rankings/area27.html[/url]”>http://www.stat.tamu.edu/~jnewton/nrc_rankings/area27.html&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;