My D25 has applied to 9 schools, but recently has changed her focus to math/physics double. Her current career goal is to become a professor and do research after getting her PhD
I would love any feedback on the following schools programs, research availability for undergrads, probably of getting into PhD program, and pros/cons on campus life.
Already recevied acceptances with COA (ranked in current preference)
RPI- 35K
UPitt Honors - 46k
Franklin & Marshall - 52k
Stony Brook WISE honors - 38k
Waiting to hear (ranked in current preferences)
Tufts (probably out of her budget)
Cornell
Wellesley College
Barnard
Northeastern
Other than Tufts, I believe they all fit in her budget but if she spends less, she will have help with masters/phd program or living expenses as well.
When we looked at them last year, they were all (except tufts) in the budget. Most schools haven’t released their 2025 rates yet, which is why the “I believe”.
Sounds like you already have a ranking. All strong options. Once the rest of the decisions and financial information come in I’d recommend doing a couple of re-visits to the top affordable choices. In addition, your D can always look through online course catalogues of the top contenders to get a sense of the breadth of offerings in her departments of interest.
Tufts has no merit but neither do Cornell, Wellesley, and Barnard. So it’d be interesting to see if those three hit a certain price but Tufts doesn’t get close? I’d remove Northeastern - just the ethos of the schools is different.
RPI and Stony Brook are both strong in Physics as will Pitt and F&M be. RPI will be more “male”.
I’d put a hold on the PhD thoughts - who knows where it will be but right now, thanks to the current administration, many are cutting back.
If you only get into the 4 you listed, it’s really personal preference.
You have a big hitter/ACC school in Pitt (I don’t think Honors is that huge a deal), an LAC, a regional flagship that’s strong in physics but will be more “suitcase” although not totally, and maybe the strongest in RPI - but focused and male.
In many ways, so different than Wellesley.
If you look at the College Transitions list for top PhD feeders for physics, these are on it - rank to the left:
I do not know Franklin and Marshall at all. Otherwise I think that these are all very good.
This can be very helpful. Master’s degree programs are usually not funded. PhD programs usually are funded, but admissions can be almost insanely competitive and the stipend is just enough to live on and some parent help can make the marathon easier to handle.
Math and physics is a good combination. I was on track to major in either through the first two years of university. Quantum physics convinced me that math was a better option for me. Applied math does turn out to be a major that can be useful for a wide range of different careers. A solid background in math can be very useful to a physics major, and also provide a good second option.
At RPI, with physics C credit, she can take courses like quantum physics and theoretical mechanics as early as her first semester, and electromagnetic theory and thermo/statistical mechanics as early as her second semester.