Reply to UCSB (Santa Barbara) physics program

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I also have a future physics major from the DMV.  He is leaning toward UIUC (didn’t apply to the UC system.). Would love any insight anyone can give on Physics undergrad at UIUC versus any other state school physics department.  Are there opportunities for undergrad physics majors that wouldn’t be available elsewhere?[/quote]

My experience at UIUC was as a grad student, for what that's worth. It's a huge department with lots of opportunities both in coursework and research, but so huge that I would expect one has to be a bit of a go-getter to stand out and fully take advantage of those opportunities. Lots of collaboration/interdisciplinary work in research, which is reflected at least a bit in the course offerings, particularly "special topics"-type classes. They give at least (lots of) lip service to undergrad teaching -- probably to the detriment of graduate teaching, since we got stuck with the profs who weren't allowed near undergrads.

Despite being world-class, the department has a very laid-back -- the word "Midwestern" keeps coming to mind -- vibe. My fellow grad students seemed on average much less stressed than folks I knew/know who went to other top programs. Dunno if that carries to the undergrad level, though the few I interacted with (not counting the ones I was teaching in the intro classes) seemed happy and relaxed, and in general went on to top graduate programs themselves.

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