Reply to How to pick between UVA and W&M

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]As a physics major, he should go to the school that will give him the most and best opportunities for undergrad research in his area(s) of interest.  He should read professor bios to find out about their research. He should also consider reaching out to those who interest him the most about potential research opportunities.

--STEM PhD[/quote]

Thank you. I think that research interests/bios, UVA might win. But my guess is that in actual research opportunities once in college, it wouldn't? As a rule, do you think big university or LAC for undergrad?
[/quote]
Personally, I don't think there is a rule.  He should talk to the physics faculty at both schools and understand the dynamic.  Some departments specialize in one or two areas of physics, neither of which may be something that interest your son.  Some only have "undergrad" research, which is really just nonsense and not real research experience.  Some departments are full of dinosaurs who are past prime and who aren't actively doing research.  Some have lots of faculty who don't want to mentor undergrads.

You want to find a school with engaged physics faculty who do research in topics that interest him and who are open to mentoring undergrads.  Go to open houses and talk to faculty. Talk to grad students.  Talk to current undergrads.  Ask about grad placement and opportunities for real research experience.  Don't go off of rules of thumb.[/quote]

IME most kids who think they want to be physics majors change their minds in college so while this isn’t bad advice for the kid who is 100% committed to physics I’d keep in mind that the reality is different for most kids. [/quote]

Is it much harder than expected? Why do kids change their minds?[/quote]

I think some of it's that it's harder than expected, I think some of it is that kids just find other things more interesting/physics less interesting at the level that is required.  No HS class (even an advanced HS class) is going to give you exposure to what it's like to really major in physics and become a physics grad student.[/quote]

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