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How do I Choose the Best Physics College?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

There are four items to consider when choosing the best physics college: admissions requirements, accreditation, job placement opportunities, and faculty. Physics college is usually part of a larger university and is typically organized within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Physics is the study of matter, motion, time, and space. It is one of the oldest sciences, with records showing it was studied by the Greeks, right along with astronomy.

In order to qualify for admission to the best physics college, a combination of high marks in high school courses and extracurricular activities are required. High school course requirements include biology, chemistry, physics, technology, and English. Recommended extracurricular activities include science fair projects, entries into physics competitions, or scores from recognized math competitions.

Students in a college physics class.
Students in a college physics class.

If you are looking at the best physics college in the country or state, it is important to know that the admissions standard will be higher than for a standard program. Students with the very best combination of marks, activities, and letters of recommendation are offered admissions. If you don't have the very best marks in your class, think about applying to schools that offer programs that can help your career later on.

When looking for a physics college, check the accreditation status of the school. An accredited school has been reviewed by an independent third party. Courses from an accredited school can be transferred to other post-secondary institutions. Accredited schools are able to offer students access to government student aid programs.

Job placement opportunities are very important when looking for the best physics college. The options available depend on the efforts of the school and the resources they dedicate to this. The best schools have connections to the aerospace, mechanical engineering, product design, and civil engineering firms. Look for schools that also have pure physics research programs, which will allow you to expand your skills and knowledge of this subject.

Most physics colleges have the biographies of their top faculty on their official website. The information provided typically includes the academic credentials, research focus, publications, and any awards they have received. Review this information to learn more about the interests and focus of the course instructors.

Although physics is not a high profile subject in North America, it is the foundation for almost all developments in locomotion, building structure, and biomechanics. The body of work in this area continues to expand, based on the efforts of the best minds in Europe and Asia. People who have developed expertise in this subject are often invited to travel to other countries and participate in joint development and research projects.

Discussion Comments

Animandel

From reading the article, it appears that if you plan on working in physics in North America then job placement opportunities should be at the top of the list when choosing a school to study at.

Sporkasia

Animandel - The United States has fallen behind in Math and Science studies in general. Physics is only the tip of the iceberg. Enhanced college physics courses are great, but until government and private business take a greater interest in these fields not much will change.

Animandel

I took Physics in high school and enjoyed it, but the science program at my school was so behind that I was afraid I wouldn't have the essentials for college physics.

Also, I knew the United States was behind in Physics, but I don't understand why North America doesn't put more emphasis on the study of physics.

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    • Students in a college physics class.
      By: Alexander Raths
      Students in a college physics class.