Choosing Physics PhD School

[Y2H]

Hey guys,

I got 3 offers of admission for a PhD in physics from the University of Connecticut, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. I would like to do research in theoretical physics, preferably in gravity or mathematical physics. I’d like to know your opinion on the 3 options that I have and which one I should go for.

Thanks!

[Physicsisphysics]

All three are great! Have you talked to the faculty at the schools and have you looked at the faculty profiles? Also consider location in your decision. For instance, UConn is close to NYC and Boston, which may be a pro.

[geekusprimus]

Rensselaer is probably the most prestigious overall, but it seems to have a pretty small program outside of condensed matter. I would talk with the professor doing particle theory (since his interests look to be the closest to yours) to see if he's planning on taking new students before you make any decisions. UConn has a lot more professors doing gravity or mathematical physics research, it appears, which is great if you don't have a firm idea what you're interested in or who you'd like to work with. Tennessee also only appears at a first glance to have a couple professors working in fields similar to your interests, but they also have ties to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which would be amazing if you don't mind leaning toward the computational side of theoretical physics.