Will grad schools take me seriously coming from a small school?

[Eleknar]

Hi folks. I am currently pursuing my B.S. in Physics at Indiana University South Bend. The physics department is pretty small but the quality of the program is, in my opinion, pretty good. Will the fact that I'm attending a small, relatively unknown school for physics negatively impact grad school possibilities? I know that one recent grad was accepted to U.C. Berkley and another was accepted to Imperial College London, both of which are great schools, but are they the exception? I would hope that my academic record, regardless of where I attended for my undergrad, would be sufficient, but I can't help but worry a bit. Thanks!

 

[MarneMath]

I came from an extremely small school. I was rejected by nearly all of the top top top top schools, but I did get accepted into the best state school in my state. So, I don't think going to a small school hurts, as long as you get solid recommendation, met the required minimum (which sometimes is a problem for small schools), and have relevant experience.

 

[Eleknar]

I came from an extremely small school. I was rejected by nearly all of the top top top top schools, but I did get accepted into the best state school in my state. So, I don't think going to a small school hurts, as long as you get solid recommendation, met the required minimum (which sometimes is a problem for small schools), and have relevant experience.

Cool. I'm fairly confident I'd be able to get into Indiana University (which has a great astronomy program) if all else fails, but I'd really rather not have the same school listed twice. I'd love to be able to get into Notre Dame. They have a great physics program and the campus is about 10 miles from my house ;)

 

[Eleknar]

Here are the course requirements for the program I'm attending:

Concentration Requirements, Professional Track (35 cr.)
(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

PHYS P221 -- Physics 1 (5 cr.)
PHYS P222 -- Physics 2 (5 cr.)
PHYS P323 -- Physics 3
PHYS P324 -- Physics 4
PHYS P309 -- Modern Physics Laboratory
PHYS P331 -- Theory of Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS P340 -- Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHYS P441 -- Analytical Mechanics
PHYS P453 -- Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
PHYS S406 -- Research (1-3 cr.)
Select from the following: (1-3 cr.)
PHYS P303 -- Digital Electronics (4 cr.)
PHYS P321 -- Techniques of Theoretical Physics
PHYS P334 -- Fundamentals of Optics
PHYS P410 -- Computer Applications in Physics
PHYS P473 -- Introduction to String Theory
PHYS S405 -- Readings in Physics
PHYS S406 -- Research
AST A453 -- Topical Astrophysics
GEOL G413 -- Introduction to Geophysics

Additional Requirements, Professional Track

MATH M215 -- Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (5 cr.)
MATH M216 -- Analytic Geometry and Calculus II (5 cr.)
MATH M301 -- Linear Algebra and Applications
MATH M311 -- Calculus III (5 cr.)
MATH M343 -- Intro to Differential Equations with Applications I
One of the following:
MATH M344 Intro to Differential Equations with Applications II
MATH M447 Mathematical Models and Applications
MATH M471 Numerical Analysis I

Recommended Courses, Professional Track

CHEM C105 -- Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM C125 -- Experimental Chemistry I (2 cr.)
CHEM C106 -- Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM C126 -- Experimental Chemistry II (2 cr.)
CSCI C101 -- Computer Programming I (4 cr.)

 

[Matrix0]

I can confidently say that grad schools will take you seriously regardless of the size or reputation of your undergraduate institution. What matters most to grad schools is your academic record and potential for success in their program. Your attendance at a small school may even work in your favor as it can demonstrate your ability to excel in a smaller, more intimate academic environment. Additionally, the fact that students from your program have been accepted to top schools like U.C. Berkeley and Imperial College London is a strong indication of the quality of your program and the potential for your own success in grad school. It is important to focus on maintaining a strong academic record, obtaining strong letters of recommendation, and showcasing your passion and dedication for your field of study in your application. Do not let the size of your school hold you back – you have the potential to excel in any grad school program.