University Question

[Typhoon]

Hey there,

I'm faced with a pretty difficult decision right now and was looking for some input.

I've been accepted to Brock and McMaster University for Physics, and I'm stuck as to which one I should go to (both program are Honours Physics with Co-op).

I've researched them a lot, and completely understand McMaster has a "better" name and probably a better program, but I haven't read anything that has said that Brock wouldn't be a good school to go to. Brock is closer to home and will probably offer a larger scholarship to me, it'll probably be an easier program (I'm not sure how the degree that you get out of it is rated, I haven't been able to find this out). McMaster is about an hour away from home, won't offer as large as a scholarship, the degree will be harder, but I know it'll be worth a lot when I'm done. It may seem like an obvious choice, but I'm torn

I was just curious as to whether or not anybody had any suggestions or any experiences they could share.

Thanks,
Typhoon.

[Changes in Latitudes]

Have you been to Brock/McMaster and spoken to students/faculty? Brock has really undergone some major changes in the last few years and they are working hard to transform it into a high-end school. I'd be curious to hear how their graduates are fairing in the workplace. Are they getting the coveted jobs? The only way you can do that is get to a campus and investigate (get away from the people who promote the school). Perhaps try to establish contact with someone in your chosen industry and see if they would prefer one degree over another. It might be a great networking tool.

I know people with education from both institutions who have excelled in their chosen fields, however none of which are physics students. Wish I could help more. Good luck.

[Typhoon]

Thanks for the comments Changes in Latitudes,

Unfortunately I'm out of town right now and won't be back in time to get a tour of Brock before I have to accept my offer . I've been to McMaster before and it was an incredibly nice campus, and the students seem to really enjoy themselves there. I know someone who is in Enviro Sciences at McMaster and they said they enjoy the school/program a lot. I guess that's some valid input there.

The only connection I've had with Brock is my old physics teacher who I haven't been in contact with for 3 years.

Thanks again, I'll keep digging

Cory

[North Shore]

Well, if McMaster has the 'better' name, ten I'd go with that (all other things being equal.) Why be a guinea pig at Brock while they try to raise their game?

[. ._]

I'd say become an electrician or plumber.

Besides, unless you are a total math genius, you can not get a degree in physics.

That being said, university is still pretty cool. And good luck with whatever you choose in life.

-istp

[cgzro]

Pick the harder/scarier of the choices. You are young so aim high. There will be lots of time and reason to compromise later. ... lots..

[Typhoon]

Thanks for all the input Appreciate it

[flyinggreasemonkey]

If you can walk and talk, you can go to Brock... Also known as a second high school diploma. I used to live in St Catharines and I've met a lot of students going to Brock who wish they didn't.

[Guido]

Pick the harder/scarier of the choices. You are young so aim high. There will be lots of time and reason to compromise later. ... lots..

QFT

[Changes in Latitudes]

If you can walk and talk, you can go to Brock... Also known as a second high school diploma. I used to live in St Catharines and I've met a lot of students going to Brock who wish they didn't.

A lot has changes since the 1990's. The kids don't listen to thhe Curt Cobain and Garth Brooks anymore.

[mcrit]

A big part of the University experience is living away from home for the first time. That, coupled with the reputation that McMaster has in the field (they used to have a nuclear reactor on campus, not sure if they still operate it), would tip the balance towards Mac. The only fly in the ointment is the money. If going to Mac is going to put you under such a financial strain that it will distract you from your studies then you'll have to work that into your considerations.

[Sasquash]

with that kind of a degree, he should finally be able to solve: 48÷2(9+3)...

[flyinggreasemonkey]

A big part of the University experience is living away from home for the first time. That, coupled with the reputation that McMaster has in the field (they used to have a nuclear reactor on campus, not sure if they still operate it), would tip the balance towards Mac. The only fly in the ointment is the money. If going to Mac is going to put you under such a financial strain that it will distract you from your studies then you'll have to work that into your considerations.

It's a very strict policy that OSAP will make sure you have enough money to go to school based on your current financial situation, whether you just need a top or you need all the money to be loaned.

[mcrit]

It's a very strict policy that OSAP will make sure you have enough money to go to school based on your current financial situation, whether you just need a top or you need all the money to be loaned.

Must have changed since I did it. Mind you, I was in schoolwhen Bob Rae ran the province.

[Guido]

A big part of the University experience is living away from home for the first time. That, coupled with the reputation that McMaster has in the field (they used to have a nuclear reactor on campus, not sure if they still operate it), would tip the balance towards Mac. The only fly in the ointment is the money. If going to Mac is going to put you under such a financial strain that it will distract you from your studies then you'll have to work that into your considerations.

It's a very strict policy that OSAP will make sure you have enough money to go to school based on your current financial situation, whether you just need a top or you need all the money to be loaned.

That was my experience... unfortunately I went back to school while I was in a relatively high-paying job... they wouldn't give me a penny even though I wasn't going to be earning anything for the next year or three.

[. ._]

That's true. Make sure you get at least 6 months of pogey in before applying for OSAP. Then you're golden even if you're making maximum poge.

4 months will do it in a pinch, but it's best to play it safe and psyche yourself up for a total lifestyle change.

Incidentally, even though Sudbury has a neutrino observatory in its back yard, NO ONE applied to be in first year physics at Laurentian University for this September. What a waste of resources. They're thinking of cancelling the physics department. Talk about your bad marketing!

[ragbagflyer]

I'm not familiar with OSAP but you guys are saying that the more broke you are the more they will lend you? That's all well and good at the time but there's no reason to make yourself poorer so you can borrow more! My advice to you Typhoon, wherever you choose to go to school is not to accept going deeply into debt as the norm, or as necessary. It's a horrible place to be. Forgo the fanciest laptop or the newest iphone and live as frugally as you can. Really consider those summer jobs where you work in a camp and bank a school years worth of wages. You might not be able to considering you are in a coop. If you have the mind for physics have you considered engineering instead? The job prospects are much better than most other B.Sc's. There's a huge difference between being unemployed and broke, and unemployed and 40K in the hole. Realistically you're looking at 10 to 15 years to get out from under that amount of debt. You'll see pretty quickly that university has become mostly a business.

[flyinggreasemonkey]

I completely agree with ragbag....an education doesnt mean a job, but it helps. Also, OSAP can't be included in a bankruptcy, so no job means no money, means no paying it back. I know of a person who spent a sizable fortune on a few doctorates only to declare bankruptcy after graduation and live off their $100k+ a year job, just because they didn't want to bother paying it back. Rules have changed now...

[dashx]

What are your plans once you have your degree? Masters? PhD? Research? Teaching?