I am majoring in the Letters and Science Physics Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
I chose the UIUC for several reasons. It is fairly esteemed, ranking thirteenth among all public universities in the nation. Their physics department is ranked in the top ten among all universities in the nation. While these rankings cannot possibly measure every aspect of the academic experience, many of which are subject to the individual, they do indicate that courses are taught to a high standard by professors with solid credentials. UIUC also has an impressive student-faculty ratio of four to one.
I also chose UIUC because of the structure of the program. It is very flexible, which means that it leaves plenty of room for electives, while still covering necessary core curriculum. This is ideal for me because I am still in the process of deciding what type of career I want to pursue. As I study the subjects I am interested in, I hope to discover the specific areas I am most proficient in and passionate about. I can then customize my degree by selecting certain electives. For example, if I decide I want to pursue a career in computational physics, I can take computer science electives to earn a degree in computational physics. I can also take advantage of the numerous research and internship opportunities which UIUC has to offer.
Intercollegiate transfer is also important to me. I may be interested in pursuing engineering, in which case it would be necessary to transfer to the UIUC college of engineering. At many colleges, this is difficult or not permitted, but at UIUC, a student who has demonstrated “a pattern of achievement that portends success in a highly technical curriculum” is eligible for transfer into the College of Engineering from the College of Letters and Science.
A degree in physics from UIUC will leave me with many career and graduate school opportunities. Out of the undergraduate class of '09-'10 of all physics majors in the United States, 60% went on to graduate school, 35% found jobs immediately, and only 5% pursued neither option. Out of those who found jobs, 74% were employed in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
I would also be very satisfied with the campus life for many reasons:
I am certain that UIUC is where I can make the most of the next four years.
I chose the UIUC for several reasons. It is fairly esteemed, ranking thirteenth among all public universities in the nation. Their physics department is ranked in the top ten among all universities in the nation. While these rankings cannot possibly measure every aspect of the academic experience, many of which are subject to the individual, they do indicate that courses are taught to a high standard by professors with solid credentials. UIUC also has an impressive student-faculty ratio of four to one.
I also chose UIUC because of the structure of the program. It is very flexible, which means that it leaves plenty of room for electives, while still covering necessary core curriculum. This is ideal for me because I am still in the process of deciding what type of career I want to pursue. As I study the subjects I am interested in, I hope to discover the specific areas I am most proficient in and passionate about. I can then customize my degree by selecting certain electives. For example, if I decide I want to pursue a career in computational physics, I can take computer science electives to earn a degree in computational physics. I can also take advantage of the numerous research and internship opportunities which UIUC has to offer.
Intercollegiate transfer is also important to me. I may be interested in pursuing engineering, in which case it would be necessary to transfer to the UIUC college of engineering. At many colleges, this is difficult or not permitted, but at UIUC, a student who has demonstrated “a pattern of achievement that portends success in a highly technical curriculum” is eligible for transfer into the College of Engineering from the College of Letters and Science.
A degree in physics from UIUC will leave me with many career and graduate school opportunities. Out of the undergraduate class of '09-'10 of all physics majors in the United States, 60% went on to graduate school, 35% found jobs immediately, and only 5% pursued neither option. Out of those who found jobs, 74% were employed in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
I would also be very satisfied with the campus life for many reasons:
- The campus is safe; it is well lit, offers walking escorts and public transportation at night, and has a coded key
- system for the dorms.
- The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District has been the recipient of two “America’s Best Little Transit System”
- awards. All buses are equipped with bike racks.
- Urbana-Champaign is very pedestrian friendly.
- There are 80+ parks and recreational facilities at Urbana-Champaign.
- Comfortable small town feel with many of the benefits of an urban setting.
- Illini Mens' Tennis, ranked #13 in Division I.
- 1,000 registered student organizations
- Club tennis team
- Close to home
- Relatively Inexpensive
I am certain that UIUC is where I can make the most of the next four years.