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Welcome to the online community of Smith physics alums!
Gain/Offer advice. Peruse the questions listed below or submit a question of your own. Similarly, if you want to offer your own insights, you can submit an answer.
Network. Check out the alum bios. If there is contact information, feel free to contact that person directly to chat.
Learn through resources. Useful resources are listed on the links page. If you would like to add something, contact us with the information.
For more information, check out the about page.
Tags: applying | Category: QuestionsI’m thinking about applying to Smith and I want to be a physicist, but I don’t know if it’s the right place for me. Would you please tell me more about why this is a good physics department?
Below are the answers from several alums regarding why one should choose Smith College physics.
Alexis (Class of 2006): The department is incredibly supportive. One of the things I loved while there (and grew to appreciate even more so afterwards) is the professors genuinely care that you’re learning the material; they went above and beyond what they needed to do to ensure we understood the material. I enjoyed working on my research with Professor Pfabe. Also, my classmates while I was there were phenomenal: incredibly intelligent, multi-interested, fun, and generous people who were always willing to help.
Emily (Class of 2006): The enthusiasm the department radiates is contagious! The faculty is dedicated to creating a learning environment that is both challenging and fun. All the majors supported one another both in their pursuits whether inside or outside the classroom, this support continues after graduation. My research experiences with Nalini Easwar was truly unique because I was completely immersed in what it meant to do scientific research as an undergraduate. A highlight was presenting my research at national conferences. My education and research experiences prepared me very well for graduate school.
I’m interested in physics but not sure what you can do with a BA in physics other than become a professor. What can you do with a physics degree?
Below are the answers from several alums regarding what they did with their degrees.
Alexis (Class of 2006): I thought for awhile that I wanted to go into physics research but decided I wanted to work in education. Currently, I’m working on a doctorate in education and doing research on women in graduate physics. There are a lot of avenues to take in education where having a physics background is definitely an asset.
Emily (Class of 2006): I’m currently at graduate school in an applied physics program and while I would love to be a professor one day, I continue to learn about all the opportunities available to students with a physics background because of the critical thinking skills that an education in physics develops. Within the sciences, people with a physics background are highly valued in all disciplines because of their new and different ideas they can bring to a subject. I’ve spoken with physics majors who have become doctors, lawyers, teachers, policy makers, consultants, business women, and activists.
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