Physics at UC Merced: Info for Students

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The discussion centers around the physics department at UC Merced, located in California. Participants express concerns about the department's relatively new status and lack of established reputation, questioning whether this could negatively impact graduate school applications and future employment opportunities. There is a debate on whether it would be more beneficial to gain additional research experience and improve GRE scores to apply to more reputable programs instead. Additionally, the living conditions in Merced are scrutinized, with comments highlighting its isolation and potential safety issues, including crime and gang activity. Despite these concerns, some acknowledge that UC Merced is part of the University of California system and is eager to enhance its reputation.
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Anyone have info on the physics department here?
 
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I hear it's in California.

Seriously, that question is way too open-ended. You're going to have to tell us what kind of "info" you're looking for.
 
I realize it's still relatively new and may not have much of a reputation yet. But the department seems cool and interdisciplinary. Could the school's lack of reputation hurt anyone who wanted to go to graduate school there? In other words, would it even be worth it to go there at all, or would it be better to do research for another year and try to get better scores on the GRE in order to apply to more reputable schools? I just wouldn't want to be in a position where a prospective employer throws out a resume because it says PhD in physics from UC Merced.

Also, what would it be like living in the town? Do people go insane? I've heard it's in the middle of nowhere but I've also heard there's gangs and a lot of crime in Merced, so is it dangerous?

I'm considering applying there and there's no way I can get into top-tier programs at the moment so that's why I wanted to know.
 
LightOfSpeed said:
I realize it's still relatively new and may not have much of a reputation yet. But the department seems cool and interdisciplinary. Could the school's lack of reputation hurt anyone who wanted to go to graduate school there? In other words, would it even be worth it to go there at all, or would it be better to do research for another year and try to get better scores on the GRE in order to apply to more reputable schools? I just wouldn't want to be in a position where a prospective employer throws out a resume because it says PhD in physics from UC Merced.

Also, what would it be like living in the town? Do people go insane? I've heard it's in the middle of nowhere but I've also heard there's gangs and a lot of crime in Merced, so is it dangerous?

I'm considering applying there and there's no way I can get into top-tier programs at the moment so that's why I wanted to know.

Merced would really suck as a place to live. There is a reason it got hosed so badly in the housing crisis.

That said it is still a UC. Also, they are hungry to build a reputation, so that's good.
 

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