I've gotten into several PhD programs in the basic sciences (biology/biomedical). I got into some really good ones, some good ones, and some that were safety net schools. I'm currently trying to decide between two programs...
-One is ranked 2nd by the Chronicles of Higher Ed and 8th by the NIH in terms of funding. They expect to be moving up on both lists because they are getting a new chairperson who has LOTS of NIH funds. So needless to say, it's a great school. It's been one of those I wanted to go to ask an undergrad, but didn't.
-The other is a grad program based at a hospital. It's probably more of the type of research I'd like to do, as compared to the first. This one is also in Sourthern Califonia...so the weather is wayyyy better. But--it's not as reputable as number one.
After grad school, I'm either going to med school or getting a job doing research/teaching. Which do you think I should pick given what I want to do? By the way, both are giving me full financial support.
2007-03-22 15:23:13 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
There are so many things to consider, I know it's a tough choice. Have you actually interviewed at both, asked questions about the things that are important to you? How is the professor/student rapport? How about the upperclassman/lower classman rapport? Do the people in the department communicate well? Do they have brown bag lunches once a week and talk to each other about what's going on, brainstorm and care about each other? Will the funding be allocated for YOUR interests?
Of course a program that is better funded is probably a bit safer, as far as the luxury of many research projects. And depending on what you want to do after school, you would want the program that gives you the best pertinent experience. But there is something to be said for doing the type of research that stimulates you, that enthuses you. You'll want to be and feel fully involved to keep up with the rigors of the program.
Full financial support is nice; just be sure it correlates with the area where you will live. Aid in Southern California will have to go a whole lot farther than aid in, say, Wisconsin.
My daughter had to make a choice between going to an elite law school and going to one that was closer to home and more "friendly" in her eyes. Both had good reputations, but the first one had a great reputation. After graduating, she found it didn't make a lot of difference, because her internships, and extra activities and special projects made her resume look great and gave her real-life experience that prepared her for anything. She's glad she went with the school that she wanted in her heart. So, you'll have to do some serious soul searching, and a lot of reading and networking to see what those already in your field think. Good luck!!
2007-03-22 15:42:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow, tough one. Which one do you think will help you get the job you want when you graduate? Sometimes that's the higher ranked program, but not always. I'm leaning toward the second one, because its closer to what you want to do. Does it seem like enough of a difference to tip you that direction? Or do you think that having lots of funding available at the other school would make it possible to do whatever you want? At which school do you think you'll make the more valuable connections? They both sound great. Whichever you choose, work your butt off and network like crazy. Grad school is a pain but it'll get you where you want to go. Good Luck!
2007-03-22 15:49:29 · answer #2 · answered by pag2809 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations! Your dilemma is an enviable one. It also seems that you are quite aware of the potential positives and negatives of either option.
Not knowing the specific institutions makes answering your question quite difficult, though. So I will simply make a suggestion.
Go to the graduate school discussion board on
http://www.collegeconfidential.com
and you may be able to find many other students who are faced with the same (or similar) choices. You may also be able to find students who are currently in each program. Post this question (specifically naming these two programs), and I bet you'll get several responses from people with first-hand knowledge of each.
Best wishes to you, whatever you choose!
2007-03-22 15:40:47 · answer #3 · answered by X 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋