Timmer Lin Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 As mentioned in the title, I got two offer from KU and VT, still waiting for news from my dream school. But as time escaped, I guess I should prepare for the unwantted outcomes. I don't know how to choose these two offers. For KU, the professor research matches me more, but VT ranks higher. What can I do to make my desicion? Need your help sincerely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caffeinated Chemist Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 (edited) I created an account just to reply to this. hahaha I am facing the exact same, and exact opposite situation right now. I have a great gig in Washington D.C. working as a government chemist while I attend George Mason University. What is similar to your situation is that the facility where I work is very prestigious. It's like name dropping. I say I work here and the doors of opportunity open for me. In fact, I'm fairly certain I'll get into Tech because I spoke with the admissions director and upon finding out where I work, said he would make sure I got in. However, my current research is not what I want to do with my life. What is opposite from your situation is that I'm planning on going to Tech because their research is EXACTLY what I want to be doing with my life. Despite the fact that where I am now is more prestigious, I've decided to leave based on my belief that the topic of my dissertation will have a bigger impact on what I do with my future than the name of the institution at the top of my diploma. In summary, if you want to go to a more prestigious school, you will probably earn more starting, but you may not get to do what you want with your life. I suggest KU because you'll get to do the research you want. I hope this was helpful! Edited March 29, 2013 by Caffeinated Chemist Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loginofpscl Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 I think it's only worth picking a higher ranked school if they are substantially differently ranked, i.e. if you were comparing Harvard/Caltech/MIT/Stanford-- it doesn't matter. In that case you just pick your best match. End of the day, the reason you want a higher ranked university on your CV is because of more open doors. Is it widely apparent that VT is higher ranked than KU? Will it make a difference later on when you're applying for jobs? If so, then it might be worth it. But if you're more a match with one program than other... you'll be more productive and so your CV would probably be better in 5 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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