matsci333

It really depends on what kind of school you'd like to go to for your PhD. If you're looking to go to a top-tier school, I'd recommend taking a year to boost your resume. If you just want to get into an average program and get your PhD, you should apply. Your application is not very bad. You can get into some decent places for sure. Research experience would help boost your chances, though. Don't apply for a terminal masters, especially if you're looking to do a PhD in the end.

UFL NCSU RICE WashU Virginia RUTGERS UIC (Source: USNews Rankings)

Has anyone heard from UCSB's Materials department? I know they've sent out a bunch of acceptances..but March is nearly over and no word of rejections...

i disagree. i find that the difference between top 10 and top 5 schools tends to vary greatly. go check it out for yourself, though

I know for a fact that this is true in the undergraduate population at Hopkins. But for the graduate population I believe it is not as true. I could be wrong, though.

In the US, if your final goal is a PhD, you don't need to get a Master's first. Apply straight to PhD Programs after BS. For PhD programs, in my opinion, research is better. But both research and internships will look good on your apps

Thank you everyone for your replies! I guess you are all right, and I can see that. School A is clearly the better choice...it's mostly just my gut I guess. To answer your question, I feel like I'd be happier because everyone around me seemed to be happy, my POI is really friendly and supportive, and the weather/location is amazing. Also, the coursework isn't as harsh, and there seems to be less of a competitive attitude. I am making this assumption because the POI is new and eager to get tenure, yes. School A has a lot going for it... I guess sometimes when making tough decisions people end up choosing between their brain and their gut. Although my gut is telling me school B, my brain is saying school A. Thanks guys for helping me think about this! If there are any other thoughts at all, please feel free I would appreciate it a ton

Hey all, I'm in the incredibly fortunate position of having trouble deciding between two awesome PhD Programs, so I'll lay out the advantages of each here and maybe one of y'all can help me decide? School A: #2 Ranked Program in the Country Famous, well-established faculty/PI Large, cohesive program Research interests are a perfect match Better funding Stronger coursework/foundational learning Cool city School B: No ranking because program is still brand new, but school is well-regarded overall Faculty/PI very young, excited about research, friendly Amazing location Opportunity to do really great research and publish a lot Really nice facilities/funding/lab equipment Everyone seems happy all the time More interested in coursework here More lax coursework/quals --- Now that I write it all out, it seems that school A has more going for it...but a big part of me really wants to take the risk and go to school B, and be happier for the next 5 years. What do you think???

^^ GOOD QUESTION! lol

kakhis/nice pants + button-down/sweater

I'd say business casual for sure! No suits necessary.

guitar pick

Ah.. well the guy I know was interviewed over the phone then given acceptance I believe. I didn't ask specifics so I'm not sure. It doesn't necessarily mean that they have sent all the acceptances! It could have been a special case!

Yeah, the program really seems amazing, with some awesome research going on! I have been waiting anxiously with no response. No, I haven't gotten an interview or anything. I know some people have gotten acceptances to the Engineering Sciences Materials track, but I haven't heard anything from those in applied physics. Hopefully they haven't sent them out yet? *Crossing my fingers* I wouldn't call them just yet. maybe in a few weeks if we still haven't heard anything?

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