subtitled

Hi all. Thanks very much for the advice. I made the decision to go with #2. I agree with most people that research is the leading factor to consider with grad school, I think in practice it is important to take everything into mind. Sure, I was less impressed with the research performed at #2, but this doesn't mean there are not great projects available. When I took a step back I realized what was important to me and #2 has what I need. I agree with nackteziege's comment above about the freedom granted by fellowship support. Ultimately this did help me decide. Again, thanks to everyone for listening and I hope everyone else has good luck in their decision process.

Thanks for the reply. Both are Ph.D programs and both offer full tuition support as well as a stipend. The fellowship at #2 is nice because it lets me focus on classes and gives me a chance to start research earlier. Program #1 is a TA position and would require a lot of responsibility in the first year (teach, classes, pick a research group). Thinking it over, the ulitimate question is whether I should go to the program that offers the more exciting research (even if it's not my field), or go to the program that may be the better option in all ways except research. I know graduate school is difficult and you must love what you are doing to succeed. This is why the decision is so hard. One choice seems like the riskier and harder option, but may be more rewarding. Still, the other choice seems to be the lower pressure option and most likely still has exciting research; I just don't feel as strongly about it. I'm sorry if I'm not coherent anymore.... the stress is getting to me.

I know there are a ton of these posts, but I seriously need help. It's decision day and I don't have a final decision. I have narrowed down to two programs, but I now I'm stuck. Program 1: Well known and respected school. Great people and resources. Several groups doing really exciting research. However, the city is not really to my liking and the program is not really in my preffered field. Program 2: Not as well known (to me at least), but ranked almost as well as program #1. Research is less exciting, but acceptable. City is a little better and I was offered a very nice fellowship. The field of the program is exactly what I want. I don't know what to do. I have luke warm feelings about the research at school #2, but they offer a better fellowship in a better location. I know I can make the research work, I just wasn't wowed. School #1 offers an exciting program, but it's not really my field and I don't know if that would hurt my career options later. I also would have less money, more responsibility, and live in a less-nice city. I know this is the eleventh hour, so I'm not expecting a lot of activity on this thread to help me make my decision. Still, maybe some poor kid in a similar situation will gain something by reading this later. Thanks in advance for any small amount of help/advice anybody might have.