Dear all,
I've been recently admitted to NYU and Columbia for their PhD in Biostat programs. Columbia put me on waitlist for fellowship while NYU offered full financial support. Neither programs are top ones but given the competition this year and my credentials, these are the best I can get. My friends keep saying that Columbia has the better program and I probably will be funded the second year if not for the first year, as long as my grades, etc are good for the first year (not sure if this is true so please feel free to comment). I am not sure how worthy it is to spend money for Columbia and undergo the pressure of competing for funding when there is no guarantee. But I suppose the school's name will ultimately be an advantage that money can't equate.
Would love to hear your suggestions. Any advice will be most appreciated. Thank you.