psunak99

Thank you everyone for all your great advice. I had a chat with both school's program directors and they were both able to bend the program to make it more favorable for my circumstances (already have masters and 2 years of research in my field, therefore do not need many of their courses). Following the wise advice in this thread, i have stopped looking at Ivy vs. Non-Ivy and am now comparing their programs and people. Following skyentist's advice, here are my variables: No it is not harvard or yale or MIT. 1. Research/POI interest -> Interest is mainly translational biology/ cancer genetics. Both programs have affiliation with hospitals and therefore have people working on these. However, the Ivy has about 200 faculty since it combines 2 institutions in their program. The non-ivy has limited number of people ( maybe about 30). 2. Money -> Ivy has better stipend (even tho the cost of living is about the same). 3. City -> Both cities. NY vs. Boston. Don't mind either. 4. Climate (weather and at the school) -> Again, both are fine. 5. Ease of returning home (for holidays dont want to spend $400 each time) -> $20 from both cities. However, NY (Ivy) is a lot easier and much less time. 6. Family -> live closer to NY than Boston. Important for me. 7. Coursework -> Ivy has more structured coursework but less access to basic courses. Non-ivy has access to many courses even the basic ones, which means i can have better foundation. If you (referring to anyone reading this ) were to make this decision, what would you choose? Are there any other factors? My Field is still very young and many faculty in my current job are actually from Ivy. Therefore, it lead me to believe that if i have an opportunity to go to an Ivy, It might make it easier to get a better job down the road. Looking at your advice and the advice in this thread, it looks like that may not matter as much.

The funding for Ivy is about $4000 more. The living cost are also about the same at both places (both cities). I appreciate your help. There is not much difference in rankings either. Non-ivy may be a little bit better but could might as well be even. I have been told that if you're going to academics, having an education from an ivy looks good on CV and future funding opportunities. Any truth to that? Also, more students from the Ivy have external fellowships which looks good on CV post-graduation. Thoughts? I appreciate your help.

Hi, I have been accepted to an Ivy league and a non-ivy league college for bioinformatics PhD program. Both have great programs. The non-ivy league has a program which is a little bit better for my personal situation and i feel i would learn a lot more there as a student. However, I already have a close relations with many PI's at the Ivy League which could lead to graduating faster. Im definitely thankful that I have choices however I am in a tight spot and i was hoping you guys could help me out. What are some things i should consider to make a better decision? Does Ivy vs Non-Ivy have a huge impact on career in future (my future goals are to stay in academic, however i could end up in industry depending on the economic situations)? Thank you.

Hi everyone, I just joined this forum but i have been lurking around for quite a while. I finally received my first interview request. Now here is the problem. THe interview is scheduled to be a 4 day event. Its sort of a open house with interview. Now i actually work at this place and I already know everything about the campus. Plus, i work full time and this is scheduled during the week. So, do you think it would be rude to ask to just be part of the interview (which i will be there for anyway since ill be at work) and not the open house? They do have an option of Skype interview but since i will be there already for work, i would much rather have an in-person interview. Please drop some suggestions. Thank you in advance.