Hi all,
I've narrowed down my choices between MIT and Stanford for a PhD in chemistry. I'm looking to do materials chemistry and physical chemistry with some interest in inorganic materials. I'm having a hard time picking even though there are sort of clear signs in one direction, but I don't want to feel like I'm taking an offer for peripheral reasons.
Stanford
2 professors I'm interested in, 2 I could live with
program is not as good in materials
fellowship offer for 3 years
beautiful weather
faculty seemed a bit uptight
requirements are less and seem less rigorous (no candidacy)
MIT
3 professors that I'm interested in, at least 4 more that I could live with
top program in materials research and inorganic chemistry
no fellowships
I've heard MIT is poor in terms of quality of life
housing is expensive, stipend is not great
I like MIT a little better, but Stanford's package is better. It kind of comes down to an out of nowhere pick at this point, but I'm looking for thoughts.