chemgoddess

couldn't find one that had been started, so... anyone joining me next year? hope it's not a class of one

hmmm, I had a similar dilemma, but decided to ax the lower ranked school since I'm not sure how settled I am in my interests at this point. if you're 100% sure what project you want to do and you're sure that the prof you liked the best at choice A will let you join their lab, then I'm sure you'll do fine there no matter what the rankings are. however, I think a lot of people change what their focus is after doing rotations, in which case it'd be better to go somewhere where the overall program is stronger. plus, your classmates will make a big impact on your experience, you want to be around peers that will challenge you/be just as excited about science as you are. good luck deciding!

I have friends at Yale and UPenn, and it seems like the housing's surprisingly cheaper near UPenn, so maybe the lower stipend wouldn't matter as much? also, I think how much vacation time you can get really depends on your research advisor, a lot of people I know get months off even though it's not officially specified in their programs. my advice would be go with the better research fit, but I understand your pain, I haven't decided yet either!

hellllp!!! I'm currently deciding between yale mb&b and rockefeller for a phd in biochem/biophys. I really liked both places but can't decide! they're so different. rockefeller pros: cheap housing in nyc, lots of insane faculty including a real idol of mine, freedom to take whatever classes etc you want, maybe more prestigious cons: no undergrads to teach (and I think I might like to be a liberal arts prof), lack of structure might not be good for me, intense/sink or swim reputation, only scientists there yale pros: students and profs all seemed super friendly/really liked each other, profs seemed like they put more effort into mentoring, teaching is mandatory and they seem to give you lots of prep for it, community of academics doing all kinds of things (easier to take an econ or ed class there), more school spirit, cons: New Haven.. profs were great, but possibly not as closely aligned with my interests (although those could always change), would need a car to get around and I don't have one

@ BioResearch I was at UVA last weekend and really liked it! what BIMS program did you apply to? I applied to SCBB and it sounds like they're done notifying people who have interviews. The Molecular Medicine kids were there at the same time, although I know they had a second interview weekend for them later, so maybe they'll still notify a few more? not sure @lizgb what BBS program are you applying for? I didn't get a schedule with any specific faculty mentioned (I did MB&, although I hope they don't put us with another student in the same interview! that's like some crazy Bachelor shenanegans..