limsupconfused

Thank you, everyone, for the responses. Doesn't seem like people have much to say about UNC, but from other browsing, they're so close to the Research Triangle that it seems like it would be pretty easy to find a job there.

Ah, thanks for all the help. Actually UNC and UW are probably the departments I'm most interested in (honestly, weather factors a huge deal into it; hopefully I get admitted to either). I know UW has a reputation of being really math-heavy, but didn't know UNC was as well. Any other insight on UNC in particular?

Seems like every topic on the math/stats board is about biostatistics, which makes it easy for me. To put it briefly, I know this is kind of an odd (and perhaps unanswerable) question, but I'm applying for PhD programs for next year and am wondering what various programs are like. I just don't think I've seen any similar topics on the forums, and feel that something along these lines would be helpful to other applicants considering applying to programs. In particular, the top programs (think UW, Michigan, Harvard, Hopkins, UNC, Minnesota, etc.): What are the particular strengths of each department? From some initial forum searching, it looks like Michigan has a reputation for being strong in statistical genetics, Hopkins in Neuro, Harvard in cancer, etc., but are those accurate? What about other programs like UNC that I never seem to hear anything about on the forums, despite them being so highly regarded? What are job prospects like post graduation? I know I kind of vomited questions onto the page, but I'm really just looking for a "feeling" for each of those departments. I suppose nothing can replace an actual visit to the department (in the off chance I'm accepted by any!), but anything would be helpful.