So... I was admitted to a Curriculum and Instruction program at a university in the Midwest. I deferred to get more work experience first. Now, I am ready to do it! I'm in my early 30's and I'm anxious to get started. However, now I'm wondering if it might be better to wait a year and apply to universities in California, if that would mean better networking opportunities, etc. Plus, I like the weather! : ) On the other hand, I don't want to have to go through the application process again. The program I was admitted to is ranked well (top 5ish), although the school overall is not ranked as highly (top 20ish) That's from USNews, so I'm not even sure if those rankings are relevant.
Let me make this question much shorter: Do phds from universities in California have advantages over a phd from the Midwest when it comes to getting a job? I'm thinking networking opportunities (there are so many companies and Universities and people in California, compared to the Midwest). Has anyone in a phd program in the midwest found this to be a disadvantage? Particularly in the education field?
Curious... Thanks!