raisinbrain

I also agree. Rankings are BS. I just want to note that I am not selecting advisors based on their status or Nobel Prize. I am basing it off of research I find interesting, which probably should not be the sole criterion. @Micecroscopy, you seem to be very knowledgeable on the process of selecting an advisor. I really am not aware of the best way to assess my choices. All I want is to have a productive and enjoyable time during my PhD. What do you believe are criteria for narrowing my choice of faculty ? Lab size never seemed to be something I considered but I probably should. Which additional labs do you recommend I look at MIT or Rockefeller ? I am overwhelmed with the number of faculty and would appreciate any suggestions. I definitely agree that I should reach out to more faculty and students to better educate myself. Thank you for the amazing advice so far ! I really need it.

I am really having a difficult time deciding. Rockefeller does not have TA requirements. I can also pick my own course schedule where classes are pass/fail with no exams. My decision is going to come down to who I want to work with. The thing is that there is no particular advisor I am dying to work under. Both institutions have amazing faculty doing very different work. Labs interested at MIT ( No particular order): Robert Horvitz Guoping Feng Feng Zhang Susumu Tonegawa and maybe Mark Bear Labs interested at Rockefeller: Cori Bargmann Nathaniel Heintz C. David Allis and maybe Leslie Vosshall or Jeffrey Friedman I am not exactly sure how to make an educated decision and where I would thrive. I am also having a difficulty deciding what particular scientific topic strongly appeals to me. I may just need to focus on working with a good mentor and my interests would be more apparent over time. I would appreciate any input !

I have been accepted to both institutions and I am having a difficult time deciding between the two. Both are world class in terms of research, but Rockefeller seems to have a better financial package. I am interested in genetics and neuroscience. I would appreciate any opinions and suggestions concerning both programs !

Anyone no the pros and cons between Harvard PiN and MIT BCS ? I understand your experience is dependent on your advisor and that deciding between these two institutions is like splitting hairs. Just looking for opinions or major differences between the two programs. Thank you !