Chemie2000

I am in a similar situation for a PhD program (Chemistry)! Trying to decide between Boston College and Johns Hopkins. I'm originally from Rhode Island, so I'm really familiar with the Greater Boston area. I have lots of family and friends around the area, not to mention lots of Biotech/Pharma companies that I could see myself working at after graduation. But, the chemistry program at BC is definitely less "regarded" than JHU (not to say that the BC program is bad by any means). There's a few professors I could definitely see myself working with, but 2 of them are still assistant professors (i.e no tenure yet). The TA requirements also seem to be a little more extensive. JHU is more of a "name-brand" and probably has the better dept. of the two. But, Baltimore is defintely a rougher place with less to do than Boston. The professors there have been there a little longer, so almost all of the ones I want to work for have tenure (or most certainly will get it in a year or so). I'd say the facilities are fairly comparable. So, I guess what I'm trying to decide is if I am willing to give up what Boston has to offer as a city for a "name-brand".

So I am in a bit of a conundrum here. I'm hoping that others are in the same situation as me so I may be able to see this problem in a new light. I call City A my home. Lots of friends will be there after graduation and all of my family is there. The school I was accepted to in City A (School A), though, is definitely not a "top notch" school. While I don't like the "rankings" all that much, it is around 50 or so on US News. I was also accepted to School B in City B, which is about 5-6 hours from City A. From what I have seen, School B has a more "well known" department and is higher in the "rankings" (around 20ish). I think I prefer City A over City B, but also prefer School B over School A.... Anyone else feeling the same way?