IamPokemon

Well, first, Ohio State would be a hard no. If it doesn't feel right to you, then you probably shouldn't do it. With regards to Utah, I'm, thinking you went up there, fell in love with the scenery and the very nice people that reside there and that's why your gut is moving toward that direction. But if you know the research you want to do, I would suggest going to the University that will give you the best chance to do the research you are most interested in, and to me, that seems like MD Anderson. Just my 2 cents.

I, too just had to make a difficult decision in choosing between UW-Madison and Washington University in St. Louis. I chose WashU. So, I understand your dilemma. The common wisdom is to lean toward where you we be the happiest conducting research. But I can understand why that would be a difficult choice for you financially. My father suggested that you simply become like Peter Parker and "Push through" the busy streets of NYC and live the poor college student life until you get the degree. While I found this suggestion humorous, I don't think that is fair advice because even though you may be doing the research you like, comfort and finance security are also paramount. I would suggest you flip a coin. Heads for Mount Sinai, and tails for WashU. After flipping the coin, BEFORE YOU LOOK, close your eyes. Whichever one you were slightly hoping it would be, should be the one you choose.

Just wanted to chime in and let everyone know that I have chosen to accept the offer from Washington University in St. Louis (Cancer Bio). I would like to thank everyone for the invaluable information, and experience sharing. I'm certain that we'll meet at some point in the future, either at conferences, or maybe reading a letter of recommendation written by one of you at some point, collaborating on research, or perhaps working together. I'll see you out there.

Hello Everyone, Just wanted to let you all know that I have made a decision: I have chosen to attend Washington University in St. Louis. In the end, it came down to research. WashU's program is interdisciplinary and its easy to get training from other Bio Science disciplines. I emailed the program director about my research interest and I was put in touch with one of the PI's there who shared the status of what they were doing in that particular lab. This made my decision easier as WashU already had a lot going for it.

From my experience, Funding isn't guaranteed for Masters programs - especially at State institutions. You'll have to apply to a program, and navigate through that schools system to apply for Research assistant (RA) position, a Graduate Assistant (GA) position or a Teaching Assistant (TA) position. If hired, you'll be given an RA, GA or a TA appointment at what is called 33% or 50%. A 33% appointment means you work 12 hours a week in whatever position you were hired to. A 50% appointment means you work 20 hours per week. Rarely are appointments more than 50% available or even allowed. You will get a stipend for the time you work (9 months or 12 months - depending on the institution and position) and the tuition is usually remitted.

Don't assume that Berkeley would be that much better cost-wise. First, its a two-year program as opposed to 1 year. Also, Berkeley is experiencing a serious housing crises for its students. Apparently, there isn't enough housing available to house its students, forcing them to be either homeless or in untenable living situations. The problem, was serious enough that the residents of Berkeley sued the university, demanding that they freeze their enrollment numbers, in a case that went all the way up to the State Supreme Court. The court ultimately sided with the residents, which put UC Berkeley in an odd position of having to figure out a way to rescind a great many acceptance letters. The State Legislature quickly intervened and passed a law that voids the State Supreme Court's decision. My point is, you have to consider these things carefully. It sounds like Columbia may be a very expensive investment. But if you believe in yourself and your abilities, its an investment that could pay off well.

I said I would make my decision between UW-Madison's MDTP program and WashU's Cancer Bio program after my visit to the campus. I have already decided to decline the acceptance to UW-Madison's IPiB Program. Well, I finished my WashU trip. I guess I was hoping that this trip would either be extremely good, which would make my decision easier, or bad, which would also make my decision easier. In truth, it made me even more torn, as it was just as great, albeit for different reasons, as the trip to UW-Madsion. I've given myself a self-imposed deadline of Friday to make a decision so that those on the wait list at either institution would have a chance. UW-Madison Pro's - Very laid back atmosphere. - Very laid back town, with very nice people. - Madison has a relatively low crime rate. - There is at least one faculty member conducting the exact research I'm interested in. - They will give me a one-time, $1500 welcome check after the completion of orientation. - Great family-like culture among the current students. - Many opportunities for professional development. UW-Madison's cons - Stipend amount lower than other universities. - In addition to lower stipends, have to pay about $1.5K in fees every year - unless I get a fellowship that covers them. - Madison has a higher cost of living. - Not as diverse as other Universities (though they are trying to improve in this area). - I'm not wild about the climate. WashU's Pro's - Stipend Amount is better and more competitive with other universities, with no required fees to pay. - St. Louis has a cheaper cost of living, making it easy for me to afford to live without the need for a roommate. - WashU has better prestige and a slightly better research reputation. - A program that is generally more focused on my research interest (Cancer Biology). - Love the level of diversity in their overall DBBS program. - More Integrated Biological Sciences program structure with easy opportunity for interdisciplinary learning and training. - Climate is better than Madison. - Provide free pass for unlimited rides on Public Transportation. - Great city for Barbecue. WashU's Cons - St. Louis has a significantly higher crime rate than Madison - though the area of town that the University is in, is very nice and feels protected and I observed cops walking the beat regularly around the area. - Program feels more intimidating. Current grad students were a delight to get along with but they carried a more serious and anxious tone. - As far as I could tell, no reimbursement for moving expenses or a welcome check. - Not as many virology labs as I'd hoped for. - Feels more cramped than UW-Madison.

Here, at my undergrad institution, I have known a few graduate students from various departments in nightmare scenarios regarding their advisors. This is not a situation you want to be in AT ALL and should be avoided - especially when you can see the potential for such a circumstance coming. At the first school, mediocre facilities and equipment is unfortunate, but as long as they are not substandard, it should be OK. Besides, that can be changed. You did state that the first school has access to more grants and fellowships. The PI in my lab (undergrad) is an awesome mentor, and I have her to thank not only for my experience, but for her guidance that led to me getting accepted into some great PHD programs. So speaking from experience, having a PI that you can work with get along with, and is a true professional is invaluable. So, just my two- cents, despite the awesome grads and the fine equipment at the 2nd school, if you get a bad smell from the program, its probably not a good fit for you.

I gotta say, I do not envy your position here. But before I give my opinion, I'd like to ask if you are OK with providing more details on the issues of concern with the lab culture at the first school?

Personally, I think you are overthinking this. You were likely denied entry into all the PHD programs in which you applied because you don't have the requisite research experience. Choosing to go for your masters and proving yourself while doing so with the intention of gaining entry into the PHD program is not "weaseling" your way in. Its doing the hard work necessary to get in - AND UMASS is GIVING YOU THE OPPORTUNITY to do so by saying "We don't think you are quite ready for our PHD program, but we would like to see you in our Master's program." On a different note, in today's world, most Computer Science programs are going to be designed for industry work. That's where the jobs are and that is where the demand is. Even at UMASS, by your own words, only 25% of Masters end up in academia. I think that in that regard, it won't matter where an individual gets their masters degree. If they want to go into research, that's where they'll gravitate naturally. So, it should be the same for you. If the PHD program at UMASS is your dram program, accept their Masters offer. The 2nd worst thing that could happen is that you don't get accepted into their PHD program when you apply again. But in that event, you will probably get in elsewhere. The worst that could happen is that you don't have the ability to complete the program - in which case you'll know that the PHD program was never for you. Furthermore, it will give you the opportunity to observe the program up close without having made a full commitment to it.

I didn't really see a question here. Just you thinking out loud... ? I do like your thoughts about UMass. My question to you is how much does money/finance weigh into this? As in, are you in need of employment now, or can you go a year without significant employment income while pursuing a Masters?

Well, which track at WashU did you get accepted in? Biomedical engineering is more engineering focused. The DBBS program at WashU is more Biology focused, which is why WashU's Biomedical Engineering program is not included in the DBBS Umbrella. So, I suppose the question is, do you see yourself spending the next 6 years doing engineering research or biology research? Other factors to think about: Stipend at UT Southwestern: $35,000. (This is 62% above the average living wage in Dallas.) Stipend at WashU: $34,500. (This is 67% above the average living wage in St. Louis) So, the Stipends at both Universities are competitive. The Crime rate in St. Louis is considerably higher compared to Dallas. Though, I'm told that WashU is located in a relatively safe area. The Climate in Dallas will be a lot warmer (and Dryer). St. Louis can be hot in the Summer, but has been known (this year) to suffer though heavy snow storms in the Winter. [With regards to rankings, they say you should not weigh these heavily because the system is flawed and does not represent actual educational value. but if we are going to consider these, I like the research rankings provided by QS because they take research output, reputation, and usefulness (citations) into account. Also, the undergraduate rankings provided by US News is a lagging indicator as to the teaching quality at the graduate level]. Teaching (US NEWS 2022 Undergraduate GLOBAL ranking): WashU ranks 27th out of 500 (top 6%) in the world for biomedical Science. WashU ranks 31st out of 2005 (top 2%) in the world overall UT Southwestern ranks 40th out of 500 (Top 8%) in the world for Biomedical Science. UT Southwestern ranks 124 out of 2005 (Top 7%) in the world overall. Research (QS 2021 World Rankings): WashU ranks 45th out of 620 (top 8%) in the world for biological sciences WashU Ranks 107th out of 1299 (Top 9%) in the world overall UT Southwestern ranks 63rd out of 620 (Top 11%) for Biological Sciences UNRANKED Overall globally The above data seems to indicate that in general, WashU has a slightly better reputation than UT Southwestern, though both are really good. Also, to your question, I'd ask you to search inward. Having interviewed with both programs, what does your gut say? As an aside, I will be visiting WashU in less than a couple weeks. I am in a similar boat as you. I have to choose between WashU DBBS (Cancer Bio) and UW-Madison (MDTP and IPiB). I've visited UW-Madison twice for the two PHD programs I was offered admission to. Though I was amazed at the technology that the IPiB program employs, I've decided I liked the MDTP program a tad better as their research fits my interests more. So now, I have to decide which program I like better between MDTP and WashU. Right now, as far as the programs are concerned, they are both on equal footing. I've considered the same things as listed above. WashU has a generally better overall reputation than UW-Madison, though both are really good. And while St. Louis has a more significant crime rate than Madison, the stipend that is offered by UW-Madison is only 35% above the average living wage in Madison, while, as stated above, the stipend offered by WashU is 67% above the living wage in St. Louis. The upcoming trip to the WashU campus will be the deciding factor for me.

Sounds to me like you've already made your decision. You're simply trying to come to terms with it...

Just wanted to give a small update. I received an email informing me that I was accepted into the Integrated Program in Biochemistry (IPiB) at UW-Madison. I was expecting this as one of the PI's I interviewed with let it slip that those who are invited to interview "almost always" get an acceptance. Also, a couple of days ago, I was rejected by Princeton's Molecular Biology Program (MB). So, that brings this year's cycle for me to nearly a close. I have heard back from all the institutions I have applied to. I've been accepted into two programs at UW-Madison (MDTP and IPiB) and a program at WashU (Cancer Bio). So these are my options. These are good choices. I could have definitely been in a tougher position. It has been a roller coaster of a ride. This entire process is quite the experience in of itself. And, for good or bad, I have met some great people along the way. I'll update you all on my decision at the end of the month after my WashU visit is complete.

I am envious of how at peace you seem to be with your decision - and with having made it with other potential offers out there that have yet to come in. I wish my WashU visit wasn't so late in the month because I'd like to make a decision sooner so that others on a waiting list can get offers sooner. I wish you the best at Tulane. I did a little digging into their program early on, but I had limited time and resources to devote to the application process, so they were among a few schools I decided against applying to. I did like the program though. You should do great there! Congrats!!!