Neuroneous

Hey Ernie, I think you are experiencing something many grad students go through. From my experience, grad students in my lab ( i am a masters student) tend to lose their confidence around the same time. usually they were expecting a little more out of graduate school instead of some project that is moving at a snails pace that doesn't have the impact in science they may have hoped for. We should chat b/c I'm currently deciding where to go for my phd in neuro, and it's taking me forever. Thanks

I have been admitted to both PhD programs but can't decide. Please help. The research at UMd is really a good fit but baltimore is horrible and I am a country boy and have two dogs. I love the UVA campus and the funding seems to be a lot better. the labs here are alright, some meet my interests, but not as in depth as baltimore. Also, Baltimore pays $500 less and has a higher cost of living. Paradoxically, UVA ranks #22 for research in the US and Baltimore #34... so basically, my question is... DO I go for the better school on paper (UVA) or the one that meets my interests (Baltimore). OR should I consider my environment as the presiding factor and go to UVA because I can live more comfortably and do great research (although not as good a match as Baltimore). ANY COMMENTS WOULD BE GREAT!