estitanx

Hi, everybody. I am an international student outside the U.S. I have just gotten two offers from Gatech and Rice. Both are PhD in Chemical Engineering. It is really a hard decision for me to choose one of them. While Gatech has more professors and research projects, Rice has lovely campus and safer environment. Does anyone know more about them? I need your comments. Thanks~~

Many thanks to your reply. Actually both institutes give me financial aid. RPI provides 22000/year and Vanderbilt provides 23460/year. I think there is no difference between them regarding the money. The following is my consideration. Admittedly RPI keeps higher ranking in ChemE and have many interesting research projects, but the institute, climate and environment around are less attractive than Vanderbilt. The professors in Vanderbilt are young and dynamic, each advising only about 3 graduate students. This kind of good impression is somewhat influenced by the department and school brochures Vanderbilt mailed to me. Though all of the content in these brochures can be found on its websites, they did give me a different feeling -- they are very thoughtful and take serious regard to me. A few days ago, I have just received my third offer from Gatech. But Vanderbilt has not been excluded from my final choice yet. There are so many factors to be taken into account -- professor, projects, environment, climate, safety, money and my boyfriend's preference(he'll apply for 2010 fall). Being a graduate student is a way of life. So I not only focus on the research, but also on the enjoyment in part time. After all, study is for a better life. Dear djrg and MDLee, I really appreciate your comments. They make sense to me. Good luck in your application!

Hello, everybody. I'm pursuing PhD in ChemE and have just gotten these two offers. Anyone know something about them? What I know is: Vanderbilt good academic reputation, lots of music in Nashville, more to do in around area, more generous with financial aid RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) higher ranking in ChemE, keeps intimate relationship with many companies, nothing much to do in a small place, 76% students are male. Thanks for your information!