Selecting a program in I/O

[hummingbirds]

Hi everyone,

So I applied to Ph.D programs in i/o this cycle, and I've somehow received admissions offers from some amazing programs, which is such an honor. However, how do I pick which one to attend?? Obviously it's important to look at the research and faculty, but beyond that, how much does everything else matter? Like prestige and ranking? What would be the difference between going to Michigan State or going to UCF? If I enjoy talking to the people every program, how do I really gauge 'fit'?

If you are in a program now, what made you choose your school? If you are applying, what are you looking for? I feel like my research interests are pretty broad, so I don't have a "I HAVE to work with this faculty mentor" kind of desire. I do know I am leaning towards going into an applied career afterwards, though.

 

Edited February 21, 2018 by hummingbirds

[Sparkybob]

Do you want to teach? Then find the program who has the most alums teaching in other schools? (For example Michigan State has a lot of alums in the I/O faculty world)

Have you talked to fellow students who worked with your perspective adviser to know how they work? (If they are pushy, hands off etc)

Location matters too if you don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere. You have to live in the area for at least 4 years, make sure you enjoy it. 

Congrats on the acceptances as I hope to join you in the I/O boat of getting multiple admissions!

[hummingbirds]

2 hours ago, Sparkybob said:

Do you want to teach? Then find the program who has the most alums teaching in other schools? (For example Michigan State has a lot of alums in the I/O faculty world)

Have you talked to fellow students who worked with your perspective adviser to know how they work? (If they are pushy, hands off etc)

Location matters too if you don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere. You have to live in the area for at least 4 years, make sure you enjoy it. 

Congrats on the acceptances as I hope to join you in the I/O boat of getting multiple admissions!

Thank you! I hope you do too!!!

Yeah! I've been looking at alumni from each school and where they end up, and it seems like although graduates from top name schools go teach at other top name schools, people start the same applied careers from anywhere.

Edited February 21, 2018 by hummingbirds

[Sparkybob]

14 minutes ago, hummingbirds said:

Thank you! I hope you do too!!!

Yeah! I've been looking at alumni from each school and where they end up, and it seems like although graduates from top name schools go teach at other top name schools, people start the same applied careers from anywhere.

Right it just depends on what you want to do. If you have no interest in teaching then prestige does not matter as much because I don't think companies care as much. (Maybe they do I am just as clueless as you lol)

If your end goal is teaching then I do think prestige of the program should be near the top of the list. Best of luck!

[Left Skew]

If you're asking us for help you may as well flip a coin... haha.

@hummingbirds Do you know your advisor yet? I would wait until you know your funding and advisor. Also you may freeze to death in Michigan, but it will make you a stronger person.

Here is some crowd-sourced info

P.S. If you got accepted to George Mason you should not go there because I'm currently on the wait-list, unless you really want to then do it.

[hummingbirds]

15 minutes ago, Left Skew said:

If you're asking us for help you may as well flip a coin... haha.

@hummingbirds Do you know your advisor yet? I would wait until you know your funding and advisor. Also you may freeze to death in Michigan, but it will make you a stronger person.

Here is some crowd-sourced info

P.S. If you got accepted to George Mason you should not go there because I'm currently on the wait-list, unless you really want to then do it.

Wow, that's a really nice thread! Thanks for linking it!

The schools I'm considering are pretty collaborative, so they don't lock you down with an advisor right away and let you work with multiple people to develop your direction, which is something that I like and look for. I did get accepted to and am being considered at a couple schools that's more single-advisor based, but I'm not super sure about those. I'll have good funding everywhere from what it seems, so that's not too much to worry about. LOL about freezing to death. Legitimate concern for sure.

P.S. I didn't apply to Mason! Not guilty of holding a spot there!

[Left Skew]

25 minutes ago, hummingbirds said:

Wow, that's a really nice thread! Thanks for linking it!

The schools I'm considering are pretty collaborative, so they don't lock you down with an advisor right away and let you work with multiple people to develop your direction, which is something that I like and look for. I did get accepted to and am being considered at a couple schools that's more single-advisor based, but I'm not super sure about those. I'll have good funding everywhere from what it seems, so that's not too much to worry about. LOL about freezing to death. Legitimate concern for sure.

P.S. I didn't apply to Mason! Not guilty of holding a spot there!

It's hard being the prettiest girl at the party...you enjoyed your visits everywhere? My programs definitely diverge is some sense. Maybe you should reach out to the other applicants and see if the ones you enjoyed are accepting at particular places? 

[hummingbirds]

30 minutes ago, Left Skew said:

It's hard being the prettiest girl at the party...you enjoyed your visits everywhere? My programs definitely diverge is some sense. Maybe you should reach out to the other applicants and see if the ones you enjoyed are accepting at particular places? 

Looks like you're not doing so bad yourself, congrats on your acceptances and interviews! What's your top?

Gossiping with the other applicants! I like that idea.