Princeton vs UW-Madison (Physical Chemistry)

[Covey]

Hi guys,

I just visited these two schools and find myself facing a difficult choice.

Princeton is more prestigious, but there are only a few choices of potential advisor due to the small department. The prospective advisor (Haw Yang, http://www.princeton.edu/~yanglab/) is strict, and it takes 6 years for his student to graduate.

Madison has a stronger chemistry department, with 7-8 faculties conducting spectroscopic research (which is my interest). The atmosphere of the department is relaxed and active, I feel that people are more friendly there. Prospective advisors are Martin Zanni (zanni.chem.wisc.edu) and Randall Goldsmith (goldsmith.chem.wisc.edu/).

I would like to work in a supportive environment, but professors from my undergraduate institute told me that my best option is to attend the most prestigious university in order to find an academic job (in China) .

I would appreciate it if you could give me some advice.

[rising_star]

Hmmm... that's a tough choice. Some questions: Are you absolutely certain you want an academic job in China? What's the time to degree in Madison? What's the funding like at both institutions?

[Covey]

Hi there,

I do want to work in academia and go back to my home country after doing one or two postdoc. It usually takes five year to graduate in Madison. Madison's funding is $27000 each year for TA, advisors may give RA; Princeton provides fellowship for the first year and third year for about $28000, second year is funded by TA, fourth and fifth may be RA or TA based on advisor.

Thank you for your time.

[rising_star]

So how do you fund the sixth year at Princeton if your POI requires students to do 6 years to degree?

[Covey]

Actually I have no idea, but since all of his student graduated in six years (one in seven years), I think the professor will fund the sixth year.

[rising_star]

5 hours ago, Covey said:

I think the professor will fund the sixth year.

I would find this out for certain and, if possible, get it in writing. You don't want to choose Princeton and then find yourself scrambling to fund the "required" sixth year. If possible, talk to this professor's current and recently graduated students so you can specifically ask about this.

[Covey]

Thank you for the suggestion.

[Covey]

5 hours ago, 午後の紅茶 said:

For Thousand Talents Plan you would need a number of good publications other than a diploma from a "prestigious overseas university".

Definitely true. Thanks.

[Covey]

Update: going to Princeton.

Decision is based on research I will conduct, school reputation (for job hunting in a foreign country), and advisor's connection with Chinese academia.