[EE] PhD: Stanford or Princeton ?

[arvind]

Hi Guys,

I've been admitted to the Ph.D program in EE at Stanford and Princeton University, both with first year fellowships. I'm half way around the globe now and cant possibly attend their visit day. My areas of interest include photonics/optoelectronic devices and solid state in general. Which do you think is a better school to attend? While it is not very difficult to get the advisor we want at Princeton, it becomes more of a problem at Stanford where there are lots of students probably vying for the same prof (if he/she is famous) and the dreaded EE Quals that we have to pass. But Stanford is known to be quite strong in this area of research. However, Princeton has the IVY reputation. Kindly provide your views.

Thanks.

[awaiter]

Hi Guys,

I've been admitted to the Ph.D program in EE at Stanford and Princeton University, both with first year fellowships. I'm half way around the globe now and cant possibly attend their visit day. My areas of interest include photonics/optoelectronic devices and solid state in general. Which do you think is a better school to attend? While it is not very difficult to get the advisor we want at Princeton, it becomes more of a problem at Stanford where there are lots of students probably vying for the same prof (if he/she is famous) and the dreaded EE Quals that we have to pass. But Stanford is known to be quite strong in this area of research. However, Princeton has the IVY reputation. Kindly provide your views.

Thanks.

Arvind:

I think Stanford has a stronger research program (lab and faculty). One good thing at Princeton is they give you fair amout of time to try different things in first year ( like choose between theory, exp )and the quaiifiers are fairly doable. Having said that, a Stanford degree gives you better chances to get a good research position after you graduate. If you are looking for industrial posns..then both are pretty much the same. Coursework might be tougher at Stanford because of the competition.I recommend talking to some people from both univs in your department via email /phone. good luck