Chemistry Decisions Fall 2010

[so47]

So it seems at this point a lot of people have got responses back and are finishing Visitation Weekends shortly. Do you know where you want to go? Where are you deciding between? Post it here!

[boo]

if your an analytical chemist unc-chapel is number 1

[so47]

Yeah, I am an organic synth/bio-organic chemist though, so it is not quite as clear cut.

I am deciding between Cornell and UNC-CH. I thought I would walk out of the visitations knowing what I want, but I am confused!

I really loved the feel of the department at Cornell, I liked everything from the grad students, the department philosophy, the program structure, campus and surrounding area (waterfall NEXT to the chem building = AWESOME) And they are offering a significantly higher stipend, which doesn't hurt either.

But I feel like the research at UNC was much stronger for my area. The rest didn't "click" as well for me as it did at Cornell, but obviously a PhD is largely about research. There were about 3 profs I liked at Cornell, but I would have to straddle Bio-organic/Chemical Biology a bit more, and push to ensure synthesis experience. It's just there were more like 5 faculty at UNC that I liked, and they had more cutting-edge organic synth, like total synthesis, natural products and methodology.

I'm just feeling conflicted, my gut is telling my Cornell because it just felt right and there is still good research there, but it's hard to just turn away from the awesome research UNC has.

I also can't help but take geography into account. My family is in upstate NY, so Cornell would be much closer (~3.5 hour drive). UNC is an 11+ hour drive away, and on top of that I can't get direct flights home, and the non-direct flights are still ~$250 round trip.

So I have a lot to think about!

[Ziegler1988]

I haven't visited BU yet, but out of my other two I'm leaning towards BC over Chicago. I feel that BC has a stronger Synthetic Organic department (5 professors and looking to hire 2 more vs. 3 at Chicago) and I liked that the professors collaborate with each other on certain projects. BC is also closer to my home in CT and I prefer the weather there. Not sure what I would do if I got into Scripps or Columbia, but at this point I'm going on the assumption that I'll be rejected.

Edited March 15, 2010 by Ziegler1988

[so47]

Sent in my acceptance to Cornell's offer today! Decided to go with my gut and take the better fit. I'm very happy and glad to have the pressure off!

[Chemie2000]

So I am in a bit of a conundrum here. I'm hoping that others are in the same situation as me so I may be able to see this problem in a new light. I call City A my home. Lots of friends will be there after graduation and all of my family is there. The school I was accepted to in City A (School A), though, is definitely not a "top notch" school. While I don't like the "rankings" all that much, it is around 50 or so on US News.

I was also accepted to School B in City B, which is about 5-6 hours from City A. From what I have seen, School B has a more "well known" department and is higher in the "rankings" (around 20ish).

I think I prefer City A over City B, but also prefer School B over School A....

Anyone else feeling the same way?

[Ziegler1988]

So I am in a bit of a conundrum here. I'm hoping that others are in the same situation as me so I may be able to see this problem in a new light. I call City A my home. Lots of friends will be there after graduation and all of my family is there. The school I was accepted to in City A (School A), though, is definitely not a "top notch" school. While I don't like the "rankings" all that much, it is around 50 or so on US News.

I was also accepted to School B in City B, which is about 5-6 hours from City A. From what I have seen, School B has a more "well known" department and is higher in the "rankings" (around 20ish).

I think I prefer City A over City B, but also prefer School B over School A....

Anyone else feeling the same way?

Personally I don't put much stock in the overall US News Rankings (which I'm assuming you're talking about); for example BC is around 50 in the overall but that's probably because they are focused mostly on Organic. I also wouldn't base my decision solely on location though, but it would play a factor in my decision. Good luck deciding.

[Shiryatsya]

Got admitted to: UT Austin, UNC, TAMU, Purdue, OSU, and Duke

Rejected: MIT

Visited all but Purdue

Having troubles deciding between Duke and Ohio State :-/

[so47]

So I am in a bit of a conundrum here. I'm hoping that others are in the same situation as me so I may be able to see this problem in a new light. I call City A my home. Lots of friends will be there after graduation and all of my family is there. The school I was accepted to in City A (School A), though, is definitely not a "top notch" school. While I don't like the "rankings" all that much, it is around 50 or so on US News.

I was also accepted to School B in City B, which is about 5-6 hours from City A. From what I have seen, School B has a more "well known" department and is higher in the "rankings" (around 20ish).

I think I prefer City A over City B, but also prefer School B over School A....

Anyone else feeling the same way?

Forget about rankings for a second. This school has research that you are more interested in, and which school did you feel a better fit with? I personally went for "fit" even over better research, because it was important to me to go somewhere I felt like I belonged, got along with the people, and just overall could be happy for the next five years. If you think that you will be happier in City A at School A, and you liked the people and department, than go for it. Having a support system of friends and family could help to save your sanity. And a 50ish ranked school is still good, top 20 sounds better, but there are plenty of programs that aren't even ranked, let alone in the top 50. So if you liked School B and could be happy with your school and home life there, go for it!

[Shiryatsya]

Not that anyone cares lol but I decided on Ohio State. Going there for one professor, this can end really well:-P. Guess I'll see Chemdoc and Crazychemist in Columbus.

[Ziegler1988]

Decided on Boston University since it is the strongest in the area that I'm most interested in (natural products total synthesis).

[cluelessgrad]

Decided on Boston University since it is the strongest in the area that I'm most interested in (natural products total synthesis).

I am surprised that you decided on Boston University. I am interested in the same field and i had offers from both boston univ and boston college but i decided on BC as I think it has got a stronger department.

[Ziegler1988]

I am surprised that you decided on Boston University. I am interested in the same field and i had offers from both boston univ and boston college but i decided on BC as I think it has got a stronger department.

In natural products total synthesis? Overall in synthetic organic BC is probably stronger since they have more professors but the only group that does a good amount of total synthesis is Snapper's group. I just wasn't really interested in making my own transition metal catalysts which seemed to be the major thrust there.

[cluelessgrad]

In natural products total synthesis? Overall in synthetic organic BC is probably stronger since they have more professors but the only group that does a good amount of total synthesis is Snapper's group. I just wasn't really interested in making my own transition metal catalysts which seemed to be the major thrust there.

Ah!! u r interested in pure natural product synthesis.........ok I am sorry I misunderstood, then I guess Boston Univ is the best choice

[ChemHopeful]

i was deciding between organic synthesis and pchem, and between ucla, ucsd and northwestern. i ultimately went with pchem and NU. it was a tough choice. there was a lot to like about ucla and ucsd

[chandramoulipalit]

Decided on Texas A&M for organometallic chemistry

sent rejection to CU boulder today! hope someone out there gets a call from them

[srg35]

Made the decision to go to UPitt over UNC-CH, for synthetic organic.

Good luck everyone!

[jags]

Well, I have accepted the UIUC offer. I am really excited about that.

Interested in Organic.