UNC vs U of Florida Statistics

[mtey]

Hi all. I am having a big dilemma about where to continue my education. I am accepted at both UNC and U of Florida for their PhD programs in statistics. I have an exceptional financial aid package from the U of Florida, but it's an exploding offer and I have to make a decision shortly. I know that both universities are pretty good in the area of statistics, but as I browse through the professor's interests I think that UNC is a better fit for me. Also UNC's location is better, I believe. On the other hand the attention that I'll get in the U of Florida will maybe compensate for those factors.

Any thoughts about my dilemma will be appreciated.

Thanks,

mtey

[Pierre]

Hi all. I am having a big dilemma about where to continue my education. I am accepted at both UNC and U of Florida for their PhD programs in statistics. I have an exceptional financial aid package from the U of Florida, but it's an exploding offer and I have to make a decision shortly. I know that both universities are pretty good in the area of statistics, but as I browse through the professor's interests I think that UNC is a better fit for me. Also UNC's location is better, I believe. On the other hand the attention that I'll get in the U of Florida will maybe compensate for those factors.

Any thoughts about my dilemma will be appreciated.

Thanks,

mtey

Do you have any idea on what particular subjects/topics you want to study? My impression is that UNC is a better place if you want to focus on probability theory and possibly mathematical statistics - I might be wrong though.

[origin415]

As long as UNC's stipend is enough to live off of, better fit and better location would swing my favor in that direction. Personally, I would be much happier with those two than a bit more money (I actually turned down a school which was offering me more). Also, looking at the NRC statistics rankings, UNC is 9, Florida is 41. Rankings are not everything, but that seems like a big gap to me.

I would think an offer like that would go against the CGS resolution, anyway, so I would ask for an extension.

"Students are under no obligation to respond to offers of financial support prior to April 15; earlier deadlines for acceptance of such offers violate the intent of this Resolution."

Edited March 18, 2010 by origin415

[rooster34]

Here's my $0.02.

If the UNC stipend is enough and you think it is a better fit, go there. Chasing the $ will usually not make you happy. A good fit will.

As for the rankings, bear in mind that the NRC rankings are now 17 years old. Both of the programs are in the top ten of the latest US News & World Report rankings. (Here's the 2008 ratings. The 2009 are only available online via subscription. http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-mathematics-programs/statistics)

Finally, you should take a moment to familiarize yourself with the CGS resolution. It may help you deal with the UF offer.

Congrats on the multiple offers and good luck!

[mtey]

Thanks for your replies guys. I definitely share your opinions, but still it's a tough decision. I know about the CGS Resolution but unfortunately I am not in a position to negotiate the offer. Good luck with your applications!

[peterm]

Interesting position that you're in. Be glad though to have a decision like this one to make. Are you willing to tell us what the exceptional financial aid package is like? No TA-duties? Huge sums of money?At least the weather is Florida is a lot nicer if that's something you care about!