Compare: Phd offer from the editor in chief of top journal and member of American Academy of Engineering

[binbinsmuoffer]

The two existing offers are all full Phd RA awards in Electrical Engineering.

1. The tutor is the editor in chief of the top journal in the industry. His articles are numerous, but he is very busy. The school has a USNEWS ranking 60+ and is located in a big city.

2. The tutor is an academician of the American Academy of Engineering. He values engineering practice. His articles are not particularly numerous, but nice. I am generally also his post-blog guide. 20+ doctors within the group. USNEWS ranking 100+, geographical location in a small city.

After I graduated, I want to be faculty, and thank you all.

[juilletmercredi]

Editor of a top journal doesn't mean anything in and of itself...the reason he got to be a top editor is presumably because he is research productive and his work is valued by your field. That's the marker you're looking for.

I'm assuming that getting into the AAE is like getting into the National Academy of Sciences or National Academy of Medicine - big deal - but again, your interest here is not in the designation itself but what it means. Usually, professors get these kinds of honors because they are productive and their output has impact on the field.

So focus on that. What are the reputations of these programs in your field, USNWR notwithstanding? What about the professors? Are they still productive? How are they and their work viewed in the field? Why do doctors in the group matter? (Are you talking about medical doctors, or other PhDs within the research group?) What is their advising style? What do their current students say about how busy they are?