Please help! Northwestern VS Brown, Physics MASTER

[lsqw]

failed in getting admitted to PhD programs this year but got two master admissions; astronomy field

The physics master program in NU requires only one year, which means I have to apply 8 months later. According to the situation this year, I don't think I'll get chances for PhD.

In Brown they require two years, but it seems that the astronomy research at Brown is not as good as that in NU, and I heard that students easily got admitted to their master program.

I still want to apply for PhD in astronomy. Where should I choose then? I have to make my decision this week. Many thanks!!!

[Teaching Faculty Wannabe]

11 hours ago, lsqw said:

failed in getting admitted to PhD programs this year but got two master admissions; astronomy field

The physics master program in NU requires only one year, which means I have to apply 8 months later. According to the situation this year, I don't think I'll get chances for PhD.

In Brown they require two years, but it seems that the astronomy research at Brown is not as good as that in NU, and I heard that students easily got admitted to their master program.

I still want to apply for PhD in astronomy. Where should I choose then? I have to make my decision this week. Many thanks!!!

I think you should consider these things when deciding between the two:

1. Do you think a two year program will be more beneficial than a one year one? Why is the NU program only one year? Maybe that two year one will be better because it gives you more experience for PhD applications.

2. Do you get to do research in your MS programs?

3. Why do you say the research at Brown is not as good? Also, is it so bad that it is easy to get admitted to their Master's program? I mean, if you still like the research and get a good education, I think it would still be good.

4. Do either programs help you financially?

[lsqw]

10 hours ago, IceCream & MatSci said:

I think you should consider these things when deciding between the two:

1. Do you think a two year program will be more beneficial than a one year one? Why is the NU program only one year? Maybe that two year one will be better because it gives you more experience for PhD applications.

2. Do you get to do research in your MS programs?

3. Why do you say the research at Brown is not as good? Also, is it so bad that it is easy to get admitted to their Master's program? I mean, if you still like the research and get a good education, I think it would still be good.

4. Do either programs help you financially?

Thank you for replying!

1. I do agree that a two year program will prepare me more for my application, but only under the same circumstances. I have no idea how other factors may influence my PhD application later.

2. I have contacted professors in both programs and they are both willing to let me do research with their group during my MS.

3. I just refer to the astronomy field, considering the information I have got, maybe not so accurate. In Brown there are 3-4 professors doing research concerning astronomy and in NU there are like, 20. I thought it was an important judgement... I really want to get some new and detailed information, though. 

4. No scholarships, but I guess one/two years are both fine to me, so I didn't consider financial things.

 

Some friends asked me to go to NU because they considered its program more competitive and if I fail in applying for PhD this fall, I can still try next year and gap.

Still confused actually... I really have to make up my mind and analyze carefully. I hope I may find a deciding factor and choose without hesitation.

 

Many thanks for viewing my question and replying!

[Teaching Faculty Wannabe]

16 hours ago, lsqw said:

Thank you for replying!

1. I do agree that a two year program will prepare me more for my application, but only under the same circumstances. I have no idea how other factors may influence my PhD application later.

2. I have contacted professors in both programs and they are both willing to let me do research with their group during my MS.

3. I just refer to the astronomy field, considering the information I have got, maybe not so accurate. In Brown there are 3-4 professors doing research concerning astronomy and in NU there are like, 20. I thought it was an important judgement... I really want to get some new and detailed information, though. 

4. No scholarships, but I guess one/two years are both fine to me, so I didn't consider financial things.

 

Some friends asked me to go to NU because they considered its program more competitive and if I fail in applying for PhD this fall, I can still try next year and gap.

Still confused actually... I really have to make up my mind and analyze carefully. I hope I may find a deciding factor and choose without hesitation.

 

Many thanks for viewing my question and replying!

Well, even though Brown doesn't have as many researchers doesn't mean that the research is worse per se, just that there are less researchers in that area. The good thing about research is that you can easily collaborate with researchers at other universities, so I don't think that should deter you.

I would also consider the classes you have to take for your Master's. Which classes do you like better?

Also, just because a program is more competitive doesn't mean it is better. Both schools are really good. I mean, Brown is an Ivy League. I am not saying to go there because of its prestige, but that doesn't mean you are choosing between an excellent school and a crappy school.

Good luck!