Rutgers v. PSU v. Wisconsin

[mathmann]

Hi folks.

I was hoping that someone could lend some advice. I am currently applying to a PhD program in Math, and having gotten back my replies, it's decision time. Here are the offers:

PSU

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I attended Penn State last fall for a special program. I apparently impressed them, because they have given me a good offer. $29,000 funding for first year, with $20,000 for subsequent years (contingent on me attending for the summer). Teaching duties would begin 2nd year, with a reduced teaching load then (only 3 credit hours instead of 9). Furthermore, I would be teaching real courses. Finally, I would be in a position to begin working with Dr Anatole Katok (a highly respected Dynamicist, referred to by some as one of the 'godfathers of dynamics') fairly soon, once I handle my quals. PSU is in State College, which has practically nothing nearby, and lots of countryside. Their math building was recently renovated 4 years ago and is gorgeous.

Rutgers

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Rutgers has offered me a stipend of $29,000 for the first two years and approximately $26,000 for subsequent years. Teaching duties would begin my third year, and I would only have the opportunity to TA for courses. There are highly respected people in the fields that interest me there, and I would likely find an advisor. Rutgers is in New Brunswick, an hour train ride from Philadelphia or New York City. The math building appears to be old.

Wisconsin

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Wisconsin has offered me $18,000 for my first year and $16,000 for subsequent years. Teaching duties would begin immediately. I get the feeling that Wisconsin has a slightly better program academically than PSU or Rutgers, but I also think that it is only slightly. Wisconsin is at Madison, near Milwaukee and Chicago. I have not visited Wisconsin, because I was recently taken off their wait-list.

Here are some other factors to consider:

-> I am getting married this summer, and opportunities for my fiancee in the area is a factor

-> That being said, we are both somewhat outdoorsy people

-> I have family at PSU that could be potentially bothersome (on the other hand, they could also be potentially helpful)

-> The cost of living at PSU and Wisconsin is significantly less than that at Rutgers

-> My father is NOT a fan of me attending PSU

What in general, are good criteria for making a decision, and how have the rest of you settled decisions?

[fadeindreams]

Ignore your father and attend PSU. Done.

[origin415]

How does your research interest align with the other departments? While having such a big name in your field at PSU is a huge plus, you shouldn't go based on one person, I think. Katok's website lists 6.5 students under him, so it may be difficult to get him as an advisor, and if you do get him, you won't get as much attention as you may want.

Opportunities for your fiance will also be an issue at PSU unless she plans on working for the university in some capacity, as I understand there isn't much else in the area (there is a list of the biggest employers on the wikipedia page for State College which might help deciding).

If not PSU then Wisconsin, I'd say. If you are outdoorsy people then you aren't going to be happy living neck deep in the suburbs, and Madison is a big enough town that you shouldn't have too big a job problem. Wisconsin is also ranked above the other two, though I know nothing about it in dynamics specifically.

[tomatoes]

I can only speak for RU where I am completing my undergrad studies in math. I think there may be more opportunities for your fiancee if you attend RU as it is closer to more urban areas. Although RU may not be the best choice if the outdoors is a major factor for you.

Something you may want to consider is that there are many other good schools near RU which means there are probably many different seminars given in the region and more interaction among the faculty with other schools.

I think it really depends on what field you want to specialize in if you have a general idea and any faculty members you want to work with. I feel that RU is very strong in discrete math and lie algebras.

But, RU is a pretty ugly looking campus and the region is not as friendly towards college students compared to many other places.

You may want to ask the faculty at your school for their opinions on faculty they may know at any of the three schools you are considering.

Don't hesitate if you have any more questions about RU.

[mathmann]

Katok's website lists 6.5 students under him, so it may be difficult to get him as an advisor, and if you do get him, you won't get as much attention as you may want.

Just FYI, the financial offer at PSU is contingent on me working under Katok's advisement. He as already expressed a desire as taking me on as a student, as I took a course from him last fall in the program I attended.

Thanks for the advice, all!

Something you may want to consider is that there are many other good schools near RU which means there are probably many different seminars given in the region and more interaction among the faculty with other schools.

I think it really depends on what field you want to specialize in if you have a general idea and any faculty members you want to work with. I feel that RU is very strong in discrete math and lie algebras.

I am aware of this, and the proximity to Princeton is a large draw. I applied to Rutgers because of the breadth of research areas, and the ability to find someone in almost all fields (in addition to a departmental rec at FSU), I am actually not at all interested in discrete math and have very little knowledge of lie algebras (but could, in theory, develop into that field). I am actually interested in geometry and topology, and Rutgers, PSU and Wisconsin all have very good programs in this area.