BU or Rutgers??

[Rutbu]

I am an international student.

Now I got two offers

Phys@BU and Phys@Rutgers

But I do not know how to choose.

I want to study condensed matter experiment and plan to enter the industry after leaving school.

Boston is a big city and the life there would be convenient and safe. Moreover there would be a lot of job opportunities.

But the rank in physics of BU is just 30+

Rutgers has a higher rank in physics of 20+, and especially in condensed matter physics, Rutger is among the top 20.

But New Brunswick is a small city, and someone told me that the security situation there is not good.

So which one should I choose?

[origin415]

There are crime statistics here:

http://www.city-data...sachusetts.html

http://www.city-data...New-Jersey.html

New Brunswick is actually a bit safer (generally smaller towns have less crime, so this isn't surprising).

I don't think BU has the advantage as far as jobs, as Rutgers is situated between New York City and Philadelphia, both of which are bigger than Boston (though I don't know where the most jobs are in condensed matter specifically).

If Rutgers is similar or better in the research you want, I would go for it.

Edited April 6, 2010 by origin415

[mathmann]

Rutgers has a higher rank in physics of 20+, and especially in condensed matter physics, Rutger is among the top 20.

But New Brunswick is a small city, and someone told me that the security situation there is not good.

New Brunswick is not where the physics campus is. It is actually in Piscataway. The townships surrounding New Brunswick are actually nice, so I would not worry about crime too too much. Furthermore, the train system is very good, so if you wanted to be part of a larger city, it would be easy.

I would take Rutgers.

[tomatoes]

I am at Rutgers right now. As far as safety goes, the campus is safe enough such that you don't have to worry about it. The physics department is in Piscataway not New Brunswick but it is pretty safe in both places. You can get to the other campus in a few minutes by the campus bus. If the only other factor you are worried about is safety and RU is the better program, then choose RU.

[haowanr]

I went to Rutgers as an undergrad ('05) and its not a so small! It's really diverse there, too, and in Jersey in general. There's definitely stuff to do in the area. Also, proximity to NY and Philly open up your social scene significantly.

I also am currently living in Boston, one advantage you might have there is being able to use facilities or attend seminars at the schools in the area. Also the job market in Boston is more competitive because of the volume of well educated people.

I would choose Rutgers.

[skiergirl24]

BU all the way. Boston is a great city (I am from there) and BU is a great school. Remember quality of life is important.