I have no idea how to choose a program

[possumvibes]

Hey all, I'm sorry to post this here. This whole grad school thing has produced a lot of anxiety on my end and I feel like I need more input from people in my field.

For starts, I have received several great offers and I only have a few more to hear from. However, barring any fantastic new offers down the road, I think my choice comes down to two schools. I'm going to list them below and what I like/dislike about each option. 

Duke Master of Biostatistics:

First off, they offered me a $20k scholarship for the first year and said I'd be eligible to receive a second $20k scholarship for the second year provided I maintain good academic progress. The wording "eligible" scares me a little, because to me it isn't a guarantee I'll receive such a renewal despite good progress. I think I may be overthinking this, as I'm confident I can do well in the program and obtain this eligibility. The other thing is that I just absolutely love the people I've interacted with in this program so far, and the  curriculum is almost exactly what I want in a biostats program. The location also happens to be where I've wanted to live and work for as long as I've been interested in this field. My family is hardcore advocating that I go here, mainly because of the reputation Duke has as a university. However, I've read on here that name brand doesn't always matter, and I really have no idea how to measure the validity of that sentiment.

Ohio State MS in Public Health with a specialization in Biostatistics:

The biggest seller for me here is that, if nominated and granted a fellowship, I will be able to get my degree here, rent and food included, without accruing any debt. This is a huge deal to me as I am not exactly wealthy. Like at Duke, I really like the people here as well. The only negatives at OSU compared to the other option is that I don't think the curriculum is as much of a fit for me as it is at Duke, and the location/reputation aren't as good either. I'm positive I'd still be happy studying at this school, but I don't know how I would feel working in Ohio after graduation (if that ends up being the case). 

I feel like if I don't get this fellowship at OSU, I can make my choice on my own without much hesitation. However this offer would really, really would be hard to turn down if I got the fellowship.

I apologize if this isn't something that should be posted here, I just feel a little bit desperate for an an external opinion. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[bayessays]

Can you clarify what degree at Ohio State you were admitted to? I don't see any MS in Public Health there. Was this the MPH in biostatistics (which the website says is meant for people getting an MD or PhD) or is it the MS in biostatistics, or something else?

[possumvibes]

@bayessays I apologize, it's the MS in Biostatistics. In the handbook it says something about the degree being a MS in Public Health with a specialization in biostatistics, but I believe they are the same thing at OSU.

[bayessays]

Great - if the degree were an MPH, I would have recommended you go to Duke as you really do want to make sure that you have an MS. But Ohio State has a good statistics program (their stat department, which is where many of your classes will be, is higher ranked than Duke's biostatistics program).  I also looked at the curriculum and their are plenty of opportunities to take classes that will give you a great foundation. For me, the fellowship would make this an easy decision - the degrees will be equally valuable to you, and the benefit of ending school without that debt holding you down will be enormous.  I went to a midwestern university for my MS in biostatistics and plenty of people get jobs on the coasts, so even if Duke might give you a slight advantage with connections out there, I think you still will be fine!

[possumvibes]

@bayessays This is very insightful, thank you so much!

[BioStatKid]

I'm also facing similar issues with Duke, Minnesota, and Michigan. I receive the same scholarship as you with Duke @possumvibes, which put Duke's tuition 3-4k below Minnesota's. Michigan told me they are in active consideration for RA-ship and may waive my tuition if it is granted. It is so difficult to find feedback for Duke's program since most of the posts are like 8-9 years ago when the program is new. I think it's not too new any more, but I still find it hard to look up for placement profiles of the alumni. 

[bayessays]

@BioStatKid just be sure Michigan actually gives you an RA before attending and don't attend based on a promise they will look. I know people who have been under the impression a school will give them funding and then they end up with six figure loans instead. I don't think you can go wrong with those three schools. Go to one of the ones that will be cheaper for you and in a place you will enjoy living.  Duke's program has a much better reputation than it did 8 years ago and is now a reasonably highly ranked school.

[possumvibes]

@BioStatKid If it comes down to two programs that cost about the same, I'd probably choose the one with the curriculum/research you'd want to engage with the most. I got an offer at Minnesota very recently which is great, but I still need to break down the costs before I seriously consider it. One of the things I really like about Duke is the mathematical statistics track in their curriculum. I also second @bayessays point that you should also consider where you'd enjoy living since grad school can be so tough on people's mental health. I don't know about you, but Minnesota may be too cold for me lol. However, if Michigan can guarantee you funding prior to your enrollment decision, I would almost certainly pick that.

[BioStatKid]

From my research, at U Minnesota, u actually can just start straight with the 800 PhD  theory sequence instead of the 500 one. Although Minnesota does not have a separte Mathematical Statistics track, I think that one can take the honor analysis version + the reccomended coursework at Minnesota for PhD prep @possumvibes. Minnesota has long known to be a reputated program in the realm of Biostatistics, and the cost is not too different in relations to Duke's, hence make the decision slightly harder haha. NC does have amazing weather if you do want to take that into consideration. 

Thank you @bayessays for your advice. I will be extra careful with your comment on Michigan since I do want something more certain - not a promise. I'm glad to hear that Duke's program has gained more reputation in recent years. I am currently residing in NC, and I do enjoy the state. Hence, if I do choose Duke, the transition will be easier. Both programs seem to be comparable with Duke seems to put a heavier emphasis on practical/ professional skills.

Edited February 3, 2021 by BioStatKid