Choosing phd program : ISU vs U Florida vs MSU

[StatJunior]

Hello,

I am a student who applied for admission this cycle. Fortunately, I have received admission offers from several schools, and I am writing to seek advice as I am having trouble deciding.

Initially, I was inclined towards MSU, considering my strong interest in the field of probability and applied probability. However, recently, I have hesitated in my decision as I feel that pure probability-related research is regarded as rather archaic in modern statistics. Additionally, although I tried not to focus on it too much, I have considered that pursuing my ultimate goal of staying in academia might be more advantageous by attending one of the two higher-ranked schools.

Concerning this,

1. I would appreciate your opinion on whether MSU is indeed strong in the field of probability, and pursuing pure probability research there would be beneficial for future academic career.

2. I would also appreciate your thoughts on whether attending one of the higher-ranked schools would make a difference if my ultimate goal is academic positions.

Once again, thank you for considering my problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Agatha STAT]

MSU is indeed strong in the field of probability, and I also get hesitated between it and ISU. Also, how do you think about Purdue statistics department? I rank it higher for me because their stronger support for students to industry.

[StatJunior]

20 minutes ago, Agatha STAT said:

MSU is indeed strong in the field of probability, and I also get hesitated between it and ISU. Also, how do you think about Purdue statistics department? I rank it higher for me because their stronger support for students to industry.

Honestly, I didn't know much about Purdue. However, I have seen many alumni in my undergrad institution going to Purdue. Also, I think they are underestimated in terms of their ranking. So, If I were you, I would select Purdue.
Also, may I ask then why you are hesitating between MSU and ISU? I think, overall, ISU is better than MSU. Are you also interested in probability stuff?
 

Edited March 25 by StatJunior

[bayessays]

Think about it this way: if you want to study probability because it's only really a research area at MSU, then who will hire you afterwards besides MSU?  Most departments have no interest in hiring people who are not doing statistics research.

Overall, I think Florida is the best department by a pretty wide margin.  I don't think there's a huge difference between ISU and MSU, but they both have a few good professors who have students that get faculty jobs.