Choosing Statistics PhD between Harvard and Berkeley — would appreciate if anyone has any insight.

[moosetiger]

Hi all,

I was extremely fortunate to be admitted to both schools’ PhD programs this program, and given both of their records, I am having a lot of trouble deciding. Does anyone have any things that one *must* keep in mind? Would really appreciate any crucial insights 😭

Harvard:

- Lots of random matrix theory and biostats, weak at theoretical ML

- Far fewer students, so advisors can put more time

- Boston = ok

Berkeley:

- Strong at theoretical ML, which seems to align with my interests

- Hard to get facetime with certain advisors and, in general, navigate research — so many students

- Simantousely, I have heard that what makes Berkeley truly unique is its “culture of innovation” — there’s just something about it. Can anyone confirm? This is the main point dissauding me from Harvard…