Neuroscience Phd decision HELLLLP!

[Neuroneous]

I have been admitted to both PhD programs but can't decide. Please help. The research at UMd is really a good fit but baltimore is horrible and I am a country boy and have two dogs. I love the UVA campus and the funding seems to be a lot better. the labs here are alright, some meet my interests, but not as in depth as baltimore. Also, Baltimore pays $500 less and has a higher cost of living. Paradoxically, UVA ranks #22 for research in the US and Baltimore #34... so basically, my question is... DO I go for the better school on paper (UVA) or the one that meets my interests (Baltimore). OR should I consider my environment as the presiding factor and go to UVA because I can live more comfortably and do great research (although not as good a match as Baltimore). ANY COMMENTS WOULD BE GREAT!

[lil kiwi]

I personally feel that research fit is really important. I guess you need to consider whether UVA will allow you to carry out the research you're interested in, to your full potential. In saying that though, given that you will be living in the area for the next 5+ years, I think it's also important for you to be happy. If Baltimore is horrible, as you put it, then perhaps the tighter budget you'd be on will only make it worse.

I think it would be good to figure out how much of a gap the difference in research is, as well as how much you dislike Baltimore and if you'd be happy living there with a (financially) restricted lifestyle.

Other things you might want to consider are chances for collaboration, research output of potential PIs, and stats about what graduates of each place go on to do afterwards.

[hello! :)]

Ack! I accidentally voted for the wrong school. I meant to vote for Baltimore. My opinion is that you want to pick the school with the best fit for your research interest. And while the environment does matter, I think that the type of people that you will be around might matter more. Do you get along with them well? I know that for myself, I can be happy with my friends no matter where we're at... Too bad I can't take my current friends with me to grad school.