Nicest Prof in the World vs Super Bling Funding

[blacksquid]

I am struggling with two very good, but very different options...

Option A - This Prof is the closest thing to perfect a grad student could hope for in a mentor. He reminds me of rootbeer, kittens, sparkly unicorns, and eagle scouts. I met this prof in person nearly a year ago, instantly felt very comfortable to talking to him (we exchanged research ideas/personal stories/questions about lab style for five hours...). I interviewed at the school recently and also met the Profs family, kids, etc... (in a way he cares for his students like they an extension of his family) and one of the perks of the weekend was going out to the forest hiking and looking at plants, bugs, birds, snakes, etc.. like an old school naturalist. He is tenured and has a relaxed mannerism of finding the magical balance between career and personal life. This fellow was described to me as being "two standard deviations from the norm in terms of niceness" and the best mentor a grad student could ask for. Whenever I mention his name people (scientific peers, grad students, etc...) folks automatically comment that he is incredibly nice (even at the other schools trying to recruit me!). One of his grad students even cried while defending her dissertation because she was so sad to finish such a wonderful project and to no longer have him as an advisor. Another former grad student described the outcome of the PhD experience as leaving him as a better, happier, more well adjusted person. On "Rate My Professor" he got a score of 5 and was voted as being hot!

The Prof's niceness is not to be confused with easiness... all of his students have a history of publishing early, doing amazing research, acquiring super prestigious grants, and he is regarded as the most challenging prof in the department and has published with some of the top names in the field of research. Via his connections I would most likely end up doing research at a site that is the absolute epicenter of research in my field of study (but the trade off is that anything "new" is not easy to come by, the place is very competitive, and I would have to deal with a bunch of politics and social hierarchies)...

The main negatives have nothing to do with him...but the city where he is located scares me (it is the epitome of everything I dislike); the department is so so; the school is underfunded, falling apart, and facing economic crisis. The school itself is not the best (but not bad either) top 100 and offers a fairly good stipend. I am also feeling mixed about the fact he is not likely to ever go into the field with me to help with research in far away difficult to work in places (but he does provide remote guidance from afar, plus contacts around the globe). The other feeling of doom (intense enough to cause near emotional breakdown) is the sense that my partner of 11 years would leave me because he would be miserable and face unemployed limbo the city where the university is located...

Option B - Amazing Prof with amazing funding. She reminds me of espresso, a wonderwoman-miss piggy-xena mix, the colors red and black, and art deco intensity of geometric line form. The Prof does amazing research in an amazing corner of the globe, utilizes the most cutting edge technology, and is the closest match to my academic interests possible. She was described to me as being very active in her field of research, a very hard workers, and is said to out pace folks half her age treking across some of earths most challenging terrain. Some folks regard her as intimidating because of her intense intellect and rather direct no-nonsense way of being (not in a malicious way, there's just no sugar coating involved). Essentially she is tough as nails to not only survive, but to also excel, in a very male dominated field of study and in a far away location that is not for every one. She is untentured and fairly new in her career.

I get along with her just fine (but she can't compare to Prof A in terms of niceness) and we were able to talk freely after a bit of trial and error newness. I imagine we would have a very professional style of interacting that I have not doubt would be difficult or painful at times - but highly productive and would leave me as a better researcher in the end. I can't really imagine talking with her about very personal things or receiving much emotional warm fuzziness. I would most likely end up doing research in wild frontier land far far with great potential for discovering things that are "new" (but the trade off would be extended periods of solitude, higher cost to get there, lack of resources at the site). The school is ever so slightly more prestigious than the other university I am considering, but has a stronger department and a higher number of profs with complimentary areas of study, and is in a town that is not great but is livable in terms of cost, basics of my needs, etc...plus there is a very slight chance my partner might (no guarantees) agree to follow me to this location.

The big draw here is a very competitive recruitment package that essentially matches the funds that I am bringing to the table (I acquired a rather prestigious secondary source of funding). The financial combo all works out to a $30,000 a year stipend for five years, tuition waiver, TA position for two years/full time research for three, health insurance, plus an extra $32,000 in research funds for my own use....

Any idea which would be better to go with? Prof A that is the best mentor a person could ask for... or Prof B who is amazing and with more funding?

[eco_env]

Take Prof B and tell me who Prof A is so I can go with him.

[Bukharan]

Option B - absolutely!!!

Professor A sounds awesome to me... BUT Offer B sounds like a freaking DREAM offer overall!

[theotherlily]

Offer B. If you're going mainly because of one prof, it's too much pressure on that person. It sounds like the rest of the situation sucks- one person should never be the only thing that makes you happy about a situation. Take the money, and maintain a really good relationship with supernice prof. You'll end up colleagues!

[Bonkers]

Prof B! PROF B! PROF B!

[chaospaladin]

I am struggling with two very good, but very different options...

Option A - This Prof is the closest thing to perfect a grad student could hope for in a mentor. He reminds me of rootbeer, kittens, sparkly unicorns, and eagle scouts. I met this prof in person nearly a year ago, instantly felt very comfortable to talking to him (we exchanged research ideas/personal stories/questions about lab style for five hours...). I interviewed at the school recently and also met the Profs family, kids, etc... (in a way he cares for his students like they an extension of his family) and one of the perks of the weekend was going out to the forest hiking and looking at plants, bugs, birds, snakes, etc.. like an old school naturalist. He is tenured and has a relaxed mannerism of finding the magical balance between career and personal life. This fellow was described to me as being "two standard deviations from the norm in terms of niceness" and the best mentor a grad student could ask for. Whenever I mention his name people (scientific peers, grad students, etc...) folks automatically comment that he is incredibly nice (even at the other schools trying to recruit me!). One of his grad students even cried while defending her dissertation because she was so sad to finish such a wonderful project and to no longer have him as an advisor. Another former grad student described the outcome of the PhD experience as leaving him as a better, happier, more well adjusted person. On "Rate My Professor" he got a score of 5 and was voted as being hot!

The Prof's niceness is not to be confused with easiness... all of his students have a history of publishing early, doing amazing research, acquiring super prestigious grants, and he is regarded as the most challenging prof in the department and has published with some of the top names in the field of research. Via his connections I would most likely end up doing research at a site that is the absolute epicenter of research in my field of study (but the trade off is that anything "new" is not easy to come by, the place is very competitive, and I would have to deal with a bunch of politics and social hierarchies)...

The main negatives have nothing to do with him...but the city where he is located scares me (it is the epitome of everything I dislike); the department is so so; the school is underfunded, falling apart, and facing economic crisis. The school itself is not the best (but not bad either) top 100 and offers a fairly good stipend. I am also feeling mixed about the fact he is not likely to ever go into the field with me to help with research in far away difficult to work in places (but he does provide remote guidance from afar, plus contacts around the globe). The other feeling of doom (intense enough to cause near emotional breakdown) is the sense that my partner of 11 years would leave me because he would be miserable and face unemployed limbo the city where the university is located...

Option B - Amazing Prof with amazing funding. She reminds me of espresso, a wonderwoman-miss piggy-xena mix, the colors red and black, and art deco intensity of geometric line form. The Prof does amazing research in an amazing corner of the globe, utilizes the most cutting edge technology, and is the closest match to my academic interests possible. She was described to me as being very active in her field of research, a very hard workers, and is said to out pace folks half her age treking across some of earths most challenging terrain. Some folks regard her as intimidating because of her intense intellect and rather direct no-nonsense way of being (not in a malicious way, there's just no sugar coating involved). Essentially she is tough as nails to not only survive, but to also excel, in a very male dominated field of study and in a far away location that is not for every one. She is untentured and fairly new in her career.

I get along with her just fine (but she can't compare to Prof A in terms of niceness) and we were able to talk freely after a bit of trial and error newness. I imagine we would have a very professional style of interacting that I have not doubt would be difficult or painful at times - but highly productive and would leave me as a better researcher in the end. I can't really imagine talking with her about very personal things or receiving much emotional warm fuzziness. I would most likely end up doing research in wild frontier land far far with great potential for discovering things that are "new" (but the trade off would be extended periods of solitude, higher cost to get there, lack of resources at the site). The school is ever so slightly more prestigious than the other university I am considering, but has a stronger department and a higher number of profs with complimentary areas of study, and is in a town that is not great but is livable in terms of cost, basics of my needs, etc...plus there is a very slight chance my partner might (no guarantees) agree to follow me to this location.

The big draw here is a very competitive recruitment package that essentially matches the funds that I am bringing to the table (I acquired a rather prestigious secondary source of funding). The financial combo all works out to a $30,000 a year stipend for five years, tuition waiver, TA position for two years/full time research for three, health insurance, plus an extra $32,000 in research funds for my own use....

Any idea which would be better to go with? Prof A that is the best mentor a person could ask for... or Prof B who is amazing and with more funding?

Are you doing a PhD or a MS? A PhD, right? What are the 2 schools in question?

[slacktivist]

I can't speak to your personal situation, and that may be enough to override any of the academic considerations you have.

School A sounds like an ideal situation to develop as a researcher. If you're coming in with external funding, then School A's resources should be less of a concern. As long as you feel that the total financial package you have from them crosses the minimal threshold you set for your standard of living, then whatever School B is offering is relevant only to the extent that it may allow you the financial flexibility to pursue further professional opportunities. On the other hand, if School B is offering you substantially more time spent in fellowship, that may be a decisive factor. Also, since you would be advised by an assistant professor, I'd be wary about the possibility that she may have certain demands on her time that a tenured professor would not.

[Langoustine]

WOW! Are you my other twin? Your descriptions of the professors were PRECIOUSSSSSSS! But seriously, not a bad predicament to be in my friend - from what I see I will echo everyone here and say Option B.

It sounds like both situations are great for anyone but B gives you more exciting NEW opportunities in the field and has you in a more stable financial situation so....yeah. Plus the advisor sounds really exciting! You'll be grieving no matter what decision you make but once you do make it...go full steam ahead you shiny gilded Pegasus you!

[singlecell]

I tend to gravitate toward those "B" type mentors. They have made me stronger and better in the end.

Now for the cliches: You can't go wrong either way. And, go with your gut.

[qbtacoma]

Are you doing a PhD or a MS? A PhD, right? What are the 2 schools in question?

Chaospaladin, I've seen you ask a number of people for the names of their schools, and there's a reason people try to more or less keep things anonymous. If they don't share the schools, that's fine, and it doesn't necessarily help us answer a poster's question to know what the schools are.

Edited March 26, 2011 by qbtacoma

[blacksquid]

WOW! Are you my other twin? Your descriptions of the professors were PRECIOUSSSSSSS! But seriously, not a bad predicament to be in my friend - from what I see I will echo everyone here and say Option B.

It sounds like both situations are great for anyone but B gives you more exciting NEW opportunities in the field and has you in a more stable financial situation so....yeah. Plus the advisor sounds really exciting! You'll be grieving no matter what decision you make but once you do make it...go full steam ahead you shiny gilded Pegasus you!

Hmmm...Well Langoustine we both study enviro sci/ecology, like salami, and enjoy obscure forms of prose. But If we are twins what is the plural of a shiny gilded Pegasus?

[blacksquid]

I am very very thankful to be in such a positive dilemma. Finding a suitable grad school match has been incredibly difficult thus far (this is my second year trying). All together I have had a total of ten rejections, six of which occurred after interviews (ouch). I am struggling with the professional side of the decision (financial pros and cons, research style, department strength), the personal (will my partner leave me), and I am absolutely dreading sending a rejection letter to one of these amazing profs. It is hard to explain, but I feel like they are both very dear to me, they have both been so open and accepting of me and all of my strengths and weaknesses. I have gone through a rather long application process and I just have this sense of guilt with disappointing one of them (even if this is inevitable)...

Has anyone else struggled with really liking two profs (for very different reasons) and felt torn having to choose between them?

Edited March 27, 2011 by blacksquid

[kaykaykay]

Going with an untenured prof is always risky (she can move up or down or simply away), and prof A sounds like a dream.Of course having only one prof of ineterst is a different type of risk (if nothing else you have to build a committee)

If there is not much difference in ranking and money I will choose prof A. Then again the partner and location situation is tricky and you have to find your own cost-benefit evaluation on that. hmm.... I guess... I see why you asked the question

[blacksquid]

Thanks for the feedback on this...

I am slowly leaning towards Prof B, but it really breaks my heart to think of rejecting Prof A. Folks here seem to opt for B, my family votes for B, my best friend votes for B, but I still struggle to actually send the letter saying that is my choice. I feel sick to my stomach having to decide.

I realize that both profs have probably been through the decision process many times before (rejecting, being rejected) because it is all a part of the grad school application dance, but I find myself wondering what their perspective is on this process and if they ever feel especially connected to some prospective students more than others .I am guessing the decision process is less difficult for them, mainly because this subject is barely mentioned on similar bulletin board sites frequented by faculty (like the Chronicles of Higher Education).

Any other opinions or insights on my decision dilemma?

[UnlikelyGrad]

Any other opinions or insights on my decision dilemma?

I ended up with a similar decision and chose Prof B...no regrets here. I should add that many students (grads and undergrads) have told me that Dr. Hand-Waver scares them. And while she did come off as a bit intimidating at first (she is definitely a driven person), she is also one of the nicest, most understanding advisors I could possibly have had.

But yeah, I have to say, I totally cried when I emailed my decision to Prof A's school.

[blacksquid]

But yeah, I have to say, I totally cried when I emailed my decision to Prof A's school.

I am certainly feeling that way right now...

[UnlikelyGrad]

I am certainly feeling that way right now...

(pats on back) There, there...

[Behavioral]

I was pretty much in the same situation... though I ended up going to choice B after having spoken to a myriad of professors at my school for advice.

[Saik]

Just want to add +1 for the title of this post

Edited March 30, 2011 by Saik

[blacksquid]

Well, my decision just got a little easier...I just got the offer letter from Prof A's school...Frankly I think the prof is awesome but I can't stand the attitude of the school. I have experienced a number of very stupid paperwork snafus (disputes over validity of transcripts, misplacing official letters, delays on everything imaginable, etc...), I could handle one or two but the most recent incident that really solidified my decision... the chair of the department actually reduced the original stipend quoted to me (both in writing and orally) in a bait and switch sort of way and now the offer is literally HALF of what Prof B's school is offering! Over the course of five to six years that works out to 40K difference in offers!

Ok, any last objections if I go with Prof B?

Edited April 4, 2011 by blacksquid