Higher Overall Ranking vs. How Well Known in Subfield

[Scalia]

I was wondering if anyone had the situation of between choosing between two programs, one of which is a better overall program (e.g. Biology) and one of which is more established in a subfield (e.g. cellular biology).

How did you/would you choose between these options?

[Eudaimonia]

I've been told (by a professor) the subfield is more important, but I'm not sure if that holds for subjects like biology. I do political science and was advised to value subfield ranking strongly above overall ranking.

[Scalia]

What is there aren't any subfield rankings in your area?

Go to the school with more faculty members?

More published POI's?

[rising_star]

You don't have to rely on numerical rankings to know which school is better in your subfield. You should be able to find this out pretty easily by asking your professors. The number of faculty members and publications is not enough information by itself. For example, my department has only two faculty members in my subfield but is also widely known as one of the best in the country based on the strengths of those faculty. There are other faculty in related subfields and they sit on my committee. Really, what you need to know is departmental reputation as related to those subfields, which isn't something you're going to find in a list published online somewhere.