Decisions about Programs

[focused]

While rank does matter, the second school has great connections because those advisers are well known. IMO, you can't go wrong either way. However, in this situation, I would go with the T25 because the advisers are well known and sound like they've been in the field longer, so they could do wonders for your own research; they will also have connections that will prove beneficial to you later. Of course, it is up to you and what you think is most important.

If you want a job at an R1, I think there is a difference between T10 and T25. I wouldn't discount the likely better connections of the faculty in general in the T10, even if not in your specific subfield. Also, the other students in the program and general quality of training is typically better in the T10 than in the T25.

[ohhello]

@msafiri

I totally understand if you are not interested in working with your cohortmates, but I do not believe that is representative of the departments I have visited. Most of the programs I'm interested in give the same financial package to every admitted student, so the term "collegiality" gets thrown around. Of course, I could miss students who feel no affinity for the people in their program - they are less likely to be seen at these visitation events.