What factors went into your decision?

[the defenestration]

I am currently deciding between two biology PhD programs. Both are good programs and have faculty I would love to work with, and both have good placement rates. School A is really where I see myself now - closer to friends and family, I like the city better, better financial support, and the students seemed very happy and well-supported. I feel like my mind was made up pretty early on, but I'm reluctant to send in the paperwork. I don't dislike School B (it was my top choice when I started applying to grad schools), and I'm trying to make sure there are not factors I'm overlooking. What are some things that some of you felt were important in making a decision?

[TXTiger2012]

It sounds like your mind really is made up, based on the info you've given. I'm in the same place- pretty much picked a program but reluctant to send in paperwork. It may just be nerves over committing to what you think is such a huge decision in your life, and it is a big choice! I say take a deep breath, sign that contract to school A, and look forward to spending the next 5 years at a university that will make you happy

[OldGrad2012]

Well, for me, it was mainly location and also what is more convenient for me. Both of my programs are good too. I do not dislike neither. It was mainly personal taste and situation that made me decide. I know I will be there long so I got to choose a location that will make me more happy. I chose SoCAL over Pullman, WA, but I am still reluctant on my final decision because WSU has more faculties doing cool research too.

[Dea Januari Verina Ismail]

How about funding?

Would you "follow the money" or still choose the most comfortable city?

I've been accepted to AU (SIS) with some credit remissions and to ClarkU with 50% tuition fellowship. At both school I still have to cover the funding shortfall since it's not a full scholarship. At AU, the shortfall is more than Clark, but it's in DC and one of the top school for what I want to study.

What do you think?

[the defenestration]

Thanks, all

I am going ahead with the paperwork to School A (Baylor College of Medicine's Cell and Molecular Biology program if anyone is interested). It's nice to know I am not the only one who's nervous about sending in the paperwork, but I do feel good about the decision.

How about funding?

Would you "follow the money" or still choose the most comfortable city?

I've been accepted to AU (SIS) with some credit remissions and to ClarkU with 50% tuition fellowship. At both school I still have to cover the funding shortfall since it's not a full scholarship. At AU, the shortfall is more than Clark, but it's in DC and one of the top school for what I want to study.

What do you think?

In my case, the program is in a city I like better and will have more funding, but that is an interesting dilemma. I would probably look at what the job placement rate is like for each school - for example, maybe at AU you will have better job prospects and therefore you will be able to pay off your loans more quickly. If you would be looking at similar opportunities from both programs, you may want to consider going to the better-funded school and moving to DC later to work. Prestige and location are always important to consider, especially in terms of job opportunities, but minimizing debt is also very important. Best of luck making your decision!