Cornell or UMichigan ?(applied mathematics PhD)

[HylinSzd]

Which one is better? The fellowship is almost same. I have already had a supervisor if I attend Cornell. I don't know if it is a big advantage for PhD. After all, UMich is a little more highly ranked.

[Deadmeat]

Without knowing the program, what are you looking for in a University overall? Michigan has a certain appeal for people (myself included) for being a huge campus population where cornell has about 1/2 the amount of student there. Big Ten vs Ivy League. Do you see yourself having a ton of school pride, cheering in the student section of Wolverine games? (I know hard to say without going there). What is the cost of living compared to the fellowship at each, are they both easy to find an apartment at? I would go with Michigan personally, Big Ten schools have a certain social and school spirit appeal you just can't find anywhere else.

[rae303]

Something else you might want to consider is job placements.  What kind of job do you want when you get done?  What are the two schools' placement records for that type of job? 

 

I don't think you should consider any atmosphere besides the atmosphere of the department.  It's where you will be spending 99.9% of your time.  Is there any possibility of visiting?

[zabius]

Having attended Cornell for undergrad (though in a completely different department), I can tell you that the social atmosphere and levels of school spirit are pretty healthy there as well (especially if you like hockey). That said, those are all "extra perks," so to speak. The biggest thing to consider is the academic fit. Which program has research that you find more exciting?

 

I'd also second rae303's comment about visiting... that would probably be the best way to decide which school is right for you. I don't know anything about UMich, but I do know that Cornell is wonderful and that Ithaca in general is very awesome... most of the people who visited while I was there fell in love with it. Take that for what it's worth (I know that I am biased). :-)