Vanderbilt IGP VS Dartmouth MCB

[troblad]

So, I just heard this morning that I got in to my top choice programs. I am currently at odds on which offer to accept.

 

I am interested in Pharmacology and I heard Vandy is #1 in Pharmacology. Plus. the PI I am most interested in working with (who already invited me to rotate in her lab this summer) is in Vandy. Also, from my visit, Vandy seems to be really amazing, >4.2 papers/student, >50% gets grad fellowships, >50% postdoc placement.'

 

On the other hand, Dartmouth seemed to be a really great place. Not a lot of pharmacology/signal transduction people but I really like the intellectual atmosphere there. Also, I have never lived in a small town before and I've always wanted to try it.

 

Stipend/beneifts wise, both offer the same thing, except that Dartmouth offered me an initial fellowship of $4000 in addition to the stipend, insurance, etc. Vanderbilt offered assistance to relocate and a $1500 sign in bonus. So, it's pretty much the same in that category.

 

Living-wise, Nashville seems to be more affordable and there are a lot more things to do. I love music and am a foodie so considering that and the fact that my "Science HERO" is in Vandy, I am sort of leaning towards Vandy.

 

I would, however, like to know your thoughts on the comparison between the programs, etc! Thanks!

[mrmolecularbiology]

So, I just heard this morning that I got in to my top choice programs. I am currently at odds on which offer to accept.

 

I am interested in Pharmacology and I heard Vandy is #1 in Pharmacology. Plus. the PI I am most interested in working with (who already invited me to rotate in her lab this summer) is in Vandy. Also, from my visit, Vandy seems to be really amazing, >4.2 papers/student, >50% gets grad fellowships, >50% postdoc placement.'

 

On the other hand, Dartmouth seemed to be a really great place. Not a lot of pharmacology/signal transduction people but I really like the intellectual atmosphere there. Also, I have never lived in a small town before and I've always wanted to try it.

 

Stipend/beneifts wise, both offer the same thing, except that Dartmouth offered me an initial fellowship of $4000 in addition to the stipend, insurance, etc. Vanderbilt offered assistance to relocate and a $1500 sign in bonus. So, it's pretty much the same in that category.

 

Living-wise, Nashville seems to be more affordable and there are a lot more things to do. I love music and am a foodie so considering that and the fact that my "Science HERO" is in Vandy, I am sort of leaning towards Vandy.

 

I would, however, like to know your thoughts on the comparison between the programs, etc! Thanks!

Based on your description, looks like your heart is already at Vandy.

One question to consider: If you and the PI your most interested in do not work out are there other PIs you would want to work for? How does this compare too your POIs at Dartmouth?

Edited February 25, 2013 by mrmolecularbiology

[troblad]

hey mrmolecularbiology,

 

assuming this PI and I don't work out, there are a lot of PI's in Vanderbilt who work on signal transduction. I spoke to some of them and most are actively recruiting graduate students. I guess in that case, I would still be able to find another PI in Vandy that I want to work with.

 

I think my heart really is at Vandy right now. What do you think of Dartmouth's MCB program though? Comapred to Vandy's IGP, what do you think of it?

[Huw]

I don't know anything about Dartmouth, but Vanderbilt IGP is as good a choice as you can ask for. Now if you add the fact that Vandy is highly ranked in pharm, and that your dream PI is there, it seems like a no-brainer to me. I would accept that offer in a heartbeat. Not many people get an offer from Vandy, trust me. Plus Nashville is pretty nice too.