Hard decisions (biology)

[2014applier]

Hi,

 

This is the first time I post here.

 

I am an international student and am feeling hard on making decisions among these following six programs:

 

1) Cal tech biology(interview on 1.30 and accepted)

 

2) UCSF tetrad(interview on 1.31 and accepted)

 

3) UW-seattle MCB(interview on 2.7 and accepted)

 

4) Umich PIBBS(skype interview and accepted)

 

5) Harvard MCO program(interview this week and wait for the result)

 

6) Rockefeller(interview on 2.28)

 

Among these programs, which one is better and worth attending as graduate student?

 

and whether it is still worth attending the interview later at Rockefeller, as I feel a little tired after all these interviews.

 

Looking forward to your advise and Thanks so much!!!

[iphi]

Well what is important to you? I don't know anything about Biology, but I would start thinking about the following things:

 

1. Funding - Do they all guarantee full funding? This can be a real issue for international students especially. Also check to make sure that you can you live on the stipend they give you.

2. Reputation of program - which is ranked higher? Which school has graduates who succeed in careers that match your own interests?

3. Research fit/interests - where can you do exactly what you want to do with your research?

4. Mentors - who will be the best mentor? Who will actually help you learn instead of being a big name whom you never get to see?

5. Time it takes to complete the program - is one three or four years while another is seven? Also look at graduation rates, some programs say it takes 5 years to complete their program, but the average graduation rate is more like 6 or 7.

6. Location and cost of living - do you like one of these cities more than the others? Is one less expensive to live in, will your money go farther? Do you know people who live or go to school there who can be a good connection to keep you happy and not homesick?

Edited February 16, 2014 by iphi

[2014applier]

Thanks so much for your suggestion.

Well what is important to you? I don't know anything about Biology, but I would start thinking about the following things:

 

1. Funding - Do they all guarantee full funding? This can be a real issue for international students especially. Also check to make sure that you can you live on the stipend they give you.

2. Reputation of program - which is ranked higher? Which school has graduates who succeed in careers that match your own interests?

3. Research fit/interests - where can you do exactly what you want to do with your research?

4. Mentors - who will be the best mentor? Who will actually help you learn instead of being a big name whom you never get to see?

5. Time it takes to complete the program - is one three or four years while another is seven? Also look at graduation rates, some programs say it takes 5 years to complete their program, but the average graduation rate is more like 6 or 7.

6. Location and cost of living - do you like one of these cities more than the others? Is one less expensive to live in, will your money go farther? Do you know people who live or go to school there who can be a good connection to keep you happy and not homesick?

[iphi]

You're welcome. Good luck, and congratulations! Those are some great schools you were accepted to!