UCSD Biology vs Northwestern Neuroscience

[pxa]

Hi everyone!

 

I am an international student and I am struggling to choose between two PhD programs: UCSD Biological Sciences and Northwestern Interdepartmental Neuroscience (NUIN). I am mostly interested in developmental neuroscience, so I would follow the neurobiology track at UCSD (I was rejected at their neuroscience program).

 

At first, I was sure I was going to UCSD, because of great possible PIs and, hey, it's San Diego. But now, I'm more inclined towards Northwestern, because they really seem to care more about their students training and they are making every effort to bring me to their program.

 

Some info about me:

- Getting an excellent training that will prepare me for an academic career is my priority, but since we're talking about the next 5-6 years of my life, I would also like to live in a nice place. 

- I did 1 year of research at Case Western, so I had a taste of the Midwest. I never lived in the west coast. 

- I don't hate winter, but I'm happier when the weather is nice. 

- I'm an outdoors person, so visiting national parks will be my #1 free time activity in the US.

- The Chicago campus of Northwestern does not please me, although the Evanston campus is nice. Unfortunately, the PIs I liked work in Chicago.

 

So, weather-wise and location-wise, I would prefer UCSD. But it seems that academic-wise, Northwestern would be a better fit. What do you guys think?

 

All advice is highly appreciated!

[gracedavis91]

UCSD is in a spectacular location. San Diego is a wonderful place to live- incredible weather, vibrant city, and so much to do... if you have never been to California, I can tell you first hand it is one of the most beautiful states with unparalleled diversity (need I mention Yosemite or Sequoia National parks, the Mojave Desert, the Sierras...). It's a great school, too. Go to the place where you believe you will be most supported by the people you work with and where you will thrive in and out of the university

[Kimberlayon]

It seems that the environment in Chicago might be bothering you a little. In this case, PLEASE strongly consider UCSD. My undergraduate school was in an environment I thought I might not like, and I didn't.

 

5-6 years is a long time to be somewhere you don't want to be.

 

I'm actually from San Diego, and am going to UCSD for my PhD this fall. Some of my friends have gone/are at UCSD, and they like it a lot. La Jolla is a very beautiful and safe city. The only downside is that UCSD is not a party school (but honestly, how is this a downside lol...).

 

Nice things about UCSD/California:

- University is literally on the beach.

- Driving distance to many national parks (the ones gracedavis91 said, grand canyon, and more).

- Great weather.

- Extremeley strong reputation in Biological fields.

- Will meet a wide variety of different kinds of people in California.

- Besides national parks, California has TONS of entertainment/places to travel (amusement parks, museums, LA, SF)

 

I really believe being happy outside of school positively affects your abilitiy to learn and to work. Since the issue obviously isn't program reputation, I'd say go for UCSD!

 

 

 

 

[pxa]

Thank you for the feedback! 

 

Yes, I completely agree that my off-campus experience would be better in San Diego. However, I'll spend most of my time actually working, so the work environment has to be good. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I had the feeling that professors are more friendly and more caring in Northwestern. Also, some professors from Northwestern have pointed out that Northwestern has a stronger neuroscience community than UCSD. I really don't know if that's true, so any thoughts on this is also appreciated!

[Kimberlayon]

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I had the feeling that professors are more friendly and more caring in Northwestern.

Not true at all, there are a lot of very kind people in the neuro field at UCSD. Many of them are very passionate about their field and thus are very excited to have students who are too. You will have a lot more opportunities at UCSD because it is revolutionary school for neuro.

 

 

Also, some professors from Northwestern have pointed out that Northwestern has a stronger neuroscience community than UCSD. I really don't know if that's true, so any thoughts on this is also appreciated!

Absolutely not true, and I find it odd (and perhaps manipulative of them) to claim so. You would have a better idea than me on why they claim this, but UCSD is THE neuroscience center of America. Many outstanding advances have been done at UCSD, and you will find their resources (faculty, labs, etc) to be very valuable.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilayanur_S._Ramachandran

I've had the pleasure to actually meet Dr. Ramachandran (his students call him "Rama" lol) He is a very brilliant and cool guy.

 

UCSD definitely has a huge edge in reputation and community.

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/neurosciences-rankings

 

Honestly, I think they could just be trying to convince you to go to Northwestern (especially if they know you're considering UCSD).

 

UCSD has a clear advantage in reputation and community (despite what those professors claim). So the only thing left is the work environment. I've never heard anything bad about UCSD in this regard, and based on my experiences so far, I can conclude for myself that the faculty there is very accepting and enthusiastic about people joining their program.

 

The best way to verify what I've said is to visit for yourself.