UC Davis versus CUNY/NYCEP

[gracedavis91]

Hi all,

 

I've recently been accepted to a few schools for PhD programs in Biological/Physical Anthropology. As of now, I've narrowed it down to either UC Davis or City University of New York at the New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP). I'm going to study primate behavioral ecology. These two places both have offered me excellent funding packages, making my decision that much more difficult. Furthermore, the cities of Davis and NYC could not be more different! Here are some thoughts: 

 

Davis

-I would be the first PhD student of a new faculty member, who I really love, but has less experience. Her field sites are in Panama and Kenya. She is very ambitious and driven and seems to have great vision for what she wants her lab to be about

-Davis is a small town that is quite isolated

-Davis has excellent Animal Behavior and Ecology programs that I can draw from for my research

-It seems like I would have more freedom at Davis to do what I want

-Davis is closer to my family

 

CUNY/NYCEP

-I love the NYCEP program, where I will be taking classes at NYU, Columbia, CUNY, and The American Museum of Natural History. I get exposure to faculty across these campuses in a variety of fields all about primates!!!

-NYCEP has a wonderful internship program where you are required to take 3 internships, one at another institution other than your own and one outside of your primary field of study

-There is a lot of commuting involved...

-I would get to teach my own courses (which I would greatly enjoy, although this is a lot of work)

-I would work with a professor who I was a field assistant for last year, so I know her fairly well. She's an excellent scientist and I get along with her quite well, although she's somewhat disorganized. Her field sites are in Africa

-I love the primates I would work with at CUNY (baboons and mountain gorillas, likely)

-I'm a little unsure of what it is like to live in NYC. It's a big decision and a big move. 

 

In the end... both are excellent programs and I am having the hardest time deciding! If any of you have lived in Davis or NYC or know more about these programs any advice is appreciated =)

 

[allysekn]

Just based on what you wrote here, I feel a lot more "passion" come through for you around the NYCEP program. I think moving to NYC is a huge decision--it's a city unlike any other. But if big city turns out to be more appealing to you than small college town, it sounds like you are already leaning towards the latter program.

BUT-- my perception could be off.

Edited February 24, 2014 by allysekn

[deci:belle]

I agree with the previous poster. You sound WAY more passionate about the CUNY program.

 

If I were you, I wouldn't be afraid about moving to NYC. I am bias because I was born and raised here, but I have the experience of moving away to a small town for undergrad, and moving back to NYC and feeling disoriented. Yes, it is big and there is a lot to get used to, but sooo many people have done it, adapted, and THRIVED. So why not you?

 

The only issue you might run into is the high cost of living. Finding an apartment with a low fixed rent, coupled with the monthly unlimited MetroCard for transportation, and the cost of food, might have you in a bind. So I hope CUNY was generous enough to give you a good stipend to live off of. If they didn't, and your not comfortable with taking out loans, the you might benefit from UC Davis.

[NoSleepTilBreuckelen]

I am in a very similar position - I am deciding between AMNH/NYCEP and Stanford Anthro and they are both amazing. I am very excited about the idea of going to either one, and I get super stressed when I realize this means I won't be going the other.

 

In short, I have no advice for you, except maybe spend a few days pretending you've accepted each and see how you feel about each decision. I know that's what I'm going to spend my next couple weeks doing. That and going on some long runs to try and think it all through. Feel free to PM me (or just post more here) if you want to discuss/commiserate...

[gracedavis91]

Also... what about reputation for either school? Anyone know about how CUNY and/or NYCEP is viewed on the east coast?