M.S. in top 3 vs. PhD in top 30

[EngineerGrad]

Hi guys, so this is what happened to me:

 

Last year before I started applying for grad programs, I thought I wasn't good enough for  a PhD right after my undergrad (which I am completing in may 2014). So I decided to apply to only one PhD program, in the best school of my state. I visited the school and felt in absolute love with the program, faculty, funding opportunities, etc. So I came back home positive that I would attend the PhD program of such institution.

 

However, yesterday, I received an acceptance from a ver top-top school in my field and I was chocked. I applied just so that I could tell myself later that I at least tried. I was accepted for an M.S. at this top school, and now I am really indecisive on where to attend. 

 

Any suggestions? Funded PhD at a top 30 or an M.S. + Research Assistantship at a top 3?

 

My biggest fear is that 2 years doing research + MS at a top 3 would not be enough time to complete the thesis. My possible advisor at the MS institution is amazing and she invited me to work in his lab in the fall, if I decide to go there. My possible PhD advisor at the top 30 institution is also amazing -- he basically invented my field of research 30 years ago, and every respected article about the topic cites him.

 

Ahhhhhhh

[hikaru1221]

I assume that you would choose the top 3 school if you had applied to and were offered PhD admissions instead; otherwise everything is clear. Have you ever discussed the opportunity to join PhD program directly at the top 3 school, or perhaps the possibility of changing MS admissions to PhD one? You seem to be a strong candidate and it may be possible for you to negotiate. The sooner the better - it would be a bit late if their funding decision for the year is done.

 

By the way, if 2 years is the standard duration to finish MS at the school, I see no reason to not feel confident.

 

... and she invited me to work in his lab in the fall...

 

Edited March 3, 2014 by hikaru1221

[juilletmercredi]

If the average time to completion in the program is about 2 years, then 2 years is long enough to do the research plus a thesis.  Your thesis can be based upon the research you do as an RA for someone.  I am in a department that requires a thesis for the 2-year master's and pretty much everyone finishes in just 2 years.

I will say that it really depends on the field, but it appears that you are in engineering (a field with lots of academic and non-academic opportunities for a PhD).  In engineering a top 30 PhD is very good - I mean, it's good in every field - AND you will be working with an amazing adviser who basically invented your field of research.  This is a great example of how ranking isn't everything and your adviser also matters a lot, too.  I'd take the funded PhD program.

[Kleene]

What about funding?

[TheMostPowerfulApplicant]

Is your top 3 MS program at UIUC?