MSE PhD. UCLA vs University of Maryland, College Park

[asiordia]

Hello,

 

I am having difficulty choosing between the two program UCLA and UMD for Materials Science and Engineering. Below are some of my notes I've accumulated but I cannot decide between them. I am hoping someone has some insight to either program and how to best make this decision. Some background: UC MSE undergrad, long distance relationship(~2 years) with Harvard (Cambridge,MA) PhD candidate(1st year) with whom I would love to marry and start a family with, research background in energy harvesting and storage (~2 years). I know I want to graduate with the best profile/experience to find a stable job to support a family that I want to start a couple years after graduating from either institution. I really need some help here as the decision date is closing in.

 

UCLA

Reasons to go:

1. 21k/year diversity fellowship guaranteed for 5 years
2. UCLA/professor(tenured) name giving flexible options for job prospects after graduation
3. Close to family, just in case in need of support
4. Program quality is ~#11 on the national research council and has a pretty big alumni network.

Reasons not to go

1. I've heard diversity fellowships are not a very prestigious award and may actually be looked down upon by numerous companies.
2. Proximity to my girlfriend is cross country and would be 5-7 hour flight time and more expensive.
3. Research is not the most groundbreaking in the field and is not super exciting. It is something I know I would enjoy learning, but not necessarily enjoy performing often.
4. Transition from a semester to a quarter system seems like it would be very impactful and make adjusting difficult

UMD

Reasons to go:

1. Funding is guaranteed by department/grant from associate professor(can still apply to NSF GRFP since I got good reviews this year and know what I need to fix)
2. UMD is close to DC and has many governmental agreements/connections from both the school and the professor I would work for
3. The research is pretty exciting involving energy storage in textiles and has the potential of starting a small company.
4. Proximity to girlfriend is about 2 hour flight time
5. Close to extended family for help if needed.

Reasons not to go:

1. The name of UMD is nowhere near as recognizable as UCLA, even with the same course teaching and requirements.
2. Job prospects seem limited to the government field which has a limitation in advancement of my career.
3. Associate professor will work me to the ground to publish frequently
4. Program is considered "academically unchallenging" by a few professors I have asked.