Prestige vs. Interest and Location?

[mtnrnr]

I'm down to really trying to figure out where to go (for a Master's first, with the plan of getting a PhD at the same school or elsewhere).  I'm planning on studying the geochemistry of the "critical zone," and I have to decide between working with Suzanne Anderson at the University of Colorado Boulder and Jean Dixon at Montana State.  Suzanne is experienced and well regarded, and CU is ranked highly when it comes to Geology.  I also would likely stay in Boulder for a PhD with Suzanne.  Jean is much younger, but surprisingly well-known, super enthusiastic and will certainly bring up the quality of work coming out of MSU.      I'm more interested in the proposed project(s) Jean has put forth than the ones Suzanne has. I really liked Bozeman and would love to live there.  I got along with both women in person, but maybe slightly better with Jean... I don't suppose anyone can offer last minute advice on what matters more: The school's prestige/reputation or my interest in the proposed research?

[rising_star]

Both matter. Whether the prestige matters more really depends on your post-PhD career plans.

[perpetuavix]

If the research is a better fit AND you like the location better, it sounds like that easily trumps prestige. Your post here sounds like you're much more positive about Montana, honestly.