superior_sloth Posted March 18, 2016 Posted March 18, 2016 I got into Phd programs in Materials Chemistry at UIUC and UCSB with additional fellowships. I am interested in renewable energy research and I don't want to pursue career in academia. I am really confused about which school to choose :| I have already visited both schools but I still cannot decide between these two. UCSB was definitely more beautiful than UIUC, but I don't care about location as long as there is a good working environment. In terms of job opportunities and connections, UIUC wins but it is huge. I like the research environment at UCSB but I found it quite small. What would you recommend? (Note: in both schools I would love to work with at least 3 professors)
rising_star Posted March 18, 2016 Posted March 18, 2016 Which professors do you want to work with more? Which professors have better industry connections? Which program has the better track record for placing people where you want to be? Where did you get along best with other grad students? What would the lab requirements be at each place in terms of expectations of the number of hours spent in lab each day/week? What, if any, are the TA requirements in each program? How long are you funded in each program? How does the funding compare to the cost of living? How much would it cost to visit home from each location? These are some of the things I'd consider, were I in your position.
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