University of Georgia v Temple University

[Ryggy]

Hi all! I am in the fortunate position of choosing between two of my top choices of PhD programs. I honestly feel I cannot go wrong with either program, but am hoping for some outside perspective. As the April 15th deadline approaches, I have been forced to detach myself from my initial glee and now consider the pros and cons of each program. The two programs I am considering are the University of Georgia - PhD in Plant Biology and Temple University - PhD in Biology. I suppose the best way to organize this post is to list factors that ultimately most important to me in descending order and comment on each institution within that subheading.

1) Adviser/Lab/Research Interests

Both Temple and UGA have advisers with research interests that strongly align with my own interest in plant evolutionary ecology/reproductive biology.

The POI at UGA is established. Multiple individuals have graduated and currently hold positions as professors, post-docs, and PhD candidates in other labs. There are no post-docs, but three PhD students are at varying points in their degrees. Many undergraduates. Open to developing my own research system.

The POI at Temple is new, having only been at the institution for no more than two years. I would be the first student in the lab; a post doc was hired last year. Handful of undergraduates. Open to developing my own research system. Potential to collaborate with post-doc researcher at onset of program.

2) Program/Research Facilities

The Plant Biology program at UGA has a very good reputation (top 15-20?) nationally. Larger program/facilities/faculty, 6 green houses (shared), collaboration between other departments (Ecology, Genetics, Agricultural Sciences, etc.), and field sites adjacent to campus. Minimal advanced placement options for those coming in with a Master's.

I am unaware how Temple's program ranks but lower than UGA. Smaller program but has grown rapidly in the last 5 years. Less specialization in plant biology, climate controlled growth room (only access for members of POI lab), strong interdisciplinary focus within department (newly established Center for Computational Genetics and Genomics, Institute for Computational Molecular Science, and Center for Biodiversity), travel to field sites variable. Advanced placement typically grants 9-12 credits based on Master's courses, so incoming students may focus more on research rather than courses.

3) Funding

I am ineligible 2016 GRFP as I am completing a Master's.

UGA - Guaranteed 4 year support through RA/TA. Tuition remission. Health insurance monthly premiums taken from stipend.
Temple - Annual contractual support through RA/TA. I asked specially about this, all graduate students are supported annually. Tuition remission and health insurance remission.

4) Location

UGA would require a move to part of the country I am completely unfamiliar.
Temple is right in my hometown, and would most likely require a move of less than a half hour.

Thanks for any input anyone provides!!
 

Edited March 29, 2016 by Ryggy

[rising_star]

UGA, hands down. The advisor is a good fit and has a great track record, two things which are incredibly important.