UPenn vs Yale for Molecular Biology PhD?

[olliesam]

So I'm really struggling to make this decision and both are great options. I'm interested in pursuing some kind of cancer research and also have an interest in RNA biology. Penn is well connected in terms of cancer research, but Yale is extremely well-known for RNA biology, making this a difficult choice. I'm also struggling with factoring in student happiness level and work/life balance. When I interviewed at Penn the students seemed genuinely happy and like they had time to do things outside of lab. When I interviewed at Yale, the students seemed relatively happy but I've heard some discomforting things about PIs working their students really hard and students not having time for a social life. I'm drawn to the prestige of Yale to some degree as well and don't know how much this should factor into my decision.

I'm really conflicted! Which school is better for my research interests? And should I pay more attention to prestige or student happiness level when making my decision? Help!

[geneticsnerd333]

Edited March 16, 2017 by geneticsnerd333