Thoughts on University of Minnesota - Twin Cities? Plus "PhD Pipeline" Report?

[hippityhop123]

I'm strongly considering the University of Minnesota (fully-funded offer, good fit, cool city, excellent resources, e.g. Minnesota Population Center, etc.) 

According to different ranking systems (USWNR, Princeton), they're consistently in the top 20-25 and have a 94% placement record.

I also came across this PhD pipeline report from Cornell:

https://blogs.cornell.edu/facultydevelopment/files/2016/01/Sociology-Pipeline-Report-1jh8i9h.pdf 

Btw, what are "pipeline calculations" exactly? Universities that are given first/priority considerations when hiring new faculty? 

 

Basically, I'm looking for v general  input:

-from anyone who goes here on what they like/dislike about the program

- department prestige (likelihood of securing a faculty position after graduating) 

- Minneapolis as a place to spend the next 5 years 

- anything anyone thinks that can be critical intel in this decision-making process (considering one other school in NYC) 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 23, 2017 by hippityhop123