Prestige vs. Mentor

[art_to_sci]

My decision finally became difficult, and this is going to be long.

I've been in contact with a professor as school 'X'. It's a good/ average public university, not high ranking in biology (130-ish). I actually met the professor after my interviews - two admissions committee members recommended him to me. He is outside of the bio department (and his department ranks in the 40s) but he can take biology grad students. I went back for a 3 hour meeting (interviewing me, talking about the research, lunch, meeting lab members). Plus multiple emails and a long phone call over the following weeks. Emails have included pre-proposals for NSF grants (the research he's planning that my project would be a part of), updated CV and SOP (his, not mine). I'm excited about the research, methods are sound, protocols are strict and techniques are varied and seem up to date. Mentoring style seems like a good fit, early 'hand holding' but developing independence and separate projects as work continues. The school has not sent out decisions yet (why I'm calling it 'X' instead of by name), but he has told me that I'll be accepted so I'm viewing this as a real option.

I was also accepted to UPenn. I realize I sound crazy for not just jumping for joy and immediately accepting the offer. This is the highest ranking program that I have been admitted to, and the only Ivy I enjoyed visiting. I have started contacting the professors I'm interested in (but didn't interview with) to speak more seriously and make them less of an unknown. I have been getting so wrapped up in the school X potential project and professor that I'm trying to be open to other options again; there is little overlap. My reluctance is also stemming from the fact that I would have to move. I'm older, I didn't take the direct path, and moving involves ending a 10 year relationship. I can't decide based on my boyfriend because I will hate him for it, but it's difficult to take out of the equation.

If I go to UPenn I will be upset and motivated by the fact that I gave up a great potential mentor and my relationship. If I go to 'X' I will be panicked and motivated by the fact that I gave up UPenn. How much would I lose (future opportunities) by going to a less impressive school? Is there any potential to make up for that? Doesn't your PI have a huge impact on success?

[LoveMysterious]

I'm kind of in the same boat. I chose the less-prestigious university because it was a better personal fit for me, and made the most sense logistically for both my husband and myself (I'm older too). It seems like the only reason you'd be upset about not going to UPenn is because its UPenn. IMO, unless you're excited and passionate about the program there, its not worth passing up a choice that seems like a better fit for you (and ending a 10 year relationship...ouch!) solely for the school's reputation.  

[Bioenchilada]

I would personally not go to a school based on one mentor and feel like you have conditioned yourself to like school X more because it won't require sacrificing a lot and stepping out of your comfort zone. However, if you feel that the only regret you'll have by declining an offer from Penn is that it was a top program, then by all means go to school X. As a Penn student, I must say that it is definitely much more than just a top program and you'll be surrounded by a bunch of opportunities here (i.e network) , and a great environment.

You're right in that your PI has a huge impact on success, but you can't ignore the fact that the reputation of your school also has an impact. And, there are a lot of highly-recognized PIs here. Not only this, but you'll also find a lab where you fit in given that there are soooo many to choose from at Penn. 

In the end, this is only my opinion, and I urge you to choose the place that will make you the most happy; however, you should try to not bias yourself to one program just because you found ONE good fit. 

[Infinito]

I personally wouldn't invest myself in one PI, especially if the school isn't a top program. Maybe if the school had other options in case something happened with the PI, then I would consider it. Just imagine if your PI loses funding, decides to retire, move to another university, etc. Would you be okay then? I had planned to rotate with one PI since I got to where I am, but now there is the potential that they will move to another university. Definitely didn't see that coming. Things like that you need to be aware of, even if you think it'd never affect you.

[immuno91]

Sort of jumping off of what @Bioenchilada said, networking is really important and some schools (like UPenn) offer significantly better networking opportunities. Additionally, when you're looking for a job as you begin to wrap up your degree, it's not just your advisor that matters. One of the opportunities at larger, more well known schools (again, such as UPenn) is that not only can you have an advisor that will help get you to the next step, you can also have well known people on your dissertation advisory committee. These are people that will be writing you recommendations as well moving forward, and it definitely helps professionally (or so I'm told by upper year students...) if you have people that can make a phone call for you and have a reasonable expectation that whomever is on the other end will pick up.

That said, obviously there are pros and cons to any institution and any personal situation, and it's up to you to really measure those considerations.