More important--Program Reputation or Advisor

[b_bstevie]

So, I'm having trouble deciding what is more important in my decision between schools: the strength of the program or the similarity of the advisor's research to my own interests.

Which is going to influence the course of my career more, the curriculum and program structure or the advisor's influence?

[genotype]

So, I'm having trouble deciding what is more important in my decision between schools: the strength of the program or the similarity of the advisor's research to my own interests.

Which is going to influence the course of my career more, the curriculum and program structure or the advisor's influence?

Based on my experience being in a grad program during a previous life (Ha! - about 10 years ago), I would say that the advisor is by far the most important factor. Think of it this way: If you were working with someone at Top School whose interests were only remotely related to yours, who was a total jerk and didn't provide you with the type of mentoring that you required, would you be happier there than if you were at Good School with an advisor who was a nice guy, knowledgeable, and working on something you really enjoyed? For me, I can't stand the idea of spending 4+ years in a lab with someone who doesn't acknowledge my existence or works on something that I find only marginally interesting.

Of course, the school should be decent -- I wouldn't trade Top School for School Nobody Ever Heard Of -- but the advisor for me would definitely be the deciding factor.

Also, keep in mind that, from what I've heard, only about 60% of PhD students finish. There are multiple reasons for this, I'm sure, but I am guessing that being miserable with one's advisor is on the list someplace.

Edited February 6, 2010 by genotype

[rising_star]

The advisor.

[twocosmicfish]

Generally the advisor, but it depends a bit. If you want to go into academia, and have an admit from a top-top school in your general field, that is hard to pass up - a lot of schools show a preference for hiring "elite" phd's. Likewise, if you know you are going into non-academic, non-research after graduation, then the school may be more important. For example, if you are going into consulting or policy, they want to hear from the Harvard phd, not the Wisconsin phd.

Just remember that in your subfield (eg computational electromagnetics), your advisor is most important. In your general field (eg electrical engineering) your department reputation is most important. Outside your general field (eg everyone else) your school reputation is most important. So think about which group is most going to affect your life and career, and that shows what will be most important to you.