UIUC vs Cornell (Experimental Condensed Matter, PhD)

[physicsgrad]

Hi all,

I have been selected in the Physics grad programs at UIUC and Cornell. My field is experimental condensed matter physics. I am having a hard time deciding between the two. UIUC has a big department with lot of potential PI's and is ranked higher, but Cornell is more reputed and has 2 people (big shots) with whom I would like to work with. I have heard the climate is more or less similar. Any help/suggestion will be appreciated!

Thank You!

[alanc]

Nobody can answer these kind of questions for you. You got in so clearly they think you're qualified and it won't matter to the future where you choose as long as you are successful. Are the financial offers similar after considering cost of living? Have you visited? They are very different places. Would you rather live in a city or out in the woods? What about snow? Ithaca gets three times the snow per year. What is your particular interest? Is there anyone who actually does something you find interesting? Experimental condensed matter can be a lot of different things. What are their exam policies and course policies and offerings? I would go to Cornell in a heartbeat if I had to choose but the next person who answers will probably say the opposite.