<p>I am applying for a PhD in biomedical engineering in the following universities - Yale, Georgia Tech, Duke University. Now I have the following info only based on the internet.</p>
<p>Yale - Department is 9 years old. Hence, would have new equipment and research facilities. Ranking on the other hand is 30. Student to teacher ratio is very less, hence better interaction with faculty. I have a very good chance to get into this.</p>
<p>GaTech, Duke - In the top 3 rankings, well established departments. Chances are good but not very good. Gatech has a joint PhD with emory.</p>
<p>I have an engineering background. I am planning to use biomedical engineering to step into further frontiers of biology in the future. So considering all this, which is my best bet ?</p>
<p>I would like some help on how to choose between Yale, Gatech and Duke .</p>
<p>I don’t have direct experience with this but I do know that it is important to seek out the programs that offer the areas of research (within the field) that align with your interests. This will often result in seeking out a specific professor who is doing research in the topic which appeals to you.</p>
<p>Having said that, you have to seriously reflect on what you would like to achieve in Biomed Eng and do research on the institutions that you mention and perhaps others so that you will find a good match. “Rankings” are probably of lesser importance. Yale might have new equipment but perhaps none in the area that interests you.</p>
<p>I’m not directly knowledgeable about the field of BME, but did spend 30 yrs doing research in a biological science. When looking for a grad school, rankings, facilities and student:teacher ratios are much less critical than the strength of the department in your particular field of interest within BME and specific major profs that you want to work with. Often you know who you’re going to study with before being accepted.</p>
<p>With ever increasing specialization, it’s very important to do your PhD in the subfield that you’re interested in perusing once you have your degree, and with a prof who would be a good mentor/advocate.</p>