<p>This is my first post here. I would like a little help in gathering what you think regarding these schools. I have been accepted to UCSD and Duke for a PhD in Biomedical/Bio Engineering. Both schools are offering great stipends (Duke 32k/year and UCSD 30k/year), and are ranked in the top by US News and World Science Report. I am wondering which school will inevitably look better and provide me the best opportunities. Duke might have a better name, not sure? As of now I am leaning towards UCSD. </p>
<p>As additional information, UCSD is offering a 2 year fellowship which would allow me to pick a mentor while Duke would (in a round about way) force me to work specifically with someone. My long term goal would be to work in industry for awhile and then maybe become a prof down the road. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>John, is that you?! Were you in HST two summers ago?</p>
<p>Sounds like the decision is a tough one, but it definitely depends on your research interests and how they align with the focus at each school. If you’re still doing imaging, Duke is miles ahead of UCSD in terms of both technology and in clinical opportunities - professors like Joe Izatt, Gregg Trahey, Adam Wax, etc. are all stars in their field. I think that UCSD is better known for their biomaterials and tissue engineering.</p>
<p>San Diego has a great weather all year round, various first rate ethnic food, a big scene for mid20s, (seemingly) diverse population, and the engineering program at UCSD (esp. bioE) is very well known. It’s “San Diego” or better yet - La Jolla, CA! </p>
<p>For some people, having the opportunity to explore different labs and therefore having a back-up plan would be enough to tip the scale. But to me, personality-location match is a big deal because I know I won’t be able to perform at my maximum potential without having a decent life outside of research. On the other hand, it’s not difficult to find an interesting topic to study at these top research universities unless your mind is already set only on a specific thing and you absolutely hate other types of research. After all, PhD is only a prep for post-doc/job. At the end, you will work on your specific interest as a professor or a research leader in your own company. </p>
<p>GL on your decision. I assume April 15th deadline does not apply to you?</p>
<p>ps: SD is surrounded by a good number of biotech companies</p>
<p>Fenguin - Hows it going Chuck? What a small world! Where are you at these days? Regarding your post, I totally agree with you. Duke has some amazing faculty doing biomed imaging. However, as I mentioned earlier, I would be forced to work with one specific person and I am not thrilled with his projects. Nonetheless, there is always the possibility of collaborating with others.</p>
<p>targetwalmart - I think you said it best. To really enjoying your surrounding weighs heavily into how well you will perform. If you have a nice place to unwind after working endlessly in the lab, it will make the difference (and SD is an amazing place to be). I also liked your point about biotech companies. I have thought a lot about that the past couple of weeks, and even doing an internship or collaboration with one would help down the road. FYI - the decisions are due today</p>
<p>johnny, could you elaborate more about “UCSD allows you to pick a mentor and Duke forces you to work with someone”?</p>
<p>to my understanding all PhD programs require you to work with someone after the first year. (first year is when you get to know diff profs and listen to their presentations then make your top 3 favorites)</p>
<p>In short, if I attend UCSD I am given a full year fellowship to do exactly as you mentioned … get to know diff profs and listen to their presentations then pick my top 3 favorites. However, Duke will require me to begin research immediately (i.e. even before classes start) and work specifically with one advisor. Although I would technically have a 6 month fellowship at Duke, I have been hand picked by a specific advisor and am forced to work with him. I could always switch advisors, however this would look incredibly bad and he is the head of the institute.</p>
<p>ohh I see what you mean now… yea if that’s the case it’s indeed awkward at Duke, but I’ve seen this happened before, students come to the program already with professor assigned… I guess the key factor for you now is if you like that institute head’s research projects.</p>
<p>PS: even you are hand picked by him, I don’t think he will **make **you to work in lab that early. But he may suggest you to take specific courses to get you more ready for his/her lab.</p>
<p>either way, both are great schools, let us know your decision and reasons afterwards!</p>
<p>If I end up picking Duke work begins in June :(. However, I plan on diving into research at either university. The problem is I am not that enthusiastic about my potential advisors research at Duke.</p>
<p>Sounds like you’re definitely leaning towards UCSD, which I think is a better fit for you anyways. Come to California, we can hang out next year!</p>
<p>I’m a UCSD grad and incoming Duke PhD student. I loved UCSD. I love San Diego. BUT $32k at Duke is essentially twice as much as you’re getting at SD when you factor in cost of living (and 50% more than I’m getting at Duke)! That money will go a long way in Durham…not so much in SD. Just something to consider…</p>
<p>You sound very enthusiastic about UCSD and decidedly less than enthusiastic about Duke. I think that should make your choice obvious. Best of luck.</p>
<p>Have you talked with a lot of people in the Duke lab and the advisor? I think rotation are key, since it is difficult to get the scoop on the lab before you spend time there. This is something you should really consider.</p>
<p>As others have said, you will live more comfortably at Duke. I am a current grad student. We make 26k. I am able to live very comfortably on that and still put a lot in savings. San Diego is very expensive.</p>
<p>I know a bunch of BME grad students and they all really love Duke. If you come, you would not be dissappointed with the school, department, or living situation. You just need to decide if the research is what you want. If you will not be happy with the research/lab, you should go elsewhere.</p>