<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>Both similar in lots of aspects; you’re going to have to start figuring out which school would most likely have an advisor that would be a good fit. If everyone in a dept at one of the schools seem kinda ehhh right now, I would quickly choose against it.</p>
<p>Also, take into account that 30k in La Jolla is much less than 32k in NC due to the cost of living. Did Duke offer a fellowship or an assistantship? The fellowship would allow you to focus on your first year project/masters thesis whereas you would be dividing time to ta or ra while balancing classes.</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply! Duke has offered a fellowship, however it is 6 months fellowship and then 6 months RA. This would allow me to focus on class for awhile, but no matter where I end up I was planning on diving into research. Plus both schools want me to come early to begin projects. I did find an amazing advisor at UCSD who has helped me out considerably and I really like his research. On the other hand, Duke has also helped me out, but I am less enthusiastic about the research of my given PI. Considering cost of living, yes 30k will go much further in NC than SD. However, prices have fallen tremendously in SD given the economy, and rent wouldnt be much more either place (i guess you would just get more for your buck).</p>
<p>Like you said, I wouldn’t sweat the finances too much in SD–just pointing it out in case you might be coming with family/wife/kids/etc or if you would benefit from some extra income to pay off UG loans or something.</p>
<p>Anyway, either way you’ll still be at a great program. Congrats on both!</p>