Michigan vs. Stanford EE PhD

Graduate School
1

<p>Ok, I have a dilemma. I've been accepted to both the Stanford and Michigan EE PhD programs and I need to decide by the end of the month. Strangely, both Universities gave me a funding offer on or just before April 15th(a funding deadline). It is a difficult decision because of the differing funding offers from both schools. Michigan gave me a 5 year prestigious fellowship where I'd either be an TA or RA after the first year which is paid for, and Standford gave me a 1 year RA with no guarantee of money after that.</p>

<p>Stanford's rep. is slightly better, but Michigan is very good. I've heard Stanford's quals are terrible with a low pass rate while Michigan passes 95% by the 2nd attempt. Prof flew me out to Michigan before acceptance and said I'd probably be accepted with Money, but it would be late. No special treatment or flights out from Stanford. Research is interesting in both cases, but the Michigan Prof has made a greater attempt to get me to come. </p>

<p>Any thoughts? opinions? I'm struggling with this one.</p>

<p>Thanks for the help! </p>

<p>Note: this is also posted in the Michigan & Stanford forum</p>

2

<p>Stanford’s EE quals pass rate is 75% by the second attempt. </p>

<p>I think the most important factor is where the profs you want to work with are at. </p>

<p>In what I wanted to do, I found Stanford had a better selection of professors. It may be the opposite for your interests.</p>

3

<p>The quals are scary, but I wouldn’t worry too much about them. It’s much more important to find an advisor, or so I’ve heard.</p>

<p>Funny story: I got in to Stanford with funding, but Michigan rejected me. :)</p>