<p>So I've been researching several professors publications and work over the last few months. I've narrowed it down to 2 professors that are working in the field I'm interested in (which is currently very small in the computer science world). I'd be absolutely ecstatic to work with either professor, however, my long term interests are more aligned with one professor.</p>
<p>However, the preferred professor is at a school that is unranked for Computer Science PhD, while the other is at a school ranked in the top 10 schools. Both professors have been successful in getting a lot of funding, and are both directors of research facilities. I feel like my interests are almost perfectly aligned with the preferred professor, but I could see myself doing good work with the professor from the better school. Is it okay to follow the professor, and not care about the school ranking? What are the downsides to this?</p>
<p>Thanks for any helpful responses.</p>
<p>spoonsx21</p>
<p>One of the things you can look at is job placement. Who does a better job of networking to get you a job?</p>
<p>are you talking about PhD? If it comes down to choosing from one of them, then of course go with the prof in bigger name—but I don’t see why is it bothering you, just apply to both schools and go from there.</p>
<p>The downsides are that the professor you like at the less good school may turn out to be a jerk. You may not want to work with him for a variety of reasons and then you might be stuck with a mediocre mentor at an unranked program.</p>
<p>Computer Science PhD?</p>
<p>Josh, is that you?</p>
<p>Josh? Haha, no I’m not Josh. </p>
<p>I’m more and more certain that the one professor is who I would like to work with, but I have no idea if he’s an ego, or a down to earth guy. I think I’ll visit both in order to decide. I’m leaning towards the professor and not the school, but I could be shooting myself in the foot if I don’t want to work with him after all.</p>
<p>Definitely apply to both - you cannot know which one is best until you visit and talk to them.</p>
<p>In general I would say that if you are SURE you want to study this one thing, go with the better PROF, if you are unsure, go with the better SCHOOL.</p>
<p>It is very common to choose a grad school based on a professor with whom one would like to work.</p>
<p>I agree with belevitt, choosing a school based on a single professor is very risky. Ideally you should be able to find a few other professors at both schools whose work may not align perfectly with yours but you wouldn’t mind falling back on.</p>
<p>
Adding to this, what happens if the professor is hired elsewhere? Even if that doesn’t happen (which is quite possible), even a year or two spent on sabbatical could crimp your dissertation plans.</p>
<p>I can name several professors in my field who have switched universities, retired, or died in the last couple years alone. Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.</p>