Wow! Thanks people. anhydrite - thank you very much. You’ve certainly given me some great info and a lot to think about.
As far as reputation in India goes - both enjoy a stellar reputation, UCSD does come out on top though. But, I have no plans to return to India, so I think that this factor is rather immaterial.
I’m veering strongly towards UW because my advisor’s research interests there are much more aligned to mine that at UCSD. But then, I think that if I get into it, after my lab rotations I’d definitely find a professor to my liking. UCSD obviously has great research happening, so I think that it would not be a problem.
The only reason I’m tempted by UCSD is that it is ranked No 9 internationally for my program while UW is ranked 35. That’s really something. To graduate from one of the top ten institutions in your field has got to have some standing.
Also, my stipend in San Diego is much more than in Madison, so as Midwestmomofboys said, based on expenses, it’ll amount to the same in both cities.
Once again, thank you everyone.