KH_137
- 16
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I recently applied to graduate programs in the US and some European positions for fall 2025. My interests are in model-building and phenomenology, especially in cosmological/astro-particle scenarios. I applied to around 14 US schools (since I could avail a waiver at half of these) and few advertised positions in Europe.
I have heard back from most US schools - I was accepted with funding at Oklahoma State University (though I am awaiting responses on my final two schools). However, last week, I was offered an STFC funded position (for 3.5 years) at Nottingham. I am also awaiting the results of an interview call at SISSA in Italy.
I already hold a Master's from my home country in South Asia. During my UK interview, I was upfront about my coursework and the areas where I felt I lacked experience, as the position seemed more formal than my previous work. Given that I was still offered the position, I assume my background was strong enough. However, I’ve heard from many that a US PhD - even from a lower-ranked school - is far superior to a European one due to its rigorous coursework and simply because "it holds more value". This makes my decision more difficult.
I personally prefer the UK offer for its research environment and a relatively calmer current experience as an international student. The funding also seems far stabler (at present). In fact, I was recently informed by OSU that some offers might be withdrawn - however, a faculty member personally reached out and assured me I was "safe". However, I’m concerned about my long-term career prospects. Would choosing a UK PhD over a US one impact my trajectory, particularly for model-building and phenomenology?
I have heard back from most US schools - I was accepted with funding at Oklahoma State University (though I am awaiting responses on my final two schools). However, last week, I was offered an STFC funded position (for 3.5 years) at Nottingham. I am also awaiting the results of an interview call at SISSA in Italy.
I already hold a Master's from my home country in South Asia. During my UK interview, I was upfront about my coursework and the areas where I felt I lacked experience, as the position seemed more formal than my previous work. Given that I was still offered the position, I assume my background was strong enough. However, I’ve heard from many that a US PhD - even from a lower-ranked school - is far superior to a European one due to its rigorous coursework and simply because "it holds more value". This makes my decision more difficult.
I personally prefer the UK offer for its research environment and a relatively calmer current experience as an international student. The funding also seems far stabler (at present). In fact, I was recently informed by OSU that some offers might be withdrawn - however, a faculty member personally reached out and assured me I was "safe". However, I’m concerned about my long-term career prospects. Would choosing a UK PhD over a US one impact my trajectory, particularly for model-building and phenomenology?