Comparing PhD Programs at UC Merced, Nebraska & Kansas State

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around comparing PhD programs at UC Merced, Nebraska University at Lincoln, and Kansas State University. Participants explore various aspects such as program reputation, research opportunities, location, and cost of living, without reaching a consensus on which program is superior.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a preference for Nebraska due to its larger department and more research areas, while still considering UC Merced.
  • Another participant recommends Kansas State, citing personal experience and confidence in the program's quality.
  • A different view criticizes UC Merced for its location and limited reputation, suggesting it is not representative of California's academic prestige.
  • Cost of living comparisons between Lincoln, NE, Manhattan, KS, and Merced, CA are suggested as important factors in the decision-making process.
  • Concerns are raised about UC Merced's relatively recent establishment and lack of established reputation, contrasting with positive historical feedback about Kansas State from a professor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the merits of each program, with no clear consensus reached. Some favor Kansas State for its reputation and personal experiences, while others highlight Nebraska's advantages and raise concerns about UC Merced.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying perceptions of program prestige, location impacts, and personal experiences, which may influence their opinions but are not universally applicable. The discussion reflects subjective evaluations rather than objective measures of program quality.

deloprator2000
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Hello, I am deciding on which PhD program to accept, I have narrowed it down to to three choices:

1. UC Merced physics Program

2. Nebraska University at Lincoln

3. Kansas State University in Manhattan Kansas.

I am leaning towards Nebraska, though I am still interested in UC Merced. UC Merced is in California, and is a UC, though the department is small and the areas of research are limited. Nebraska has a larger department, more areas of research and more equipment and a machine shop, though some people many not consider it to be the most prestigious. Kansas State is nationally ranked, good labratories and many areas of research, though I am not so convinced about certain aspects of Manhattan Kansas.

So, which program would you recommend?

Thank You
 
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My Mother went to K-State, there's absolutely nothing to worry about when it comes to Manhattan. The program there is incredible and I would completely recommend going there.
 
UC Merced is in california, but its in the middle of nowhere with farmland everywhere within a 100 mile radius in all directions. It's also the worst UC. It's not what you think of when you think of California
 
I would guess that the cost of living in Lincoln, NE and Manhattan, KS will be significantly less than in Merced. Might want to weigh that as well.

Also, being 'in the middle of nowhere' with limited cultural interactions can be a good thing. You're less likely to be distracted by a trip to a nearby city (in the case of Merced) and will be forced to study/work at the university a little more.
 
UC Merced has only existed for 7 years, and as far as I know has basically no reputation in anything. That's what scares me. I have a professor who did his Ph.D. at Kansas State and had nothing but fantastic things to say about the program. Of course that was in the late 70's and early 80's but they definitely have something going on there. It would be between Kansas State and Nebraska for me.
 

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