Grad School Conundrum: Picking Between Rutgers, BU & UF

[super_position]

I'm sure my questions which will follow are rather pedestrian about choosing a grad school when one has several different options.
I have offers from Rutgers, Boston University, and University of Florida. I'm planning to do research in Experimental Condensed Matter. So my questions regarding these, and generally relevant for other prospective grad students when looking at places, places are

1. Is one program drastically seen as being better than the other two?
   USNews, and NRC have Rutgers as being slightly better(20s for Rutgers compares to 30s for UF and BU), which I don't see as being very significant. Also, is there a comprehensive ranking for different condensed matter programs or more generally programs within physics. USNews has one but it terminates after the 10th position.
   
2. How hard is to live on the stipends in the different locations? UF is in the middle of nowhere, and is offering around 20k/year, Rutgers is in suburban NJ and offering slightly more, and BU is in the middle of Boston and is offering around 30k/year. Are these differences equivalent when adjusting for the different cost of living in these areas?
   
3. How does the location of the university affect research/education? Again, UF is in the middle of nowhere, while Rutgers and BU are very close to other universities. Is this a relevant factor to consider?
   

I suppose at-the-end-of-the-day one simply must choose and not look back on that choice. But I have two weeks till I decide, I still have to visit BU, and I'll allow a week for my thoughts to incubate--the next two weeks are going to kill me.

Thanks for your opinions!

 

[R.Mesri]

It is always hard to make such decisions. The best advice is to try to understand the culture of each program and to talk to current students and faculty in each program. This can give you a better idea of how the programs are structured and what you can expect from them. Also, if you have the chance to visit the universities, it can help you to get a better impression of how you would fit in. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Mene]

First of all, congratulations on receiving offers from three great universities for your graduate studies in Experimental Condensed Matter research! It can definitely be a tough decision to choose between multiple options, but ultimately, it is important to choose the program that best fits your research interests and goals.

In terms of overall program rankings, it is important to keep in mind that these rankings can vary and may not always accurately reflect the quality of the program. It is best to do your own research and talk to current students and faculty members to get a better understanding of the programs and their strengths in your particular field of interest. Additionally, there may be other factors such as research opportunities, funding, and faculty expertise that may also play a role in your decision-making process.

Regarding the stipend and cost of living, it is important to consider the overall financial package being offered by each university. While a higher stipend may seem appealing, it is important to also consider the cost of living in each location. It may be helpful to do some research on the cost of living in each area and compare it to the stipend being offered to get a better understanding of how far your stipend will go in each location.

The location of the university can also be a factor to consider, as it may affect the availability of resources and networking opportunities. However, keep in mind that research in the field of physics is often collaborative and involves collaborations with other universities and research institutions. So, even if the university is located in a remote area, it may still offer opportunities for collaboration and networking.

Ultimately, it is important to trust your gut and choose the program that feels like the best fit for you. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit BU and talk to current students and faculty members to get a better understanding of the program. Give yourself time to weigh your options and make a decision that you feel confident about. Good luck with your decision and your future graduate studies!