Should I Choose Graduate School Based on Location or Program Strength?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision-making process for selecting a graduate school for CMT (Condensed Matter Theory). The participant is weighing two options: Choice 1, a top 10 school with a strong reputation in CM but located in the Midwest, and Choice 2, also a top 10 school with a strong focus on spintronics and located in an appealing city, but with a prospective adviser who is not yet tenured. The participant expresses concern about the potential instability of their preferred research group at Choice 2 and the implications of geography on their academic career.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graduate school rankings and their impact on academic careers
  • Familiarity with research areas in Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
  • Knowledge of the significance of faculty tenure in academic settings
  • Awareness of fellowship opportunities and their influence on school choice
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of faculty tenure on graduate student success and opportunities
  • Explore the field of spintronics and its relevance to CMT
  • Investigate the academic and professional outcomes of graduates from both Choice 1 and Choice 2
  • Learn about the dynamics of research groups and their stability over time
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for prospective graduate students in physics, particularly those specializing in Condensed Matter Theory, as well as anyone considering the implications of location versus program strength in their academic decisions.

lxhrk9
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I am in the process of deciding where to attend graduate school for CMT. I have essentially narrowed it down to two schools.

Choice 1) pluses: top 10 overall, top in CM, lots of theorists
minuses: midwest hell (I'm from the midwest, I desperately want to escape)

Choice 2) pluses: top 10 overall, top 10 in CM, excellent city, strong in spintronics
minuses: stronger in exp, prospective adviser not yet tenured

So, my question is, would it be foolish to go to a school where I love the research/city over the "best school" for my field because of location? (Also, I have to keep in mind that there is only one group I'm really really excited about at choice 2 and it may not be there in a few years. Not that I'm expecting it to not be there, just considering worst case scenario)

Any advice or experiences in a similar situation would be very helpful. Thanks!
 
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You do realize there is a non-insignificant probability that your prospective advisor at Choice 2 will end up working at Choice 1. This is one of the pitfalls of factoring geography in.
 
I know that she completed her Phd at Choice 1. Does this make a difference?

Edit: Also, I forgot to mention that I received a substantial fellowship offer from Choice 2 so location is not the only factor.
 
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