U Of Toronto vs UBC in physics graduate school (condensed matter theory)

[sornsopheak]

I have to choose between U of T and UBC for my physics graduate school. QS ranking places UBC(46th) much higher than U of T (100th), but two of my professors told me the other way around. any ideas about the discrepancy?

thanks~

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Perhaps they are speaking about a specific specialty that ranks higher? Were they referencing the school itself or the condensed matter program?

 

[sornsopheak]

Perhaps they are speaking about a specific specialty that ranks higher? Were they referencing the school itself or the condensed matter program?

http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2014/physics#sorting=rank+region=+country=+faculty=+stars=false+search=
here is the link to the ranking. it's only for physics ( not even graduate program, but research is counted)

 

[Choppy]

Why is someone else's ranking of the programs that important to you?

When faced with this kind of decision it's important that you assess each program according to what's important for you. Generally that means speaking with faculty, particularly potential graduate advisors, and current students if you can, to get an idea for how well you are going to mesh with the program. Consider the research that's currently taking place at each institution - where is it more interesting to you? How much freedom will you have to define your own project? How much freedom do you want?
Are recent graduates from the program moving into positions that you would like to move into?

Beyond that consider peripheral factors. Are there additional peripheral programs - such as a teaching certificate program that you might want to take advantage of? Are there campus clubs/groups you'd like to join? What about cost of living and commute times?

The relative ranking of those two schools is going to have miniscule if any influence on the outcome of your career compared your performance while you are in the program, so concentrate on factors that are likely to have the best positive impact on what you do.