PhD decision help needed !

[riloroti]

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Hi everyone, thanks for reading my post.
I have applied for a PhD in Pharmacology and have been accepted in two schools, and was wondering what people have to say about both of them:
1. University of South Carolina: Department of Biomedical sciences. I would like to work on the pharmacology of CVS (Cardio Vascular System), since that seems to be one of the main focii of the Department.
2. University of Rhode Island: School of Pharmacy. Here I have gained admission, but might also get a chance to work on the molecular pharmacology of cancer.

I am in a fix because i like both these schools, but cannot decide which one to place preference upon. I am getting aid from Univ. of South Carolina, but might get aid from Rhode Island too. So what would you guys suggest in terms of:
1.general reputation of the course in both these univs
2.standing of both these univs in the industry relative to each other
3.peer group etc

(i know the weather in columbia, sc is definately better than that in kingston, ri, but thats not the biggest factor !)

thanks a ton in advance !

 

[housecleaning]

Hi everyone, thanks for reading my post.
I have applied for a PhD in Pharmacology and have been accepted in two schools, and was wondering what people have to say about both of them:
1. University of South Carolina: Department of Biomedical sciences. I would like to work on the pharmacology of CVS (Cardio Vascular System), since that seems to be one of the main focii of the Department.
2. University of Rhode Island: School of Pharmacy. Here I have gained admission, but might also get a chance to work on the molecular pharmacology of cancer.

I am in a fix because i like both these schools, but cannot decide which one to place preference upon. I am getting aid from Univ. of South Carolina, but might get aid from Rhode Island too. So what would you guys suggest in terms of:
1.general reputation of the course in both these univs
2.standing of both these univs in the industry relative to each other
3.peer group etc

(i know the weather in columbia, sc is definately better than that in kingston, ri, but thats not the biggest factor !)

thanks a ton in advance !

hey rilo, congrats on the acceptances! I think both will likely get you where you want to go. But I would worry too much about the "general reputation" of each, because as you probably know neither one is particularly regarded as better than the other. In fact, at this level, you probably won't find anyone who would be able to tell the difference.

I would suggest choosing one based on on aid, & then pick a lab that is as well-known and as well-connected as possible. I can assure you that no one has heard of, or will care whether you graduated from rhode island or south carolina. If you choose to go to one of these schools you should focus on the name-recognition of the faculty you'll work with.

Good luck!

hc