So I've been accepted to the MST programs at both Wash U and Michigan, and I'm having a bit of trouble deciding between them. Obviously they're both great programs, and I think I'll be happy at either one, but I do have to make a decision eventually. My research interest is in the biology of aging, and I'm pretty sure that's what I will want to do my PhD in, though of course having other strong research is a plus if my interests do change. Here's some of the facts/thoughts I've had so far about the programs:
Research:
Mich - Outstanding research in aging, with the Nathan Shock Center and all, and numerous (7+) PIs doing work that's pretty much exactly what I'd like to do now. Facilities seem outstanding, and only getting better with their recent purchase of a new facility.
Wash U - Lots of younger PIs doing very forward thinking research. A couple (2 that I've found so far) of PIs doing work that I'd be very interested in, but other labs are doing interesting work and the PIs seem very MD/PhD friendly. Facilities didn't seem quite as nice, but obviously I had a limited view.
Economics:
Mich - $25,500 first 2 years, $26,500 in grad school, $27,500 last 2 years. From what I've seen a slightly higher cost of living than Wash U
Wash U - $27,500 each year, low cost of living.
Location:
Mich - Ann Arbor seems like a great place, and I'd love to be back in a college town.
U Wash - St Louis has more things to do, but it doesn't really seem like there's siginificantly more than in Ann Arbor when you consider Detroit is fairly close by.
Reputation/Resident Placement:
both schools are great here, but I feel like Wash U definitely has the edge.
Any thoughts are welcome, and I'd especially like to hear what people think about the research at both schools and other things I should be considering.
Research:
Mich - Outstanding research in aging, with the Nathan Shock Center and all, and numerous (7+) PIs doing work that's pretty much exactly what I'd like to do now. Facilities seem outstanding, and only getting better with their recent purchase of a new facility.
Wash U - Lots of younger PIs doing very forward thinking research. A couple (2 that I've found so far) of PIs doing work that I'd be very interested in, but other labs are doing interesting work and the PIs seem very MD/PhD friendly. Facilities didn't seem quite as nice, but obviously I had a limited view.
Economics:
Mich - $25,500 first 2 years, $26,500 in grad school, $27,500 last 2 years. From what I've seen a slightly higher cost of living than Wash U
Wash U - $27,500 each year, low cost of living.
Location:
Mich - Ann Arbor seems like a great place, and I'd love to be back in a college town.
U Wash - St Louis has more things to do, but it doesn't really seem like there's siginificantly more than in Ann Arbor when you consider Detroit is fairly close by.
Reputation/Resident Placement:
both schools are great here, but I feel like Wash U definitely has the edge.
Any thoughts are welcome, and I'd especially like to hear what people think about the research at both schools and other things I should be considering.
