choosing between grad schools -- Virtually Advising Q+A

The Q: I am making a final decision about where to pursue my Ph.D. The final contenders are Berkeley and Cornell. Each has its high points. I really am having difficulty evaluating the reputations that each program carries; this is important to me as I am hoping for a top-tier academic post upon graduation.

The money in Berkeley is a concern too, but I cannot tell how much my wife (also a full-time student) and I would really need there. The consensus is that it is "very expensive;" what exactly does that mean? Money is a non-issue at Cornell as I have been awarded a fellowship; it will cover Ithaca, NY costs of living.

Cornell's department is much larger, especially in my area of interest, which appeals to me as it would reduce the odds that I would butt heads with an adviser.

I visit both campuses next week. What should I be looking for?

The A: Choosing a Ph.D. program is, as you know, a huge decision. You're fortunate to have two really good offers, and either choice would, of course, be great. So we're talking about fine points here.

First of all, while it's great to hope for, as you put it, a "top-tier academic post," you can't rely on it. Markets in disciplines, as well as larger economic trends, change between when you start and when you finish, sometimes unpredictably. Moreover, the difference between Berkeley and Cornell is unlikely to determine your professional fate, since both are eminent institutions in your area. But you should feel absolutely free to ask them about academic placement rates--that's routine recruitment information.

Second, take people seriously when they say living in the Bay Area is expensive. It's one of the top few real estate markets in the country, for example. You can feel free to ask current students about this.

Third, I agree that it's always more desirable to go somewhere where you have more than one potential adviser. Faculty-grad student relations are difficult under the best of circumstances, and feeling captive makes that much worse.

Finally, I would only add one major question to your list. How do current students feel about the programs? Ask to have lunch with current advanced students in each place, without faculty present. Ask them about intellectual community, money, placement, publication, etc. They will give you a cheerful version of the truth, but they're not as committed to marketing as the faculty.

—Anahid Kassabian, Chief Advisor