CU Boulder vs Duke
Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 12:27 am
I have offers from both schools but having trouble choosing. I can't visit either of them since I'm an international. Looking at condensed matter and/or quantum information theory. Any advice is appreciated!
Boulder because:
1) Boulder has a stronger department that is far better ranked too. Lots of people doing work that sounds very cool and Duke simply can't match up here.
2) Nicer city, but this is really not important to me.
Duke because:
1) Two professors at Duke have expressed interest in working with me and I think their research sounds interesting (although not Boulder level). At Boulder, no commitments yet so I'll go there and find a boss.
2) Better stipend, especially relative to the cost of living, guaranteed funding for five years (Boulder only guarantees for two) and no teaching required.
3) Better overall reputation - I will most likely work outside academia after graduation.
Boulder because:
1) Boulder has a stronger department that is far better ranked too. Lots of people doing work that sounds very cool and Duke simply can't match up here.
2) Nicer city, but this is really not important to me.
Duke because:
1) Two professors at Duke have expressed interest in working with me and I think their research sounds interesting (although not Boulder level). At Boulder, no commitments yet so I'll go there and find a boss.
2) Better stipend, especially relative to the cost of living, guaranteed funding for five years (Boulder only guarantees for two) and no teaching required.
3) Better overall reputation - I will most likely work outside academia after graduation.