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Please help deciding...

Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2016 3:11 pm
by mathlover
Hey folks! In need of some advise here. I have got a few offers for PhD from USC, Oregon State, U.Maryland AMSC and Indiana University. My choice has narrowed down to the final two. I am focused on Applied Math and have a chance of working with a renowned person at IU, but the overall department at UMD is also looking like a great fit.

What worries me is the 18% completion stat of UMD vs 48% in IU (Phds.org). Is this an accurate statistic, and should I be worried of the same? My preference goes to future opportunities and success over ranking.

Money is not critical to my current decision, but there is a difference in the stipend(even after living cost consideration).

What other things do I need to consider before deciding? Please help me narrow down my choice.
Thanks!

Re: Please help deciding...IU v UMD Amsc

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2016 2:07 pm
by mathlover
Any inputs on this guys? Still stuck deciding. Thanks!

Re: Please help deciding...

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2016 10:09 pm
by MathCat
I can't really comment on applied math programs, but I do want to say that it is risky to go to any department if there is only one faculty member you'd be interested in working with. I'm not sure if that's what you meant when you said you'd have a chance to work with a renowned person.

Re: Please help deciding...

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2016 8:52 am
by kelaier
My thinking is if you are very determined to work in the particular area that the person in IU is working on, then go ahead. Otherwise, it may not be good to narrow your focus this early, and in that sense UMD has a lot of other choices in many areas of research.

Re: Please help deciding...

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2016 10:04 am
by NumberTheory
Go to UMD!
Dynamical Systems Group is very strong there.

Re: Please help deciding...

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2016 10:26 am
by leviethai
I would choose UMD. I'm usually not worried about the complete rate since it all depends on your ability and it may be because of inaccurate reporting. UMD is closer to other major universities, so that may help you as well.