UNC PhD vs Harvard MS

[Regina]

I got accepted into Harvard’s MS Biostats program. I work there so most of my tuition will be covered. I was told that I didn’t get into their doctorate program because I am older & haven’t taken any courses for a long time. With good grades, I could be considered for the doctorate. I also got accepted into UNC’s doctoral biostats program…it has taken some time but I think funding is now coming thru. Is there any advantage of getting the Harvard (#1) name in an MS and reapplying for doctoral programs later? Or, is it better to go to UNC (#3) & get the Phd sooner than later & move on? Will the lack of the brand name make much of a difference in my long term job prospects?

[mod]

Hi Regina and welcome to Admissions Boards!

Congratulations on having some nice choices. With Harvard, your admission to the Ph.D. is still an uncertainty and if the rankings difference isn’t much (1 versus 3), I don’t think the brand name will make a lot of difference.

I think this will come down to your preference between getting a Ph.D. perhaps with more confidence and sooner versus relocating to UNC.

Best of luck!

[Regina]

Thanks. After living in the Boston area, it’s hard not to feel the impact of the Harvard name outside of the area. Given my age, I don’t want to wait but it’s hard to overlook this fact. Should have thought of it when I applied…it was supposed to be a back-up school and yet, now, it’s a reality. Thanks for your thoughts.

[mod]

Hi Regina,

You’re very welcome and I wish you all the best!

[Author]

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