Tony's Back in Town: University Choice (Attention Whoring)

[politicus]

I tried asking some pol sci people (ex class mates doing research, former lecturers etc. with US experience). From what I gather Duke should be your default option. Unless there is a specific reason why you are attracted to one of the other places (either academic or social/area wise) Duke seems to be the best of those options, with UCLA second (but as others have said with a profile less suited for your interests - as they come across on the forum).

[politicus]

I've been gathering various information in the past few days. I still haven't spoken to most professors, but scheduling for Skype conversations is on its way, and hopefully this will help me solve the last doubts (though probably not ). Anyway, here's a little summary of advantages and drawbacks for each option.


UCLA:
- Advantages: 1-The profs have expressed interest in my research. 2-Probably the city with the most stuff to do and see. 3-The weather is perfect.
- Drawbacks: 1-The city might be not very easy to navigate into, especially without a car. 2-It's really, really big and perhaps a bit impersonal.

Duke:
- Advantages: 1-Seems to be my best fit in terms of academic interests. 2-I like the original way in which its program is structured. 3-Most human-sized of the three.
- Drawbacks: 1-It's not Californiaaaaaaa 2-Not sure how it is in terms of culture.

UC Davis:
- Advantages: 1-Probably the nicest place to live in. 2-Probably my best fit in terms of campus culture. 3-Close to the Bay Area.
- Drawbacks: 1-Academic standing seems a bit lower, though I need to talk to people about that. 2-Financial support is much more limited.

Is that a fair assessment? What do you guys think?

Confirms the info I got and that you should go with Duke (if you are serious, which I know you are). The rest of the process will mostly be a matter of how long it takes you to drop the "California dreaming...

[politicus]

What is your research project?