<p>So, the top 2 on my list for "must apply" grad schools in Anthropology are Emory and Wash U. Both offer guaranteed funding and stipends, however on all the rankings I've found, Wash U is near the top of the list, but I can't find Emory anywhere on it. Does that necessarily mean that Wash U is "better?" What are some other criteria I can use to decide, on the off chance I get accepted to both?</p>
<p>KedaANTH, where are you getting these rankings?</p>
<p>You should choose programs to which to apply because of the specific faculty to be found there in your particular subfield of interest.</p>
<p>For instance, if you were looking to pursue graduate work in Medieval History, you should apply to Fordham. Fordham is not placed highly on any rankings list.</p>
<p>The same principle applies in your case. Talk to your current professors. Learn which programs have recognized strengths in your subfield. Learn which advisors are placing their students into academic jobs. Then apply.</p>
<p>And when you are making decisions after being accepted to many programs, follow the money. You will be able to do this because you will have applied ONLY to programs that are appropriate for YOU, and you will have learned from your current professors which programs and dissertation advisors are currently consistently PLACING their students in academic jobs.</p>