<p>S has just started a Ph.D program in the social sciences. From his conversations with undergraduate profs in the field, it seems very important that you try to go to a “top” program in this field, if you are looking for a career in academia, as S is. Advice from undergrad profs led him to turn down one program he thought he “might” have liked more for the one he has just started. Reason? Current program is “Top 5.”
He is fully funded for five years, with teaching responsibility for years 3 & 4. Year 5 is supposed to be the dissertation year.</p>