<p>with regards to science phds:
because the whole program is researched based, the big thing is having equipment and money.yes there are individual professors that become important, but its just so difficult to do research at the same lvl as an MIT or Berkeley if you go to U. of south dakota (no offense to u. of s. dakota). additionally, people who are really good at science (to become professors and leaders) are small enough in numbers that it is kind of a boy’s club. this is where those connections come in.</p>
<p>additionally with a science phd, you really have to go to a top 25-40ish school. i figure its really difficult to say “hey im really good at science and should be in hired to do research” and not get into one of those top phd programs.</p>