Comparing CU Boulder & University of Maryland for Quantum Information PhD

[Chrischievous]

Hi everyone,

Hoping someone can give me insight on this. I am visiting two schools next week - CU Boulder and University of Maryland, both of which I have been accepted to for quantum information experiment (PhD.)

Both are very highly ranked and seem to have great departments, and I'm incredibly happy that I have this choice to make, but I'm hoping someone in the field (or a related field) could talk to me about how they're perceived or if there is some sentiment about which is "better" (for lack of a better term?) I haven't been able to find any placement data for their PhD graduates (I'm hoping to go into academia.) I know that the final indicator will be how much I enjoy my visit/what professors I like most, but I'd like as much data as possible.

For the record, I'm not sure what implementation (re: qubits) I'd prefer... but most of the ones I am interested in (ion traps, quantum dots, superconducting circuits) fall under AMO or CM.

I've looked at their rankings on US News and the relevant ones are the following:
Overall:
Maryland 14
Boulder 18

AMO:
Maryland 6
Boulder 1

CM:
Maryland 10
Boulder ??

"Quantum:"
Boulder 8
Maryland 8 (tie)

Overall, I feel like there's no way to go wrong. Like I said, just looking for any information anyone can provide. For the record, my family is in Maryland... but Boulder seems like a gorgeous place to live.

 

[Adrmay]

Thanks in advance! It is really great that you have been accepted to both of these excellent schools for your quantum information experiments. From what you have mentioned in your post, it seems like the University of Maryland and CU Boulder are both very highly ranked in terms of overall rankings and their respective AMO and CM departments. Additionally, it looks like they are both tied in terms of their “quantum” ranking. When it comes to choosing between these two schools, it really comes down to what type of environment you will be most comfortable and productive in. You should consider things like the size of the school, the faculty-student ratio, the resources available to students, and the city/location of the school. It also might be helpful to talk to current students or alumni at both schools and get their opinion on what it is like to study there. Ultimately, the decision should come down to which school you think will be best for you and your academic and career goals. Good luck with your decision-making process!

 

[Someyuck]

Hi! I am in a similar situation. I have a chemical physics Ph.D. offer from UMD and a Physics Ph.D. offer from CU Boulder. My current interests broadly lie in experimental quantum optics and AMO physics. What according to you should be a better choice (now in 2024) and what parameters should I consider?

 

[CrysPhys]

Hi! I am in a similar situation. I have a chemical physics Ph.D. offer from UMD and a Physics Ph.D. offer from CU Boulder. My current interests broadly lie in experimental quantum optics and AMO physics. What according to you should be a better choice (now in 2024) and what parameters should I consider?

Well, you need to check the programs carefully. At Boulder you were accepted into the mainstream Physics PhD program. Boulder does give you the option to specialize in Chemical Physics, should you choose, or in some other branch of physics.

At Maryland, you were accepted into a specialized interdisciplinary Chemical Physics PhD program, not their mainstream Physics PhD program. So, how certain are you that you want to pursue research in Chemical Physics? The obvious issue is, if you should change your mind, is there a ready path for you to transfer to the mainstream Physics PhD program at Maryland, or would you have to apply as a brand-new applicant? That's something you should settle pronto. Just to clarify: Did you also apply to the mainstream Physics PhD program at Maryland, and were you turned down? If not, why did you apply to their Chemical Physics PhD program and not their mainstream Physics PhD program?

 

[Vanadium 50]

Hopefully the OP has finished his degree by now. As for @Someyuck , he hasn't been back since he posted, which is unfortunate since he needs to make up his mind by Monday.

 

[WWGD]

Hopefully the OP has finished his degree by now. As for @Someyuck , he hasn't been back since he posted, which is unfortunate since he needs to make up his mind by Monday.

It may be confusing to give advise to two people in the same post.