Choice of school for geometry / topology

[MolecularCaterpillar]

I've been accepted into UIUC and Ohio State for a pure math PhD and I think in the end I'll be choosing between these two. I was mostly interested in geometry and topology but I think I'm still very flexible and quite open to exploring other fields as well. The rankings of these two schools seem to be similar but I know individual advisors are usually more important. Any suggestions or opinions? Thanks!

[homotopysphere]

It depends maybe on what specifically you like, I think. I'll add a bit more to this comment soon, but could you elaborate on things within geometry/topology you find interesting?

[ribbit]

I have heard great things about the program at UIUC in general, and many people recommend it for geometry/topology. Also, UIUC has a graduate employees' union, whereas graduate students can't legally form a union in the state of Ohio. Typically your pay, benefits, and workers rights will be much better if you go to a school with a union (and the school has to take graduate student concerns seriously).

[MolecularCaterpillar]

It depends maybe on what specifically you like, I think. I'll add a bit more to this comment soon, but could you elaborate on things within geometry/topology you find interesting?

I think I'm more on the algebraic side than the analytical side like geometric analysis. I've seen some symplectic and complex geometry (and a tiny bit of algebraic geometry) in my senior project and I have read some algebraic topology on my own and with a professor. Those did seem interesting but I don't think I'm really dead set on doing these, especially since I haven't seen a lot of the other stuff like geometric group theory, which basically no one here in my school is doing.

[Chem_Whale2021]

Look into Stony Brook for Geometry/Topology

[dumbquestionsonly]

Did you end up deciding?

[contingent]

OSU is very strong all-around. They succeed in every area but don't really stand out in any one area. This would give you the flexibility you're looking for. However, UIUC will offer you similar flexibility, but in addition, stands out in T/G (top 20 I believe).

[MolecularCaterpillar]

Thanks for all the info! I think I'll be going to UIUC. Best of luck to everyone!