Your comments seem to go a bit too far in the other direction.
Sure, professors mainly learn by reading papers and books. But I find it 10x more efficient to have a discussion with a colleague about their paper than to read their paper. At a good school, you will likely have more professors who are experts in their areas, and can do this explaining.
Jonathan Katzsays:
A PS: in computer science, at least, it does seem that quality goes down more quickly (as compared to, say, math) as one looks at lower ranked schools. (Disclaimer: I am talking on average, not in any individual case.)
Your comments seem to go a bit too far in the other direction.
Sure, professors mainly learn by reading papers and books. But I find it 10x more efficient to have a discussion with a colleague about their paper than to read their paper. At a good school, you will likely have more professors who are experts in their areas, and can do this explaining.
A PS: in computer science, at least, it does seem that quality goes down more quickly (as compared to, say, math) as one looks at lower ranked schools. (Disclaimer: I am talking on average, not in any individual case.)
I replied to your comment on my blog, but I am not sure if WordPress notifies previous posters of replies: http://adambossy.wordpress.com/2008/09/28/dont-attend-a-top-10-school/#comment-27