[findingMeaning]

Well if you are getting at the top, go for it. You will build more credibility and trust from top universities rather than working on some startup. If the startup happens to be like OAI, then choose that one. The rate you learn at startups is something else.

A good idea would be to try research in academia for 2 years, see if you like it not, then drop out with a Masters. If you are a citizen of the states, why not do both? Work at startup and pursue PhD as a hobby? Pretty sure you are capable of doing that.

[studioghibli]

Appreciate your opinion. Unfortunately, I am a Masters student continuing for a PhD, so dropping out with a Masters is not an option for me. A PhD in general is quite demanding, so, doing both would be next to impossible.