Janie M.

Oops! Typo in the headline of that post. *I meant "OFFER"* Hello again, everyone, I posted a very long dilemma (concerning WHICH of two schools I should choose to attend) yesterday, but I have a more specific problem now. I will try to make it brief. I applied to two masters program in the same field this year. I applied to School A (I called this one B in the original post, for anyone who read that one) as it had a much earlier deadline, since I was applying for a particular assistantship covering 100% of tuition. Anyway, I learned that I was accepted to A only a month after I applied. I did not, however, receive the assistantship, which was one of the main reasons I chose this particular school to apply to. I was placed on the waiting list for it, but it mostly likely it isn't going to happen. Since this was my first time applying to grad school, I wasn't really aware of the specific policies pertaining to accepting and declining admissions. The original acceptance email (a letter followed) did not seem super formal, nor did it list any dates in which I had to respond by. I probably should've researched this issue further, but since I was excited by this news, I just immediately followed the link in the email to enroll. I was somehow under the impression that if I didn't respond immediately, I would just lose my spot. I had no idea until recently that students have until April 15 to decide (I think, that is). I am not sure if this policy pertains to accepting just general admission offers as well as financial aid packages (if someone knows about the policy, that would be very helpful). So, I did officially enroll here, but things seem a bit laid back (at least compared to the other school). I mean, I didn't even have to send a deposit. About a month later, I received admission to the other school I applied to. I wasn't really expecting to get into this particular school, so I was a bit surprised. I have not enrolled here yet. The letter simply states that I need to send my deposit by April 15. It did not state that I need to respond in any other way in order to accept general admission, so I'm assuming they take people's deposit receipt as a statement of general intent to enroll. I am very torn between these two schools (see earlier post if you like). I haven't been to visit either one, but have visits planned in the next few weeks. I will be taking a tour and sitting in on a class at B next week, as it is closer to where I live. The following week, I am supposed to attend a formal dinner here with other accepted students of my program and faculty (I had no idea this event was going to take place). I tried to schedule a visit to A the following week, but this time was inconvenient to the department. So, I agreed to go only a week before the April 15 deadline, as this was the only time the faculty chair could meet with me. I am sure I will have a much better understanding of which school I would like to attend once I actually sit in on classes and get a real feel for how things work at each school. However, I will only will able to let one of the schools know that I will not be attending the program possibly only a few days before the decision deadline. Am I doing something terribly morally wrong by taking up so much of admissions, faculty and other staff's time to just turn them down in the long run? I am absolutely riddled with guilt over this dilemma. I didn't expect for this situation to occur. In retrospect, it obviously would have been a lot smarter if I had visited each school BEFORE I even applied, since I am so indecisive, but I didn't have the money to fly to School A until very recently. Also, I attempted to try to visit around the first of April (so I could decide sooner) but the school said this would be a bad time on its end. I feel sick knowing that I will have to decline one on such short notice and especially after all the time everyone at each school has spent accomodating me. Also, what is the proper etiquette if I decide to decline A (the one I technically enrolled in -- without a deposit though)? I do not know what my funding/financial aid package will be from either school. B does offer fellowships, which all students are automatically considered for simply upon admission. It is unlikely that I will receive the full scholarship from A, which I am on the waiting list for. I guess I can always just use financial reasons as my excuse. If one school did offer me a significant grant, I may honestly just have to go with that one as I already have serious debt issues. Is anyone else in a similar position? Is it really that horrendous that I decline A after I've enrolled, been to visit, sat in on a class, etc? I truly did not intend for this predicament to occur and I hate inconveniencing people in any way. Oh, also would it be super awkward and inappropriate if I just flat out admitted to each school that I am considering another school? Would this be inappropriate and also self destructive? I have a problem with being OVERLY honest in situations like these because I feel guilty. Anyway, what do people think? Thank you!!

Hi. Thank you for posting this link to the original CSG. I had first discovered this resolution on this website, but then couldn't recall where exactly I'd seen him. Unfortunately, I can't help much with answering your questions since I am not an authority on this and I am also wondering about similar questions as you. In response to your second question, it seems like the schools listed as being in support of the resolution would be legally held to honoring it in some way. Perhaps they just think that many are not aware of this document and won't attempt to pursue the issue further (and therefore can get away with pressuring you to decide sooner)? I know I didn't realize the CGS existed until I read about it on this forum. I would look into this, especially if they are pressuring you to make a decision before April 15. I am also wondering about general admission commitments (and breaking them) before April 15th. This was my first round applying to grad schools and when I got my first acceptance letter (email, in this case), I didn't know what the hell I was doing. Initially I was psyched I got into this school, so I just followed the link and simply filled out the enrollment form online. This school does not require a monetary deposit and also it did not spell out any sort of formal policies about a date I had to reply by in order to keep my spot. If just simply accepting enrollment (without agreeing to accept any financial package from the school) were a legally-binding contract, the school would absolutely have to state this in the enrollment form. But, like you, I am curious if there is any sort of similar resolution that applies to just general acceptances and declines of admission offers. I will do some researching and let you know if I find anything. I can't answer your questions regarding international students, but it seems the resolution may also apply to international students who are applying to study in the U.S. I can't see why it wouldn't apply, since it didn't mention anything about U.S. citizenship status. I could be wrong though. Sorry I couldn't help much! I will let you know if I find anything because I need to know the same exact things -- and very soon. Good luck to you.

Tuck, thanks. I'm afraid to say what school it actually is because you never know who looks at these sites. I'm a bit paranoid about things like that. I am tolerant of others' views as long as it isn't imposed on me in any way. Basically, as long as it doesn't affect my writing/studies in any way, I don't really care. I guess I secretly want to be a writer, but I feel on some level that this is an impractical career choice. B's program appeals to me more because I would get to explore both sides: creative and practical. I know I'm not there to make friends, but it would be more welcoming if there were some students in my dept. around my age group. I guess these days people are going back to school at all ages though. Yes, I do need to research what people are doing after graduation. I am almost positive that most graduates from A are doing very well after graduation. I am not sure about B; I'll have to do more research on this. However, the fact that I live so far away from B at the moment is partly why I don't hear much about it. But, like I said, when one does hear its name, it is more associated with athletics than with academics. I do really like the way the department looks though.

TeaGirl, thanks. I am afraid from what I see looking at the curriculum, that there wouldn't be a huge option for me to explore my own writing at School A. I just wrote above that this school does also offer a MFA in Creative Writing, with the option to choose nonfiction as a concentration. If I go here and discover that I'm not permitted to really take a lot of writing classes, maybe I can audit more creative writing classes in this other department or possibly even get a dual master's. I don't know if that would be totally crazy of me to do this. I might be willing to get the entire MFA after the M.A. in W/P if I am not satisfied with what I learned in the latter and if I can somehow score a fellowship.

Thanks for responding. @Mr. Molecular, I totally understand what you are saying as far as avid reading and better writing being highly connected. Maybe I didn't explain things thoroughly enough, but School B would actually give me more of an opportunity to take literature and literature theory courses. I have more English electives in this program in which to take these kind of classes. School A seems very technically-oriented as far as types of classes. I am confused as to how students are supposed to become publishing professionals here when it doesn't seem like the program offers the broad foundation in literature/writing studies that would be necessary for one to either develop their own writing skills or to help others do the same. I guess I could email the head of the department and politely inquire about this concern. Lulubelle, I do have some experience in the writing/publishing realm. I was an editorial assistant/contributing writer at a daily newspaper for several years. Here I gained basic editing experience and newswriting skills. A few years ago I interned at a selective literary agency and had the opportunity to work one-on-one with the owner/head agent. This experience landed me a few freelance book editing gigs. I have also started writing feature articles/reviews for a website based in my area. All of these endeavors have not been enough to score me a real job, however. This is why I decided I need to go back to school. Also, I really just love being in an academic environment and around other stimulating, intellectual people. As far as one connection, the literary agent that I had the opportunity to work with is himself a big name in the industry. He actually wrote me recommendations to each school, we are still on a friendly basis, and he would be more than happy to provide a job reference for me. But, I understand I need more experiences and connections as well. You are right that both names on the degree will be the same and I doubt future employers are really going to ask what exactly my curriculum consisted of. I guess my concern is what I WANT to learn. If I do end up going to A and am super bummed out that I didn't get to take more writing electives, this school does also offer an M.F.A. in Creative Writing with a nonfiction concentration. I know that would be two more years in school, but if I could get a fellowship, I might do this as well instead of pursuing a PhD. I don't think someone can even get a doctorate in any publishing field, so why not two masters, since I like being in school? I'm also concerned that I might not understand the real technical publishing courses required in A. I do not want to do poorly in my academics. I would NOT be very good with computer design programs. I can't even figure out Quark, which is the basic newspaper and other media layout system. It's just not the way my mind works. I'm not really into some electronic publishing (I refuse to even use a Nook). I like old fashioned tangible books. I guess there's only one required class that I have to take in electronic publishing, but I don't know how much emphasis electronic publishing plays into the other classes. I could try to broach this concern with the head of this department. Obviously I know that in order to get a job in this field, I do need to have an acceptance and basic understanding of the electronic side. I just don't want to pursue this genre any further than necessary. Maybe I'm just crazy. Thanks for listening. I need to get my priorities straight!

What you said about the name is a concern for me. Since I want to eventually end up in NYC to work, School A might have better connections to industries in this location. I have been trying to tell myself to go with my gut and choose the right program, but this is a very cut-throat industry and the school name may be more crucial than in other fields. The idea of going to a Catholic school is very unappealing to me. I was concerned with a possible freedom of speech issue at this school, but I have a good friend who went here for his undergrad and he said that the religion thing basically doesn't matter. I don't like the idea of giving the institution of Catholicism my money, but if they were to offer me a fellowship, I guess I would have to swallow my personal views/ideals. I can ignore the religion aspect as long as it does not affect my academics in any way. I still don't really like the idea though. I guess the best thing for me to do is to visit each school and see what kind of vibe I get, wait for my financial aid package from each school, continue to reseach, and draw some more definitive goals for myself. Thanks!

Please excuse any typos. I've had very bad insomnia because I am so stressed out about this decision.

Okay. Thanks for you respose. I do have some clear objectives and specific job ideas. I didn't go into them simply because my post had become so incredibly long before I got to explaining that part, that I simply ran out of steam. I like both writing and also helping others with their writing in some sort of editing capacity. I was hoping for a program that would let me explore both these avenues. As I explained above, School B would allow me to delve into both these areas. My problem is, School B isn't as well respected as School A, but I like B's program better because it is more acceptable to not have a definite career goal here. I know I must seem very indecisive, but since this is a humanities-related field, instead of the sciences (where I would imagine students would be expected to have a much clearer career objective), I don't think it's that unacceptable that I can't seem to choose one specific career to pursue at this point. Some specific careers I am interested in within the publishing industry: Book editing, literary scouting, writing promotional material for soon-to-be published works. However, I don't want to totally neglect my own writing. It would be ideal if I could either start out as a freelance writer and then end up having a more reliable publising job. Or, I would be satisfied if I worked as an editor or some other publishing professional, but pursued my more creative passions with freelance writing. That being said, maybe School B is the best option for me because it is much more broad. I wouldn't have to choose a specialization here and I'm sure once I began my studies, I would have a better understanding of what I would eventually like to do. This is all just kind of hard to explain to those that may not be familiar with this industry. I tried searching for Writing/Publishing within the subjects domain of this site, but there isn't a forum for this area. I didn't know where to post this. It's easy to misunderstand people via text/internet. Thanks.

@Select - I wasn't "simply roll(ing) the dice," FYI. I have spent the last couple YEARS in the application process/deliberating my options. Like I said, there are very few schools that have this program in the country. Learn how to be more polite! To quote "Sideways," I really don't need your neg-head bullshit. People are here for POSITIVE support and respectful constructive criticism.

@Selectext: Your reply is not very polite or helpful at all. It took me a long time to write this and I would appreciate it if someone would be a little less rude . I stated that I have multiple career goals within this industry. There are only 5 or 6 programs for this field in the entire country. I don't have many options as far as where to attend school. Also, I wasn't expecting each program to be so drastically different. Just don't even reply at all if you are going to be so curt!

Hi. I do not think you have any reason at all to feel guilty. Going back to school is a completely understandable reason to leave any job, no matter how invested you are in it (or how invested the company is in you). I think you will find that most everyone here will be supportive and understanding of your decision. They would be crazy not to be happy for you. I have a feeling that they would appreciate it if you would let them know as soon as possible. It doesn't seem like they would let you go because they will respect you more for telling them in advance. I understand your 5% feeling of being nervous about this possibility though. Good luck!

Hello, all. It has been my dream for the last several years to return to school to get a master's in a writing and/or publishing-related field. I have been out of the academic world for over ten years. I did work in the journalism field for several years after my undergrad (I have my bachelor's degree in journalism), but realized I was looking for more. Anyway, it's a long story, but I ended up waiting tables in upscale restaurants for way longer than I ever intended. I greatly enjoy being in an academic environment and since I couldn't find work with just my bachelor's, after quite some time, I made it my goal to return to school. In the past several years, I have worked extremely hard to build up my resume in this field. I have even worked on a few projects without any financial compensation, because I desperately needed recent professional experience to put on my resume. I am proud to say that my diligent work did eventually pay off, as I was recently accepted to both the grad programs that I applied to for next year. Even though this is my dream, I am close to potentially destroying this opportunity completely because I simply cannot decide which option to choose. Since I'm in my mid-thirties, I feel very pressured to make the absolute right decision because I don't have much time to make professional mistakes or choose the wrong path. I feel like I am a character in a Camus or Kafka story. Here's my dilemma: Both programs are the same in name (M.A. Writing and Publishing), but opposite in nature and at very different schools. Part of the issue is that I don't exactly know what I would like to do after graduation. On one hand, I want to improve my writing in the nonfiction genre to professionally write for a magazine, as I am talented with this style of writing. I would also like the option of taking more practical publishing courses, as I can see myself one day editing or working in a publishing house in some capacity. I do have experience in the latter sphere and am skilled in it, although there are many things I still need to learn in order to be qualified in this realm. Since I don't know exactly what I want to do, a broad program would be best for me. School A: Pros: -- Much higher than the other in terms of academic ranking. -- Smaller, somewhat elite college. Kind of known for being alternative or unconventional (in a good way). -- Produces nationally known and applauded literary magazines, which I would have the opportunity to work on -- Very recognizable name, especially in the communication/writing fields -- Cool exchange program possibilities (both national and international) -- No religious affiliation (this is a positive quality for me) -- The name of this school on my resume (and the education received here) might be much more likely to land me an actual job out of school -- Semester system (more time to really get into and learn from the classes) -- The administration in all supportive offices are very organized and responsive to students -- In general I think I would fit in with the unconventional (although driven) atmosphere and mission of this school -- Some people would kill to get into this school and would think I was crazy for turning down the opportunity here Cons: -- I don't know if the program itself is the right fit for me. It is more based on learning to be a publishing professional rather than improving one's writing skills in various genres. I might be bitter if I end up working in a field where I promote OTHERS' writing instead of pursuing my own writing passion. -- Students need to choose a publishing concentration as a focus of their studies. I don't like the idea of having to choose a specific genre (it seems like this could be potentially professionally limiting). -- I don't know if I would have much in common with the head of this department (who would most likely be my advisor). She is an expert in the design/electronic realm of publishing instead of the literary aspects of it. I feel like I wouldn't connect with her. I am a literature nerd, whereas it seems that she is more into design and the really technical side of publishing. -- I have not had any contact with this faculty head. I did not receive a welcome letter from her upon my admission (like I did with the chair of the other school's department). -- I don't think there will be many students in my age group here. From what I've seen on Facebook, most are fresh out of undergrad and in their early twenties. This factor could be very alienating for me. -- I live (and am from) an area only a few hours away from this school. I am honestly kind of sick of the small town vibe in this location (even though it is located in a city, just a small one) and could use a drastic change of scenery for my personal growth. School B: Pros: -- A much broader and more writing-focused program. Students can choose courses in multiple writing genres, but do not have to declare any official concentration. Additonally, students can take more practical publishing electives. -- I think that I would really like the dept. chair and feel that she would be an amazing mentor. I have been communicating with her via email and like the interaction I have had with her so far. Although I haven't actually met her yet, she seems very approachable and interested/concerned with her student's goals and ideas. She is also a very established writer. -- Most of the faculty here are reputable writers who attended the Iowa Writers Workshops (which are VERY respected in the industry). In addition to wanting to work with the head of the dept., there are several other respectable writers that I would love to learn from here -- It would be more acceptable in this program to not exactly know what I want to do professionally, since it is a much more expansive program compared to the other school -- From what I have seen from Facebook activity of this department, I think there would be more students in my age group in this department (and even just the school in general). -- Located in a much larger city, one of the biggest cities in the country. Even though the department may not give me stellar connections/opportunities, I would have much greater internship/job possibilities in this city during school than in the city School A is located in. -- On a related note, I will be single and this city would give me a better chance to meet someone in my age group than the smaller city. Cons: -- A much larger, religiously-affiliated Midwestern university (I am just not really into supporting Catholicism as an institution, don't care if other people like it) -- Not super well ranked in terms of academics. It isn't terrible in terms of ratings and it does have a recognizable name (but the latter is somewhat due to the school's athletic teams rather than academics) -- On a quarter system. I'm afraid the classes will feel rushed and I won't have time to really learn about the subject. -- The administration hasn't been super friendly, detailed, or helpful (although the department chair, like I said, has been very friendly and helpful). For example, the department doesn't even have a student ambassador in admissions that I can ask questions of. There is no way for me to network with current/prospective students here to find out their perspective of the program. -- I am worried about my ability to land a decent job after graduation here, since, like I said, the name of the school isn't as known in the writing/publishing industry. Okay, this post is becoming insanely long! I need to make my decision by April 15. I am going to visit each school within the next few weeks, sit in on classes and meet with some professors. I feel like I am doing something very morally wrong though. Each school is under the impression that I will be attending their program next fall. I have only officially enrolled at School B, which I kind of did unintentionally. I didn't really understand the enrollment process at this time (this was the first school I was accepted into). They sent me an acceptance letter via email, with a link to enroll. I technically enrolled (at the time I thought this meant I would lose my spot if I didn't respond immediately), but I never sent any sort of deposit, since this is not required here. However, things seem more laid back at this university. School A, on the other hand, seems much more official with policies and such. I am assuming I have until April 15 to enroll, since this is when the deposit is due. They are not requiring that students do anything, such as register for classes, before this point. However, I have been invited to a dinner at a swanky hotel with the department and other students that will take place before April 15. I will feel horribly guilty for turning either school down after wasting so much of their time. However, I wasn't expecting for both schools to accept me and for things to turn so official as quickly as they have. At long last, which do people think is more important: General school ranking/reputation or the fit of the particular program?? I have not heard about funding from either school yet, so I can always use this factor as the final determination of choice. I feel like I can't make the wrong choice or else I will be obsessed with it for the rest of my life. Thank you! Sorry this is so long.

Hey. I have the same exact problem! I also just got accepted to a school in Illinois and am from a relatively warmer climate. I have a few other reservations about the school besides the climate it's located in, but the latter is also a concern I've had. If I didn't happen to have this weird circulation disorder (most likely you don't also have this), I wouldn't be that concerned. I lived in Vermont for over 10 years, which is an extremely cold environment. In fact, I've been doing some research and I've discovered that the area that I lived in while in Vermont is actually colder in the winter than Chicago (where I got accepted). From what I've read, Illinois winters aren't as unbearable as in some other parts of the Midwest. I think that Minnesota is actually a lot colder and if you were going to, say, the Dakotas, I'd say you would definitely have an issue. I don't think it's really as bad as people say it is. However, if you are from a country where it never snows, the snow of the winter here may take some getting used to. You shouldn't not go to school here just because of the weather. Believe me, I'm trying to tell myself the same thing. Also, the "windy city" term used to describe Chicago is actually misleading. This nickname doesn't refer to the weather, but rather to the political frenzy of a certain era in this city. This is what I have read, anyway. Good luck!

Hi. I actually have a very similar problem as well. I'm trying to decide between two grad schools that have the same program in name, but are vastly different in terms of curriculum and also in academic ranking. One is more difficult to get into than the average college and has a very reputable name. The other is a larger university in the Midwest that has a recognizable name, but isn't as respected as the other college. Like you, I'm trying to decide if happiness and a better fit are more important than a prestigious name on my diploma (but an education received in a curriculum that I am not completely sure is the right fit for me). However, I'm not necessarily deciding between advisors, but rather between which program I like better. I like the program at the less prestigious university better. It also so happens that I think I would work better with the advisor at this college as well. But, I feel like friends and family will think I am crazy for turning down the more reputable school. I guess I am inclined to tell you to that perhaps the program is more important than the advisor. I realize that you are going for your PhD and I am only entering a master's program, so maybe there are issues at play here that I may not understand. However, I think the program fit is more important, unless you will only ever be working with one particular advisor and no one else. Since you said your fit with the more prestigious program is better, I would say go with this option. I am sure you will have opportunities to interact and work with others besides the advisor who you said you don't quite mesh with. Also, you never know if something could come up and for some bizarre reason this faculty member will not be your advisor any longer (unlikely, I know). If you thought that BOTH the program and advisor at the less prestigious school were a better fit for you, I would say choose this option. However, you said you like the general program better at the more reputable school. I'd say the more "prestigious" is the safer option of the two; I'm not saying this because it's a more respected school, but because of the factors you explained. I think you would find you would be happy in the program that fits better, even if you and the advisor are not exactly one the same page. I understand how excruciatingly difficult this decision must be for you. Good luck to you!!

Wow! That post was long -- sorry.

Hello everyone. I am so glad that I found this thread. I'm new to this site and I'm also somewhat of a nontraditional student. I'm 33 and will be entering my first year of graduate study this upcoming fall. I was just accepted to both grad schools that I applied to (after years of working dead-end jobs and being absolutely distraught about my personal and professional situation). There is hope! My situation is kind of unique: I did go to a four-year college right after high school (transferred a few times) and graduated with a bachelor's within a reasonable amount of time. After receiving my bachelor's in journalism, I started out on the right track by getting an entry-level position at a newspaper, worked there for a few years, and decided that the newsroom of small town newspaper wasn't really my style. Anyway, I had planned to move to a better location to pursue a decent job, so I began waiting tables in order to save some money (huge mistake!). Well, what was supposed to be a temporary job to earn cash ended up lasting seven years (actually, I am still waiting tables). At the beginning of this stretch, I continued to relentlessly look for writing/media jobs, but for years it just seemed that nothing worked out. Eventually, I quit trying and became a bit depressed for a while. A few years ago, I decided something HAD to change or I was going to go crazy. Since I couldn't find work in my field that paid me, I began looking for somewhere I could internship, even if it meant not receiving any financial compensation. Again, I wasn't even in any college or vocational program at this point. My main goal was just to gain any relevant and recent professional experience to use on my resume in order to apply to grad school. I thought that maybe I wanted to get into publishing, so I began researching this field and nearby agencies, etc. I eventually did land an independent internship at a boutique literary agency in a nearby city. This experience was beyond invaluable to me since I not only learned the basic skills of this industry, but since it is a very small agency, I had the opportunity to work one-on-one with the owner of this agency, who is extremely reputable and successful in the field. To this day, I still consider him a mentor. He has encouraged me, written me several excellent recommendation letters for grad school, and we continue to keep in touch. After the internship, I managed to find a few freelance editing positions, which I was also able to use on my resume. I even edited someone's memoirs and the author was so impressed with my dedication that he also agreed to write me a letter of recommedation for grad scoool. To branch out and also to start writing again (this was my original passion and I discovered that I missed it greatly), I began contacting local websites and papers to see if they needed any freelancers. Since I live in somewhat of an economically depressed place, all I could find was a writing gig that couldn't pay, but since it is for a kind of hip website and I desperately needed the clips for my portfolio for grad school, I wrote a few articles for free. I still continue to write for this site occassionally, as I need to grow as a writer and I need to clips. Phew! Well to make a long story short, I did start applying to grad schools a few years ago. A few weeks ago I found out that I was accepted to both schools I applied to. They are drastically different: One is a somewhat elite and kind of uncoventional communications-based school (very well rated and known, however) and the other is a larger university in the Midwest that isn't as well regarded, but the writing department looks fantastic. I am going for writing and publishing with both schools, even though the curriculum in each institution is very different. I'm just here to tell you that I too didn't follow the conventional route, gave up hope for quite a bit of time when I thought I had no future, and now I am in the position of having to decide WHICH grad school to choose. If you can't find paying work in your field, VOLUNTEER your time in order to gain skills, network, and put something on your resume in order to make you stand out to grad schools! Work for a literacy group, a nonprofit in some capacity, just anything to have recent experience. You could also subsitute teach, since most school systems only require you have a few semesters of college in order to do this. Even if you are not interested in education, again, this endeavor would show that you are at least trying to do something somewhat professional and relatively rewarding. Good luck to you! You can seriously do it. Don't give up!

Hello there. I am completely new to this forum. I totally understand what you are going through right now, as I am struggling with the same exact issue. However, I'm only trying to decide between two grad schools that I have recently been accepted to. I am so distraught about my indecision that I can barely even sleep. I would say you could narrow it down by eliminating the one school that you said doesn't offer decent funding. So, now you are down to two at the moment (but you're still waiting to hear back on the third). Are the schools all in completely different areas? Since you said they are all excellent academically, you could narrow it down to physical location preference. Is one school located somewhere that you think would be a really cool, vibrant place to live? I know you're concentrating on academics not physical location, but if you don't have any more criteria to narrow the decision down, why not use this factor? Have you been to visit each school? If you can afford it, I would suggest doing this and possibly sitting in on a class (if you ask to do this in a way that doesn't make you seem ambivalent) and see what kind of vibe you get. Do you think you would fit in with the school climate in general, and also with the other students of your department? These are all important issues. I wish I could apply the same advice I give to others towards myself. Don't feel too bad about keeping them waiting. I am doing the same thing. I am honestly not trying to be inconsiderate; I just get absolutely paralyzed by decisions. Best of luck to you! I say go with your gut!