nicolemanette

Ideally I would like to engage in direct practice as well as community-based participatory research after graduating. School B's offerings in both of these areas are superior to School A's. And even with the funding from School A I would have more debt than School B with no funding... I keep thinking it's a no-brainer, and yet I can't muster the conviction to commit to one or the other.

With 3 days to decide between 2 MSW/MPH dual degree programs, I am queasy and in a panic. Any insight or advice would be immensely appreciated. Here is a very general run-down of the dilemma: School A: An Ivy, ranked #16 for MSW program, MPH program is not ranked; much closer to my family and my partner of 2+ years (who would be able to move to City A but not City ; offering a very decent scholarship and the opportunity to do the 25 hr/week SW field work requirement as work study for $10/hr; throughout the appliation process both the sw and ph programs have been solicitous and personable, making it very clear that they want me; have been to the campus twice - for the interview and for an accepted students open house - and was definitely pleased, but not blown away... School B: While it lacks the prestige and name recognition of School A, the MSW and MPH programs are ranked higher (both at #11); the curricula of both programs are more geared toward my interests and objectives, and there are more profs in both programs who I see as potential mentors and with whom I would loove to do research. I have never been to the campus or the city - was accepted into the MPH program many weeks ago, but the MSW acceptance only came yesterday, and there was no offer for funding... It is friday and I have until tuesday to decide. I am planning to make the (significantly longer) trek out to School B on sunday and stay through monday. Any and all advice and insight is welcome. I don't have anyone in my own life who has gone through a similar decision-making process to talk to. Thank you so much!!