drinkingtoomuchwater

Any thoughts?

If I were you, USC without doubt. btw dows UW cost this little? half the cost of USC? I think USC costs like $100 thousand in total for two years.

Carnegie Mellon University has a more quantitative program, great CS courses which I love, plus, financial aid of $4000 per semester. I think the total cost here is a little bit lower than in LA. University of Southern California has a better location, thus better oppotunities to find a job, I assume. I think I want to work in a large city after graduation. It doesn't have to be LA -- NYC or else are also great. I'm slightly leaning towards CMU, but some friends there told me that I should not go to Pittsburg. Another factor: I got waitlisted by Columbia, Cornell and Georgetown. (All MPP/MPA programs). If I choose CMU, The possibility I go to those three universities is kinda over because of the 415 agreement. Guys, what do you think I should do? When it comes to areas like public policy, is it very important that I stay in a large city for networking? Is it worthwhile that I give up CMU for those waitlisted universities? Looking forward to your answers. Thanks!

Really? Even if I change my mind in like mid May? but you're right about the black mark thing. I guess I shouldn't risk my career on this.

Thanks, man, that's really helpful. Only the university A didn't offer me much financial aid, I mean, it's like about $8000 per year. The university that waitlisted me may cost me less even without the financial aid. But thanks a lot anyway.

For example, there are two MASTER programs. School A -- Offer With Financial aid School B -- Waitlisted, not likely to have any financial aid Both are members of the 4.15 agreement. Can I accept the offer by school A, and after Apr. 15th, when School B gives me a offer without financial aid, can I abandon school A and choose school B?

Carnegie Mellon University has a more quantitative program, great CS courses, but University of Southern California has a better location, thus better oppotunities to find a job. If possible plz answer in terms of location, courses, networking, etc.