So this entire process of applying to grad school has been totally exhausting, but as it comes to a close I find I am very confused about where to go from here. I have been fortunate enough to have received acceptances from all the programs I applied to:
Georgetown: Democracy and Governance
Columbia: Human Rights Studies
Oxford: International Affairs (MPhil)
American University: International Affairs GGPS
GWU: International Affairs
I have been able to rule out American and Columbia, but am really having a hard time deciding between Oxford, Gtown and GWU. I am hoping somene out there has experience or insight to help me make this life altering decision! Let me explain why I am confused and maybe that will help...
1) Oxford- i could not believe I got accepted. It was definitely a reach, but I found out via an informal email yesterday that I will be receiving an offer. However, there is no indication about funding AND I won't know until Mid-April. The program is also a bit different than the traditional IR program in the US since there is a lot more independence and courses are a bit broader than they would be here. Living abroad in Europe also offers boundless opportunity and it's a once in a lifetime kinda thing... I also heard that the MPhil is viewed different in the US once you come back, espeically to DC, since I wouldn't have had many networking/internship opportunities.
2) Georgetown- definitely my dream school/program. They offered me a small scholarship, but it still remains the most expensive school by far. I also really like that they have small class sizes and offer one on one attention with professors. The location is ideal since I plan on working in DC after I graduate and parttime or full time while I am in school.
3) GWU- same location benefits as Gtown, however it's not as 'good' a school. They did offer me over 50% tuition assistance, which is why I am thinking about it a lot more seriously. I also like their professional development classes, but Gtown has those too.
At this point I am okay with taking out SOME student loans, since I think it is a good investment in my future, but just HOW much I take out and what the ROI will be remains to be seen. If anyone has any insight I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance!