I have been accepted into a variety of programs, including a PhD program which I have since ruled out.
I have it narrowed down to what appears to be the best two overall - faculty, research, funding, personal like, etc. I'm about 80% certain I'll apply again for my PhD at a few more specific programs when I am done.
My question is, WHAT are your priorities when picking the final program and sending in your acceptance?
Does it always come down to money?
How much does program play a part?
Do you just go with you instinct on it sometimes?
Everyone has really encouraged me to take the fully funded offer I got, which I probably will do, but I am still feeling a bit torn because the program at another school is also very good. I wanted to put my two comparisons out there, and see what others have to say. Either from personal experience, or from the information I'm sharing.
School #1
PROS
- higher ranking in US overall
- friendly staff who seem to genuinely really want me there
- close to my fav. museum with near eastern focus (very likely i could intern here, this is also my dream PhD school nearby)
- seem to have slightly more requirements / structure as far as grades and languages go
- FULL RIDE, no tuition fees, and a job offered with the department
- still waiting to hear on another even larger award they nominated me for
CONS
- not as much specialization in coursework
- broader course requirements (though, this could also be seen as a pro)
- no Egyptian focus courses
School #2
PROS
- very nice staff and has produced many famous faculty/researchers in my field (near eastern)
- very specialized course work in topics (Egypt/near east) i have more background in (and what i want to do for my PhD)
CONS
- specializing too soon could potentially be a drawback for jobs, ?
- offered stipend, which is very small and only covers tuition (barely)
- would need a lot of loans to live off of
- i already have undergraduate loans
- strong art department, but school is Tier 2
Honestly, there is nothing "negative" about either the staff or even the program itself at all at either school. Both are fantastic and I have felt honored to be admitted and would probably do very well at either one. BOTH of these programs were in my Top 3 when I applied. (I was rejected from my very top choice, which is where I could still intern at school #1).
Has anyone been in a similar situation?
How much do you recommend or foresee specializing as a Masters student?
Would doing a more broad MA program be a drawback in applying to PhD programs?
THANK YOU everyone! Good luck to all of those still deciding!