thomasphilosophy

dawn breaks a lone winter bird chirps week four begins for some, it is a last hope for others, it is just another fish in the basket but for all, it is the beginning of the end

When you are trying to decide between two similarly ranked programs, I would advise choosing the one with the better fit. Just think: you will be spending 5-7(?) years of your life at this program, so it's really important that it is a good place for your interests. And when it comes time to go on the job market, coming out of a program that is really strong in your interests will pay off (whereas it will probably hurt you to come out of a place that didn't enable you to really develop your work). I have heard this type advice a few times from advanced PhDs and professors. Overall, the message is: go where you will thrive, and don't worry about a slight difference in Leiter ranking.

In terms of location, I don't think there is a question between the two, especially if the outdoors is a major factor. Boulder is known as one of the best places to live in the US. It's a beautiful place, with easy access to some awesome mountains. The city is funky/cool/artsy; the people are interesting/smart; and it is constantly ranked the happiest place in the US. St. Louis, on the other hand, is thought to be a pretty shitty city (I've never been there so I cannot attest to this.) And of course, Boulder is near Denver... and Denver is awesome! In terms of philosophy, though, I'm not sure. That's up to you.

Congrats!! Do you know if Indiana ranks its waitlist?

They don't mind gap years at all. It only becomes a red flag when it becomes 4, 5, 6, etc. years off.

I agree. I think taking a year off is best. You really want everything to be in the best possible shape when you apply to PhD programs. And taking time off is not at all an issue (unless it's more than 4 or 5 years).

Agreed. If you want confirmation that they include undergraduates, I encourage you to email the director of graduate studies.

Yes, Tufts distinguishes between where students were accepted and where they enrolled, but overall the placement record is not trustworthy because they include undergraduates. Anyone who is thinking of applying there should keep this in mind.