Like many on these boards, I've had an agonizing year of applying to grad programs. For whatever reason, I decided to apply initially to only two grad schools for a ph.d. in public health, and they happen to be the top two. I was rejected by both. In a final Hail Mary pass, I also applied to University of Texas, because of their late deadline. Yesterday, I found out I was accepted.
So a couple things...I didn't apply to UT earlier mainly because I didn't know much about them or Texas. Turns out, they are ranked 12th, but seem to be on the rise, attached to some pretty impressive research centers. Cost of living in Houston seems to be pretty good, and I'm liking other things I'm finding out as well (shopping, weather, schools for kids, job market for husband).
Downsides, I got some feedback that makes me think I have a reasonable shot at getting into my top picks if I reapply for next year. Question is if I want to go through all this again to find out.
What to do? 1) Go for it -- get started on a multi-year degree now at a school with a good reputation that seems to be on the rise. 2) Wait it out one more year -- See if I can't persuade the hold outs that I would be a great addition to their cohort. I have to say there is something appealing about being at a school that wants you the first time...
Oh, option 3 might also be to apply to some of the schools between rankings 2 and 12 to see what other options I might actually have! Thoughts??