ONtheHunt

This is all great advice! Thanks everyone. I think overall, my excitement for the private school shows that this is where I'm meant to be. Both programs will serve me well, but I think in the end, I will be happiest in a bigger city with more opportunities at my fingertips!

Thank you for the response! I visited both schools during interviews. The R1 university is located in a more rural/small town setting, whereas the private is located in a city. One of the biggest factors holding me back from the R1 university is the need to travel 1-2 hours for a practicum/externship site, whereas the private university is located in a city. All the graduate students raved about their practicum experiences. Funding is another question. Funding at the private isn't as good as the R1 (for obvious reasons). Such a big decision that I am paranoid I am going to make the wrong choice!

Hey all, Just wondering if I could get some input on selecting the program that is best for me. I have been accepted at an R1 university for clinical psychology and a private university as well. Both programs feel like a great fit for me research/training wise, but I find myself leaning toward the private university's program. I am concerned that turning down an offer at an R1 university is a big mistakes. Can anyone shed some light on this concern?? Many thanks!!