Sassytune

Thanks for the info. "Insider" info is always helpful.

I am also looking at an hour and half commute each way <Yikes!> starting this Fall, so cannot give you input on whether it is recommended or not. But I think, at least in the first year, it should be manageable, ask me a year later, and I could have some advice.

Congratulations on the acceptance! I don't think it is unreasonable to ask about funding information. They are unlikely to withdraw acceptance just because you asked about funding. How likely is your present school to make the offer? Are they waiting for you to say "Yes" to them before making the offer? That is pretty unusual, to my mind.

I guess I am going to be the odd one out here, saying program #1 would be my choice, for me. I am not saying it is what you should choose. My reasons: I am excited about the program, advisor, project and even if the campus is in the middle of nowhere, it is still part of a bigger campus, so perhaps opportunities for socializing exist? One thing, I would think about is - transportation - do/will I have a car, if I wanted to escape into the big city and newer friends? The fact that it is a unique project, makes it more engaging for me, so I am more invested in it. I would check out the resources and potential academic pitfalls to make a decision. I would also check out the students presently at School #1 to see if I can "stand" them or they make me run screaming up the hills .

How awful! I'm sorry! I hope you can get some honest answers, but don't hold your breath. Seems like your DH was given the standard pie-in-the-sky promise - which stinks! Funnily, when someone tells me 'no need to worry' - I do - twice as much! But that's just me. I am not in the field, but is it a funding issue? Good Luck to you both!

OoH! Tough call. Any notion about your chances of acceptance? Funding if accepted? Is it one of your top choices? Will it put your rainy day funds to zero? Will you care if they perceive you as not showing sufficient interest in their program, or do you plan to apply there again? In any case, GOOD LUCK!