My ultimate goal is to eventually apply for a PhD program at a top-tier school. I have been accepted for an MA at UCLA and I am waiting to hear from an MEd program at Harvard. This may be a non-issue because there is of course a good chance I will not get into Harvard. However, even if I do, I think it would be better to go to UCLA because I would have an opportunity to write a thesis, whereas at Harvard I would not. I think that the research experience gained from writing a thesis will be beneficial in applying for a PhD. However, my parents think that the name "Harvard" alone trumps everything else, and that if I get accepted at Harvard I should just go there, even though I would not get to write a thesis. What do you guys think? Would my potential PhD application be strengthened more by going to UCLA and writing an MA thesis or by going to Harvard? I appreciate everyone's insight and assistance.