shakespearebro

I agree with social. Seems like the courteous and professional thing to do.

In what universe is "full funding" 75%? Shouldn't "full funding" be 100%?

I'm not sure I see the pressure here. Are terminal MS programs with no funding actually pressuring you to say yes or no before April 15?

I agree. No funding means no obligation. You can decide the day before registration.

How big is the difference in funding between the reach and the middle option?

My jaded, school of hard knocks, "older" grad student advice is to make the SigOth the LEAST important of your criteria. Don't dismiss, but the SigOth will either work out or not on its own, regardless of the commute. Choose the right opportunity.

I realize I'm just parroting conventional wisdom, but there's a reason it is conventional. Go with the funding, ceteris paribus.

Are you worried that housing costs close to campus are too high for the amount of your stipend?

I'll add to the chorus. Hands down, go with the funding. No question at all. Both schools are good for your field. There is no multi-tens-of-thousands dollar advantage to Georgetown. Go with the funding.

I agree with grammercie. You may still ultimately decide this isn't for you, but take your time and think about it. I applied two years ago, was accepted with funding, then deferred my acceptance to take a very exciting job. I then deferred another year to think it over and ended up reapplying to the same programs that accepted me before, although I am now in a much weaker position than I was after my initial acceptance. (Funny how they don't trust you after you keep them hanging. ) I've also found that a second visit to the campus can sometimes really change my perspective. Think it over, then do what it right for you in a week or two.

No question--go with the funding.

Go to Berkeley. If he comes to Berkeley also, great. If not, let him go to Chicago and let him go. (Harsh and blunt, sorry.)

I got an email from Notre Dame in response to an email inquiry -- they've already contacted all acceptances and waitlists, so if you haven't heard from them by now, they're probably a rejection also. Sorry.