GovtStudent

Congrats, Starter. As for me, I'm about 70% on Texas. IU has some great plusses, but faculty fit seems a little better at UT (for me), and all other things seem roughly equal. It's a tough call, but I'll likely be calling Austin home, as well.

My second field is normative theory(ish), which both are strong in but UT has more faculty and course offerings. I like IU's opportunity of an eclectic minor, though, perhaps allowing me to be creative with the second field. You can live cheaply in Austin, but you might not enjoy it as much. If you've got the standard packages from both schools (like I do), you can live much nicer in Bloomington... which I've also heard is a nice place to live, just a little different. Decision for me will come down to placement rates and opportunities to publish and do original work. Should decide in a couple days. Curious to hear where you end up choosing.

thestarter: I've got the same question as you right now. I'm in American and leaning Texas, though IU's department size and placement (and cost of living) are all plusses. Not sure on IR, as its not my field. Love your additional thoughts on the two schools...

What are your interests within Public Law? At Texas you've also got great resources at the LBJ School and the Law School. In terms of respectability I think the schools are fairly even. Emory probably has better placement because its name, but Texas placement seems to be trending in a good direction. I would consider most things roughly equal. Honestly, I'd make the decision based on how well the faculty members/resources accommodate your particular interest within your field and how much personal attention they will afford you. That's going to make the difference when it comes to eventual placement.

That was the impression I got... a program that is confident in itself and knows its on the way up... (way up). In American I met with Shaw, McDaniel, and Leal, and corresponded with some others. All relatively young, but all great scholars. That seems to be the biggest weakness-- it is a pretty young faculty. I would think that letters from younger scholars won't make that big a splash when I enter the job market, particularly when I'm competing against other job candidates who studied with bigger names. But, the environment seems pretty good. In terms of job placement and the respectability of the program (which is how a lot of us end up making decisions, assuming the fit will be good study wise)... I get the impression that, if I decide on Texas, it is likely that I'll be a bit handicapped when I first enter the job market, but given how serious the department is about moving up, and how good the young faculty members are, the degree will have serious staying power and only increase in value over the next 10+ years. It's a bit of a gamble (particularly if you've got offers from higher ranked schools). You've just got to weigh the risks involved.

I visited the previous weekend knowing I'd be unable to attend the visit weekend. I was quite impressed with the program and faculty I'd be studying with (American pol. behavior, psychology). It seems the program will continue to grow in respect and prominence in the coming years. Do you have any particular questions?