@cannonwalker I am in the same situation, trying to decide with MA at Berkeley (likely funded) and PhD at UMN (guaranteed funding for 5 years). So thank you for asking this question. It would be very helpful to me too.
I don’t really believe in “safety schools” anymore because so far I’ve been rejected without interview from all my safety schools, and accepted/waitlisted from my top 4. Anyways I wish you the best of luck!
@biostat18 It sounds to me that your tuition should be covered. But I can be wrong. You should check in with the person who sent you that info. Did they send you an official notice/offer about GSI?
Yes I heard back from them last Thursday. I applied to their PhD but admitted to MA program. I really want to go there but I am worried about funding. Especially because I have another really good phd offer with funding and it’s hard to make the decision. Their spring visit day is scheduled for March 19.