Hi everyone,
I would really, really appreciate any advice or input anyone has about picking a program (they are professional degree programs and I haven't yet decided whether to definitely continue onto a PhD. I am leaning toward yes). I've narrowed it down to two schools. I'm feeling pretty torn and have gone back and forth several times between the two. They're both top 5 for my field, but still are very different. Students in both programs eventually go into practice and research. I've got a decision deadline and am afraid that the decision I make will come down to how I feel on that day. I'm finally leaning fairly heavily toward one, but this is after much vacillating.
School A:
Faculty fit: Their faculty are impressive and doing lots of research, but fit with my personal interests is not great. I could definitely make it work, though.Department reputation:The department is #1 and well respected in the US and abroadLocation: Not located anywhere near I'd eventually like to end upCurriculum: more practice based, no real focus on research (but I would supplement w/ research electives, and pursue research opportunities) and would leave will a great skill set for practice$?: Partial tuition scholarshipReally great job placement/post grad placement.
School B:
Faculty fit: Well aligned with my interests, large faculty with breadth of different research interests, most of which are interesting to meDepartment reputation: not as well known as School A for my department, known for other departmentsLocation: Located where I'd eventually like to end upCan tailor curriculum very, very closely to my interests, would get experience in research$?: No money (I would try to get a RA or TA position but am worried that 20 hrs/week would hurt my studies when I could be attending school A and receiving a scholarship for no work.Good job placement/post grad placement, partially because of its great location
So I guess the big questions are, does it matter as much that faculty fit is not great for School A if it's for a masters program and not a doctoral? I know the stakes are certainly higher for doctoral. Also, I would find it difficult to turn down money and a better known department, for no money at a lesser known department--even if I do feel that School B's fit may be better. Which one would you choose? Thank you in advance for any advice!!!