leopolds

I've been having the same dilemma at times. I think it's important to consider what might be best in terms of a job placement, which program may have scholars with more connections that can help you get a competitive job. But it's also important to consider your happiness, your emotional needs, and the level of support you can get from your university. U of M is a really great school, and the folks in the Women and Gender studies dept. are great. Not too familiar with the history dept, but I know the American Studies dept is solid too. And Ann Arbor is a nice college town, but it can get sort of claustrophobic. I think the best thing is to assess the decision after your visit and not get too hung up on the ifs and or buts until you've seen it first hand. Then weigh your options and really think about emotional well being. A lot of folks don't realize it, but your PhD could take anywhere between 5 to 7 years. That's a substantial chunk of your life, it's useless to waste it being unhappy when you may have been perfectly content with an equally solid education elsewhere. A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet, right? Best of luck!

I would suggest trying a google search, something like 'Computer Science Masters Rolling Admissions' or 'Computer Science MA spring admissions.' If you can find a program that admits students in the Spring of 2012 you could apply to those and start school next spring instead of waiting another 1.5 years.

Hey! Have all my apps in too, so far not too much movement, just a no from U of M's Screen Arts and Cultures PhD program. Still some left to go but should be hearing soon. Waiting is the worst thing in the world though, I've been trying to keep consistently busy but man, it feels like a long time!