orst11

^Agree with saltlake and brent09 for this issue. Both UMN and UCLA are household names. I think UMN definitely isn't quite at the same level UCLA is yet, but UMN's main competition comes from schools like WIsconsin, Illinois, etc. so basically they are on a different playing field. I will add if you are going to dabble into or even thinking about working with political psych, UMN is a hard school to turn down. Just be warned to buy a pair of boots. Last time, I was in the TC they had over 2 feet of snow on the ground. Ultimately, you have two good choices I don't think you would go wrong either way.

Yes, I understand a lot of this, as many others probably do as well, because we are picking schools based on where we think they will be when we do end up on the job market. I think maybe you will want to consider research productivity at each place like saltlake suggested. Often less senior faculty are more eager to take on students and this can help you, because you gain a lot more insight both with research and the profession as a whole. On the other hand, look at the connections you would gain from each place. Also, remember to look at the age of the department, meaning avg. age of senior faculty, because this can end up being a factor later down the line if it does take you longer than you hoped to finish your degree. Look at recent hires of the department and ponder on what they are bringing to the table that may be a factor in your decision. Truthfully, with political theory I would almost always say choose the better ranked program and this is coming from a person who loves the Midwest. Financially it may be tougher at the one now, but it may be better for you in the long run. Either way you can do great work at either one just remember that. Good luck you will make the right decision for you.

First congrats on such a great admission season. Now onto the issue, while I think some people will simply say to go to the program where money doesn't seem to be an issue, I think what you need to consider is, will the money be enough to get you through at both places. I think when it comes to political theory, obviously ranking seems to be an extremely important factor, because the field is more competitive than other subfields. This ultimately means with comparing the two offers program B has to compensate somehow and they obviously are doing so with money. Overall, Program B definitely has offered you a better package, but I think what you need to ask yourself now is where would you be more comfortable. I say this because you mentioned that both places have people working on your research interests and while this probably was a huge factor before it isn't a huge factor in deciding between the two now. Have you taken a look at placement and such? Have you visited and felt more comfortable at one of the programs? Seriously you can now even look at some simple(well maybe not so simple) things like weather, safety, housing, etc. that weren't a huge issue when researching where you applied, and these maybe factors in comparing if there are differences. As a person who chose a program much lower ranked than some of my options I would say consider the latter because they could have an effect on your ambition/sanity while you are in the program. Do you ultimately think you could be more productive in the field if you went to one program over another?

While I haven't lived there I did check them out when I visited. It seemed like there were a lot of undergrads there and honestly the rent is a little on the high side for Carbondale, but you basically are paying to live in an apartment that has been renovated recently or will be renovated soon. With that said I know they switched management companies recently and the apts were formerly known as Lewis Park apts. They have pretty bad reviews on apartmentratings.com, but obviously with management changes they may honestly be wanting to change.

Turned down: FSU, Kentucky (funded) and Iowa (unfunded)

gift basket

.

.

.

.

For many people, I think a significant other is drawn into the equation, so while the list definitely is good this is another thing to consider. The list could almost be doubled when you also consider picking up and moving them with you. On another note saltlakecity2012, I personally love the edit.

I think while it's great that so many people on this forum have heard good news, I think some of the new members here may be people applying next year and if we maintained a more active discussion it may help them when deciding next year. I just say this because I was in that boat last year. For instance, what happens if you have you choice down to two programs, but you go on campus visits and you hate them both? I know location should only play a minor role in this process, but like many have noted your productivity will typically be better if you are happy where you are at. I think it would be beneficial to hear about what people like and dislike about a program after visiting. It may help out the people next year. For me, I actually visited before applying but this may not be an option for everyone, and they may have to wait until visit days. Truthfully, it's only the end of February and a lot of us have some time to look at the program's with a different perspective now. Plus, many programs are not even done with decisions. While some of them may not be top programs, some of them definitely are good programs to say the least.

dustSNK, I barely remember even asking that question, even though it was on the first page of this topic. This whole cycle I think has been chaotic for pretty much everyone on this forum, but I was just considering how certain tactics and changes in an application profile may effect everyone's prospects.

This lists is definitely coming along fairly well. Hopefully, it will help those considering applying in the upcoming years. ^UNL definitely has a few good people, a mix of new and old blood, working on political behavior/psychology. Money I think is holding them back though.