hello3angel

Btw, yes, I did visit Stanford.

Yeah, they gave me a lot more. It really was a no-brainer, especially since I was deciding between the two schools equally before financial aid was even factored in.

Made my decision this week--I'll be attending Stanford. Anyone else who will be there?

I had the exact same package ($7,500 need-based grant, no Perkins/FWS, etc.) Well, Stanford it is. Either way, for those who are attending HGSE, you will no doubt have an awesome experience. I really enjoyed my visit this past weekend and found all of the resources, faculty, staff, students, etc. wonderful.

I can totally see that happening... it's such a major life change. Honestly, I am at the point now that I feel very comfortable and confident about the program and career choice but am constantly worrying about the financial aspect of it all. I dread loan debt, accumulating interest, financial insecurity... I mean, financial circumstances really can affect all aspects of your life. It's all very daunting...

Makes perfect sense, with MIT cross-registration and all. I thought that was pretty neat, myself, when I read about it.

What made you decide 100% after your phone call? Or did you decide before even speaking with the Harvard prof.?

Wow... what was his problem? Mr. Negativity is what I'll call him...

it's ok!

thanks for the update

Thank you! The other program I'm considering is Stanford's TEP. I think that Harvard in your case would definitely be the more affordable option. And you're right... there is sooo much information to take in and so many factors to take into account. I agree that the Harvard pre-mat site is in itself overwhelming. I just can't wait to pick one program and be overwhelmed by just that one school instead of several, haha! Well, congrats to you on your firm decision! I hope to have a decision by the end of this month as well. *crosses fingers* I'll keep you posted!

Well, there goes that option then.

Wow, London! Yes, that would be very far for such a short visit. That is nice that you have been on campus before, though. Actually, I have as well (one of my friends went there for undergrad), back when I lived in NYC... so it was pretty close. But that was a loooong time ago, and I only saw certain bits and pieces of it. Honestly, I am considering not going to an event as well, since I have a feeling the ticket prices are inching up each day I'm not hearing back from HGSE about questions I had concerning the events... and I have a feeling my funding options for the school won't be all that great once I do hear back. In that case, the visit will just make me more disappointed. I am just a little stressed, considering my time-sensitive, money-dependant situation. The other program I'm strongly considering (since, so far, it has offered me the most money) actually starts in June... that is why I am just so nervous about everything not falling into place. I will need to rent out my property ASAP, give notice to my full-time job (even though I really need to work as long as possible, so I'll keep an income as long as possible), take a $250 test for another program if I end up going there, pack and move everything out of my property for the renters, etc... all on top of these classes I'm taking that won't finish up until May. I'll basically have two months to get my place rented out if I end up going to the other school, and I could see things going all wrong...

well, these are admit events, they are not "enrolled student" events. i think if you are struggling to decide between any of your schools, you should definitely visit if possible. i visited one school and plan to visit another one later this month... these are the two schools that I am most strongly considering, and I probably won't visit any of the other schools. i think visiting can tell you a lot about the school. it gives you the all-around feel of the campus, the students, the faculty, the admins, etc. honestly... it's no different than meeting someone online vs. meeting someone in person. would you want to marry someone you never met before in real life? i know that's kind of an exaggeration, but you get the point. there are just so many characteristics and factors you don't think of from afar that materialize in person. honestly, if the school isn't dishing out money to pay for your visit anyway and you can afford it, i say visit columbia just to make sure. there's nothing immature about making sure (and there's no crime in making a rhyme).

Yeah... 27k is 27k, no matter how you crack it.