cerise

Seriously? In a group this highly educated, people are still spewing out blanket generalizations like this? There a good reporters, mediocre reporters, and bad reporters. Ditto for newspapers, TV news shows, and the rest of it. So yeah, the bad stuff is out there-- but that doesn't negate the fact that there are thousands of reporters working under stressful and dangerous conditions so that we can go about our lives feeling like we know what's happening in the world. It's a valuable service, and those who provide it should be supported rather than demonized. If you're concerned about sensationalism, I'd counter by saying that most people never even read past a headline. It's a bit unfair to blame the media for not being able to get the full picture out quickly enough for our collectively shortened attention spans. Also, to those mentioning biased reporting: she's not doing a research report. She's looking for specific examples that match with the specific angle she's pursuing for this human-interest story.

Linden, Maybe I'm way off here, but it seems like you really want to go to Harvard and you're searching for a way to justify it. Intellectually, rationally, I'd say one of the other two schools is a better choice. You already know all the reasons why that's true. All the things people have said on this board about how prestige doesn't matter that much in the long run, how debt can curtail your freedom and make you miserable, how both your other options are nothing to sneeze at-- well, all of those things are true. But. You have one chance to do this. And if Harvard means as much to you as it seems it does, don't be afraid to take that emotional reaction into account. You don't want to be bitter about this 10 years from now every time you run into someone at a party and they mention they went to KSG. I'm not saying that'll happen; only you know how much this really matters to you. But I guess what I'm saying is that I would maybe take a minute to think about this not in terms of career prospects, but in terms of happiness. Which will matter more to you in the future: being debt-free, or having a Harvard education? It's a completely personal choice, and the right choice for you may or may not be the rational one. For what it's worth, I generally feel like debt isn't worth it in the long run. And my justification for that, as I've said before, is that it really limits your options. But if you walk away from what you really want, you're limiting yourself anyway. Whether you want to limit yourself now for more freedom later, or do it the other way around-- that's up to you. But if you have a gut feeling, pay attention. Anyway, that's just my opinion. Sorry if it's presumptuous. No matter what you choose, good luck!

FYI, you can often avoid broker fees by going directly to the management company for a particular building. That's what I've done for my past two apartments-- I just couldn't handle the idea of paying a broker fee! My current management company is K & R Realty, but a quick googling will turn up a good list. Some buildings also have plaques out front that state the management company. Another thing to consider: if you're at Columbia, you can find substantially cheaper rent if you look just east of Morningside park. I live on Frederick Douglass right now, a few blocks south of 125th street. My apartment is huge and gorgeous, in a new building, and I pay probably $300-$400 less than I would for a comparable space on the west side of the park. Yeah, you have to walk a few more blocks, but it's worth it. And while the area isn't as fancified, it's still completely safe, and there are some cool things nearby. There's a wine bar across the street from me, a few coffee shops, a couple of organic stores...all the yuppie conveniences. Oh, and I'm a 4-minute jog from Central Park. Basically, I'm saying that you shouldn't be scared to venture out of the Columbia cocoon. New York is an extremely safe city, you just have to get used to it.

Thanks! I'm really excited. I've always wanted to live in Seattle. And UW would be cheaper than the Ford School, which is a huge plus. As for your decision, I wouldn't worry about it yet- clearly, they don't have a particular organizational plan to this. Some people got emails two days ago, I got a phone call today, someone else getting a letter...who knows what they're thinking? You could always call if you're getting antsy.

I just got a phone call! Seems like they're all over the place with their notifications-- phone, email, and postal service. And with that, I'm done waiting-- and on to decision time! Anyone going to the admitted students weekend?

This is my latest obsession. Don't judge. http://files.kavefish.com/pictures/collections/bunny_suicide/_index-list.html Well, fine, judge. I'll just be in the corner, giggling about bunnies. THAT IS WHAT THIS PROCESS HAS DONE TO ME.

I think it's per term. http://www.finaid.umich.edu/Financial_A ... s/cost.asp

I just got mine too, and it wasn't especially good news. Hrrmph.

Seriously. This is ridiculous. Thank God for March Madness of a different kind--it's giving me something else to check obsessively!

I have also heard that a lot of schools are looking to increase their aid, because they're worried that otherwise their yield will drop too much and they'll lose the students they really want. That probably applies more for undergrad though-- I can't imagine many schools will have trouble filling their incoming MPP classes this year, what with the across-the-board rise in applications. Seriously, what an awful year to be applying to school.

Ugh. You're probably right, but I hope not. I really like their program, but I'm not going to sink myself into serious debt for it.

Anyone hear yet about funding? Or, because I see no reason not to engage in useless speculation, does anyone know how generous they are with assistantships/etc for first year MPP students?

Linden, I feel your frustration, honestly, especially when it comes to not knowing all of your options yet. And I'm not going to say definitively that one choice is better than another. Once you have all of the information, you'll make the best choice you can, and I'm sure that good things will come for you no matter what. I just wanted to share my experience, because little compares to the frustration of being trapped by your financial situation. It's hard to really understand that feeling in the abstract. I do also want to agree with the comments made about the difference that a name-brand degree makes in the hiring process. I can't speak for the for-profit world, but in my experience the edge that it gives you is slight to non-existent. Employers want to see evidence that you take initiative, that you're dedicated and enthusiastic about what they do, and that you'll be a good fit at their organization. It doesn't take a name-brand school to demonstrate those factors-- it depends much more on what you did during your schooling than where you went. The name, the alumni network, etc-- all of those things can be helpful, of course, but if you're really interested and motivated you'll find that there are opportunities for you even without those advantages. Again, I'm not saying that there's one right decision. I'm just saying that there's more than one way to be successful.

I mentioned this before on a different thread (and it was totally off-topic in that thread, sorry about that!) but I would seriously urge thinking carefully about how the debt you take on now will affect your life choices later. The issue isn't money, it's freedom. Yes, you may be giving up some intangible benefits if you choose a less prestigious school. There may be some really wonderful things that you'll miss out on. But if you're truly motivated, you'll still be able to do good things and get a lot out of any legitimate program. And more importantly: when you get out, you'll be able to do exactly what you want to do. You won't need to turn down an exciting position because the salary isn't high enough to cover your loans. You'll be able to take time off if you need to, do cool volunteer stuff, and generally take advantage of all kinds of opportunities that just won't be feasible if you've got these giant loan obligations. Obviously, everyone needs to make their own choice, and this is not one-size-fits-all advice. But as someone who took out serious loans for undergrad, I can tell you that it's hard to really understand how debt affects your life--both psychologically and in more concrete ways--until you're actually living with it.

I know their apps are up, but it's just hard...I want to start making plans. In my mind, I'm getting more and more committed to the idea of spending the next couple of years in Ann Arbor. The nice thing is that they'll send funding info at the same time, so that helps. But I seriously hope it happens this week.