I have been accepted to both the University of Vermont and San Diego State University for an M.S. in Chemistry; it seems likely that I will receive funding for both programs. I am really at a loss as to which offer to accept. I will break down my primary considerations below:
Strength of Department/Faculty
My intention in applying to these programs was to do well and get and M.S. fairly quickly, and then apply to a more competitive program elsewhere. SDSU offers an M.S. program that is well suited to this goal, and offers the possibility of gaining a PhD jointly awarded from SDSU and University of California, San Diego. There are two faculty members at SDSU that have research programs that greatly interests me (in inorganic/organometallic chemistry). UVM has one faculty member whose research interests me, and he recently received a great deal of funding. He seems to be a rising star in the field. I would say that overall, the SDSU faculty have research programs that more closely match my interests. SDSU is equipped with better instrumentation that UVM.
Funding/Cost of living
SDSU has a lower stipend in more expensive city. SDSU has better insurance coverage for students. Both schools offer tuition wavers.
General Vibe of Department and Location
The environment at the UVM chemistry department seems very warm and friendly, and the town (Burlington) seems like a great place to live. They have a very young faculty. San Diego State Chemistry seemed to have a somewhat older and less social faculty, but I couldn't quite tell. They were all very friendly however. San Diego is a good sized city and offers many activities (distractions?) I could participate in. As an LGBT person, both locales are very gay friendly, with San Diego offering perhaps a larger queer community. Meeting people and dating however are lower on my list of priorities; I'd much rather do well in a program academically and research-wise.
Size of school
UVM is significantly smaller than SDSU. Teaching loads are similar at both schools however (as far as I know).
Proximity to home
My family is in Connecticut, so UVM would of course be considerably closer to home.
Weather
This is a less important criteria for me. However, weather can certainly affect ones general state of mind and quality of life. I can tolerate winter well. Burlington Vermont has long winters, but I don't thing I'd mind too much. San Diego weather is always perfect it seems.
At the moment I am leaning towards SDSU, but a recent visiting student weekend made me less sure. I would like to decide by the middle-end of this week. Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
A.