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Indeed a good question. I wouldn't say that I would rather be one or the other. I am using both of these fields as a means of exploring my area of interest. Indeed, when I go to reapply for PhD programs, I may even apply to some interdisciplinary programs, such as American Studies. I don't think that Columbia has a geography program, but their sociology program is near top 10, if not top 10. And, I should have mentioned, Saskia Sassen is a professor, and she is the star of urban studies right now. But OSU is definitely a great program as well. And if stayed here, I have a decent job. Perhaps that should make my decision given the tenuousness of the job market right now.... Thanks for responding!

Hey everyone, I have a week from today to make my final decision of where I will or will not go for grad school. I was accepted to OSU (Ohio State) geography MA, Stony Brook sociology phd, and Columbia Uni sociology MA, no funding anywhere. First, I just found out about my admittance to Columbia a couple of weeks ago because my letter was lost for some reason. I had applied to the PhD, but was only accepted for the masters. When I found out, I was uber excited because my partner and I really want to move to New York, and this could be that opportunity. That being said, the economy is shit now, and there aren't many jobs, so we are worried about the financial feasibility, not even considering the 30k that I'll have to go into debt to get the masters there. My plan would be to work my ass off while I am there so that I can get into either theirs or another New York school's PhD program WITH funding. OSU is my other serious option. It's much cheaper, and I go there now for my undergrad (graduate in June). Columbus is comfortable, and my partner has a decent job here that he enjoys. But we don't want to spend the rest of twenties here. Also, having the brand name of Columbia University on my CV is extremely enticing, and I feel like this could open the door for serious opportunities in the future (granted that Columbia's sociology program is also top notch). OSU just does not have that kind of brand power. The whole thing is upsetting because even after I pay all of this money and get myself into serious debt, there is no guaruntee that a) I'll get into a funded PhD afterward, or that after the PhD, I'll be able to find a viable career in academia. Perhaps I should forget grad school for now and look for a job (that probably does not exist.) What do you all think? Is it dumb to want to go to Columbia for the reasons I have enumerated (location, compatibility with partner's goals, prestige)? Should we wait it out here in Columbus -- I'll continue my studies at OSU, and then reapply to all of these schools upon completion? Or should we seize the dream and move to NY? Or should I just forget about grad school? Any suggestions would be very much appreciated! Thanks!

I found out about being accepted to OSU's MA program in early Feb. I still haven't heard about ra/ta possibilities. The website these decisions are made known until 15 March. Has anyone heard about funding at OSU????? I am dying here!

I got accepted to Stony Brook, but alas, no funding whatsoever!!!! Stony Brook was where I really wanted to go, but I don't know if I want to take out loans to pay for tuition/living expenses.... I have debt as it is has anyone gotten funding there?