Fall 2018, I got into all 4 schools - VCU, Memphis, Loyola Chicago, and IUPUI

[paulbets]

Hello Everyone,

Good Evening.

Please i need your advice about these schools below to make decision.

I got admitted into all the 4 schools i applied to for MS Bioinformatics as detailed below:

Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond - Admitted MS Bioinformatics (No word on Funding Yet)

University of Memphis - Admitted MS Bioinformatics, Concurrently Admitted PhD Biology (No Funding, but my prospective supervisor promised i will get funding when i enroll and spend a semester)

Loyola University Chicago - Admitted MS Bioinformatics (Awarded Fellowship: Full Tuition Scholarship, Full Health Insurance Coverage, and Stipend; subject to renewal on satisfactory performance)

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis - Admitted MS Bioinformatics (Awarded Scholarship but not Full Tuition Scholarship, Travel expenses for attending conferences covered also)

I am an international student. I feel very strong and enthusiastic about accepting the Loyola offer because of the strong connection i have developed with my PI and research fit.

However, i will love to hear your suggestions and opinions about the schools above, the cities and the program robustness. Asides from Funding, What other factors should i consider before making my decision. Particularly, i will love to know advantages any of the above cities could confer.

Thank you!

[rising_star]

Umm... I'm risk-averse financially so I would follow the funding. I know nothing about your field but I do know that Loyola Chicago is a good school so it seems like a good option. What are your career goals after the master's? How will each of these programs prepare you for those? Where are there recent graduates now?

(P.S. For info on the cities, check the "City Guide" on this forum.)

[paulbets]

10 hours ago, rising_star said:

Umm... I'm risk-averse financially so I would follow the funding. I know nothing about your field but I do know that Loyola Chicago is a good school so it seems like a good option. What are your career goals after the master's? How will each of these programs prepare you for those? Where are there recent graduates now?

(P.S. For info on the cities, check the "City Guide" on this forum.)

Oh Thank You Very Much.. I will look up the City Guide.

I intend to further on to PhD and Subsequently seek for means to start up a biotech company... I am still working on the idea though.

So i need a program that will position me well for that pursuit; and so far from my personal research, Loyola Chicago is still the best option for me.

Nonetheless, I just wanted to get others opinion and maybe any insider knowledge about any of the schools, program and city.

Thanks Once more!

[VanillaLattte]

Research fit/funding are the most important factors & Chicago is an amazing city