UPenn vs Yale

[magic]

I am starting to lose sleep from this decision (tormented for weeks now). UPenn or Yale? UPenn is the perfect research fit for me. Yale's research cannot compare (for my field). But Yale is offering: higher stipend, no teaching first 2 yrs, no summer commitment (i.e. very important time for my long-distance relationship).

What to do, what to do?

[newms]

Which would you regret more if you didn't go?

[Lantern]

Tough choice.

I also am having trouble making a decision for a variety of factors. I recently spoke with a very wise friend of mine who shared with me how she chose both her undergrad and her med school. Take one full day, and all day long pretend that you have already accepted to UPenn. Think of all the things you'd be excited about, all the things you'd be unhappy about, fears, hopes, etc. The next day pretend that you have already accepted at Yale, and do the same thing all over again.

I don't know that I have definitely decided yet, but this exercise above has yielded some very interesting thoughts and feelings!

Good luck!

[ScreamingHairyArmadillo]

While Yale might not be particularly strong in your chosen field, there must be a reason you chose them (and they chose you). What research is going on there that you do like? Do you think you could find yourself branching into new areas? With no teaching your first two years, that would give you ample opportunity to research new projects.

Also, compare price of living along with the stipend numbers. And I'm not sure what your field is, but most programs I know of don't really have free summers. There's field work, archival time, writing, TAing (eventually)...

[chemgoddess]

I have friends at Yale and UPenn, and it seems like the housing's surprisingly cheaper near UPenn, so maybe the lower stipend wouldn't matter as much? also, I think how much vacation time you can get really depends on your research advisor, a lot of people I know get months off even though it's not officially specified in their programs. my advice would be go with the better research fit, but I understand your pain, I haven't decided yet either!

[magic]

I have friends at Yale and UPenn, and it seems like the housing's surprisingly cheaper near UPenn, so maybe the lower stipend wouldn't matter as much? also, I think how much vacation time you can get really depends on your research advisor, a lot of people I know get months off even though it's not officially specified in their programs. my advice would be go with the better research fit, but I understand your pain, I haven't decided yet either!

I used an online cost of living calculator the other day. It said Philly cheaper by 7%, mostly because of rent. But when I check craigslist, anything I want in Philly is more expensive than New Haven. Ehh ... guess I have to track down contacts who've lived there.

[magic]

While Yale might not be particularly strong in your chosen field, there must be a reason you chose them (and they chose you). What research is going on there that you do like? Do you think you could find yourself branching into new areas? With no teaching your first two years, that would give you ample opportunity to research new projects.

Also, compare price of living along with the stipend numbers. And I'm not sure what your field is, but most programs I know of don't really have free summers. There's field work, archival time, writing, TAing (eventually)...

I don't expect a 3 month summer vacation from either package. But with "no summer obligations" at Yale I can work right away on my research. On the other hand, if I had to teach at Penn in the summer to secure the summer portion of the stipend, then it's impossible for me to get away. If I were just doing research I would be able to fly in and out more easily. (I think)

[rising_star]

I don't expect a 3 month summer vacation from either package. But with "no summer obligations" at Yale I can work right away on my research. On the other hand, if I had to teach at Penn in the summer to secure the summer portion of the stipend, then it's impossible for me to get away. If I were just doing research I would be able to fly in and out more easily. (I think)

Honestly, summer sessions never last the whole summer. They're typically 3, 5, or 6 weeks long. So, you still have a summer before and after teaching. For example, I teach in a 3 week session right when summer starts. I then have 10.5 weeks (which I use to travel out of the country to my field site) before fall courses start, and earn some side money from teaching. Magic, I recommend that you actually talk to the program about what the summer work requires before assuming that something like summer teaching will make it impossible for you to get away in the summer.

And, honestly, I wouldn't just use Craig's List to figure out where you want to live and how much it will cost, particularly if you're not very familiar with both cities.

[sapling]

Tough choice.

I also am having trouble making a decision for a variety of factors. I recently spoke with a very wise friend of mine who shared with me how she chose both her undergrad and her med school. Take one full day, and all day long pretend that you have already accepted to UPenn. Think of all the things you'd be excited about, all the things you'd be unhappy about, fears, hopes, etc. The next day pretend that you have already accepted at Yale, and do the same thing all over again.

I don't know that I have definitely decided yet, but this exercise above has yielded some very interesting thoughts and feelings!

Good luck!

Thank you very much!

It is really a wonderful advice. I will try at once. Thank you again!