BGSU vs. Kent for MA

[soleprovider14]

I was admitted at both Kent State and Bowling Green for a master's in history (European) for the upcoming fall with full funding and am faced with a dilemma. Both schools seem to have the same reputation (although it seems Kent has a more well known history department), both universities/cities are eerily similar (from what I can tell without visiting) and the differences between both are very subtle making this decision a tough one. As I know the most important thing is fit, both schools have a potential adviser who is tenured, young, and has contributed great research to the topic which I am interested in pursuing (and are quite famous in the field). While Kent would provide a higher (slightly) stipend, and a more well known adviser, said adviser's current research is not focused on my proposed research. At Bowling Green, while I would have to manage under a slightly lower stipend, I would be able to work with a well-known adviser who would actually be conducting relevant (to my interests) research concurrent to my studies/work.

My questions are:

Between the two schools, which has a better reputation for their history program/department?

How much does your potential adviser's current research matter while you study under them?

Since both of my potential future advisers are well known in their field, how much does their reputability/fame matter in a situation like this?

Thanks for any insight.

[ChibaCityBlues]

I was admitted at both Kent State and Bowling Green for a master's in history (European) for the upcoming fall with full funding and am faced with a dilemma. Both schools seem to have the same reputation (although it seems Kent has a more well known history department), both universities/cities are eerily similar (from what I can tell without visiting) and the differences between both are very subtle making this decision a tough one. As I know the most important thing is fit, both schools have a potential adviser who is tenured, young, and has contributed great research to the topic which I am interested in pursuing (and are quite famous in the field). While Kent would provide a higher (slightly) stipend, and a more well known adviser, said adviser's current research is not focused on my proposed research. At Bowling Green, while I would have to manage under a slightly lower stipend, I would be able to work with a well-known adviser who would actually be conducting relevant (to my interests) research concurrent to my studies/work.

My questions are:

Between the two schools, which has a better reputation for their history program/department?

How much does your potential adviser's current research matter while you study under them?

Since both of my potential future advisers are well known in their field, how much does their reputability/fame matter in a situation like this?

Thanks for any insight.

Don't worry about the reputation of the schools at this point. Instead, worry about the fact that you're going to need three letters of recommendation from whichever institution you'll be going to. One will have to come from your adviser, so he or she should be connected in their field somewhat. Shared research interests aren't so important at this point, as you'll have minimal opportunities to do any real research while getting your MA. What matters is that you'll be able to spend time with your advier in seminar and as a TA. That way they'll be able to write the strongest letter for you. You should be thinking about the other two letter writers that way too. So, if you don't see yourself getting three great letters from any of these institutions, don't bother going.

[StrangeLight]

i wouldn't say "don't bother going," since an MA in and of itself is an aid to PhD admissions later on. but chiba is right, go to the school with the stronger and more well known faculty overall. you will want three LORs from people known in their fields.