Help deciding on MA programs!

[phil123]

Hi! I'm considering offers/wait-lists from the following programs: Wisconsin Milwaukee, Simon Fraser, and Virginia Tech. Does anyone have any advice on how I should choose between those offers?

It appears that Wisconsin Milwaukee has the best placements in recent years but they've also lost several faculty (Michael Liston, Peter van Elswyk) to retirement or lateral moves. Perhaps someone from UWM could comment on whether I should be concerned by this?

Simon Fraser also seems like a nice program, but they haven't updated their placements in a while. Virginia Tech has made several junior hires and have had strong placements recently.

My LOR writer tells me that those are all good programs and I needn't worry, and I also think I'd probably be happy at all those programs, but I'm just unsure how to decide between those offers. Would greatly appreciate any advice on those choices and about how previous applicants decided between such offers!

 

 

 

 

[Chris S]

How to decide: 

1. What are your areas of interest? Those three programs have somewhat different faculty profiles and course offerings. Which group best fits your interests? e.g., if you're interested in philosophy of science or Buddhism, you're shouldn't go to Milwaukee. If you're interested in Kant and German Idealism, UWM might be a good fit.  All three have faculty in value theory, but of course, with somewhat distinct approaches and strengths. 

2. Placement: you should ask SFU about their recent placement into PhD programs. My sense is that it has been good, and I'm not sure why they haven't updated their placement info. In this regard, I would be at least cautious about UWM - they appear down a few faculty at the moment. Maybe this means they're hiring, but you'll have fewer course options at a smaller department. 

3. Funding! This might be the most important. Don't forget to take into account cost of living differences. Vancouver is probably the most expensive place to live of these three locations). Are they also offering the most money?

4. Departmental culture: talk to the current graduate students and get a sense of how much attention they feel like they get, what the atmosphere is like etc.

 

Good luck!

 

 

[maxhgns]

Vancouver is the most expensive place to live of the three. It's the second least affordable city in the world, after Hong Kong. So talk to current students about the funding and their living situation, and make sure you're okay with that.

That said, Vancouver is also the prettiest of the three cities. So there is that! But also, with a Canadian degree, you will qualify for a three-year work permit, which you can parlay into permanent residency, if that's what you want.

I don't think you can make a bad choice here, fwiw.

[Chris S]

Yes, though technically SFU is not in Vancouver. The burbs to the east are at least a little cheaper. But still expensive. 

 

[1975_Balloons]

Virginia Tech is in the middle of nowhere in Virginia so that's something to consider. UWM is obviously near a good-sized city and SFU is right outside of Vancouver so if you're not into the isolated college town environment then those are better choices from a lifestyle perspective. 

UWM is still an incredibly strong program and the one I would choose. SFU has a very unique trimester system that helps in timing when applying for grad school so I'd have this as my #2. Virginia Tech is a college town and a party school so you'll be surrounded by a lot of undergrads there for a good time which can be tough for finding a quite spot to live and study since you probably won't have the free time or desire to go wild on the weekends (and weekdays).

Just my two cents, best of luck! Let us know where you choose, and congrats on the acceptances!!

[phil123]

@mnicoli4thanks, I thought VT would actually be quieter and better for studies because of its isolation, so I'm glad you mentioned the party culture there. I'm currently leaning towards UWM because the department fits quite well with what I did in my undergrad, but will post here where I ultimately end up going

[1975_Balloons]

@phil123Always good to get some input, but ultimately go with your gut! I just have personal experience with VT and I think it's a really cool spot for undergrad but maybe not for Grad where you need to be more focused and have less time for all the fun on campus stuff and tailgates during football season. If you're not a sports person then I think UWM and SFU will be more accommodating! VT football and basketball gets rowdy and there WILL be drunk students/alumni everywhere lol

[cassette_americano]

@phil123 I'm on the waitlist at Virginia Tech, if you don't intend on going please let them know as soon as possible! the wait is killing me!! THANK YOU  (Also I'm a lifelong Hokies fan so the sports stuff is all cool with me)

[philoq894]

Which offers do you have or are on waitlists for? I am also on the waitlist for VT and UWM

[1975_Balloons]

@phil123 Did you choose a program?