Vanderbilt vs Indiana University vs Stanford - “Learning Sciences PhD”

[QuirkyGrad64]

I am a frequent gradcafe reader, and first time poster indesperate need of some educated opinions. My short story is that I applied forseveral programs in “Learning Sciences” or similar fields. I have receivedinterview offers from Indiana University, and Vanderbilt University, and wasaccepted by Stanford University to their masters program in Learning,Technology, and Design. However I originally applied for their LearningSciences and Technology Design PhD.

I am very focused in pursuing graduate education withinLearning Sciences, and only applied to such programs, or similarly relatededucation programs. I have read many “is PhD right for you?” articles, andreally feel that academia is my path in life. I also have entrepreneurialinterests, and would like to dabble in some business courses while acquiring myPhD, either as a minor, or while on my way to an MBA.

I just came back from Indiana University, and was VERYimpressed with their interview weekend. The Learning Sciences group is small,and “family-like.” Professors were very accessible all weekend, and so werecurrent grad students. They seemed to have relationships that wereprofessional, yet friendly. There were many “inside-jokes” and other indicatorsof strong professor/grad student relationships. My interviews felt likeconversations. There was no grilling of my person. However, at points I almostfelt like they were so friendly it came off a bit… desperate? (I feel terriblefor saying that). I wondered if they were perhaps trying to build the programand make it even stronger. To be honest, Indiana University actually contactedme first, and very early, during my graduate school search. Sometimes the perceptionone gets when being contacted by a school is “this school really needs students…and why is that?! Is there something about them that keeps students away?!” Grad students were also very candid with me. They said thatpreviously some of the difficulties with the program were confusions about whatwas expected of them on their qualifiers/exams/etc. But since they started aGraduate Student Association, many of their problems are being remedied. Therealso seems to be a lot of freedom in switching professors if a match doesn’tseem right, etc. without their being any hard feelings. Their research projects are also interesting, and stimulatingto me. And they are well versed in the theory behind their work, which isimportant I believe. The town (Bloomington) where the school is located wasreally nice, and there seems to be a lot of culture. I was surprised anddefinitely prejudged IU for being in the Midwest! Goes to show what judging abook by its cover can do. Their business school is also highly ranked for entrepreneurship, and current Learning Sciences students are also dabbling in business, so I know it's possible.

Let’s switch to Stanford: I have also visited Stanford campusand was very impressed by the resources available. The campus is beautiful. Theweather is beautiful. The faculty are very well known in the field, and ofcourse the school has a big name. Part of me is proud to have been accepted,and another part of me is sad that I was not accepted to their PhD program.However even if I had been accepted to PhD, I never experienced a conversationwith one of their professors (and I did speak to some while I was there) that wereanything like the connections I felt during my Indiana University interviews.The professors their felt a bit “cold” to be honest, which is surprisingbecause friends at Stanford do tell me the opposite (however they are not inthe same program that I would be going into). I also should note that I went toStanford on my own accord, and emailed professors to meet with me. It was not aformal interview weekend by any means, so they were not “selling” to me asmuch. I also know that if I go their to get my masters, I will have to pay forthat, and there is definitely a chance I won’t be able to continue through tomy PhD.

I interview next weekend at Vanderbilt, and am a bitconcerned because their program is not a strict Learning Sciences program. Ican’t say much about Vanderbilt besides the fact that they are fully funded forup to 5 years, which is a nice deal. But they are also in Nashville, which I am“prejudging” even more than the Midwest. Of course I have to wait and see how itfeels. I will probably update this thread once that trip happens, but wouldlove feedback up until that point.

So if I were to get into all 3 programs ("PhD IU Learning Sciences" OR "MA Stanford Learning Technology Design" OR "Vanderbilt Learning, Teaching, and Diversity with a specialization in Learning Science and Learning Environment Design") what do you think I should go with? What factors are important?

Thanks!

[ShesSoLovely]

I think only you can know the answer--and my writing what you have, above, you're already well on the way to your answer. I feel strongly that it is an absolute MUST to commit to the program that is the best "fit" all around...not the biggest name, but the program that will give you the most support so that you achieve what is most important--reaching your career goals. That is absolutely the pivotal end goal, and no particular university's "name" is going to help you in your career if you can't finish or succeed at what you started. Best of luck to you; it sounds like you have some really exciting decisions to make! Go with what your gut is telling you...maybe that's hard for a scientist.

[QuirkyGrad64]

Thanks for the feedback ShesSoLovely. I am sure that after my next interview at Vanderbilt I will have more ability to compare my options. Would you mind if I let out a virtual scream of confusion?...

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Thanks :-)

I will probably post some more next week after my interview. I know that overall I am very grateful for these opportunities, but decision making is still tough. :-/ :-D :-) :-?

-QG64