How do you decide?

[neuropsych76]

I received my first acceptance today. To put it mildly, I am absolutely ecstatic (!!!!!) and somewhat less stressed out about this whole process.

However, I'm still waiting to hear back from the school I interviewed at and I have another two interviews coming up soon. All of these schools except for one are all pretty close personal rankings wise (except one that is slightly ahead). My question is how exactly do you pick a school over another that isn't clearly a better choice? I know this is a good problem to have and I am incredibly fortunate but I feel a little overwhelmed. Especially, if a school accepted you without an interview...should you try to visit before deciding?

Any tips for intangibles or deal breakers? If its super close academically, should I just go for the better location/funding?

I feel bad making the schools wait and potentially other applicants, but decisions are tough for me because I always over analyze everything. I feel like I should attend each interview to help me make my decision though even if I can only attend one school. I know this is going to be an awfully tough decision with tons of counter factual thinking...

Thanks for any input and good luck to all!!

Edited February 24, 2011 by neuropsych76

[cranberry]

Absolutely visit before deciding. The most important thing, especially at this point, is fit. If you visit and find that you really just don't get along with your POI, or discover that he/she is a complete jerk, you may want to reconsider. Also, different programs have completely different vibes, and you need to figure out which one works best for you personally.

[BlueRose]

I am in a scarily similar position. Having the first acceptance - even if it's not my #1 choice - is a weight off the shoulders. (I got it a few hours ago...I'm a wee bit drunk, and well-fed. Yay!)

I've got four schools in the mix, and they are all plausible choices. All of them have strong points, and all of them have a near-deal-breaker or two. I've got one that's the smallest bit above the others - and I'm not sure that there's any rational reason for this - but I would be happy at any of them. And if I get more than one acceptance, I'm going to be pulling my hair out.

In fact, I've already started pulling my hair out.

I think I've resorted to seeing the ambiguity as a good thing - if the decision is close, then it means that either alternative is a good one. I'm just trying to imagine myself as a student at each place, trying to see what opportunities will be open to me, and trying to make the best choice I can.

In summary...I sympathize. Also, I'll pick yours if you pick mine?

[neuropsych76]

Absolutely visit before deciding. The most important thing, especially at this point, is fit. If you visit and find that you really just don't get along with your POI, or discover that he/she is a complete jerk, you may want to reconsider. Also, different programs have completely different vibes, and you need to figure out which one works best for you personally.

Yes, I think I will definitely try to visit all the schools in the mix before deciding. Even if a school is slightly lower on my list I figure I should at least go and see what it's like first.

I don't want to be at a place I hate for 5 years, thanks for the advice

[neuropsych76]

I am in a scarily similar position. Having the first acceptance - even if it's not my #1 choice - is a weight off the shoulders. (I got it a few hours ago...I'm a wee bit drunk, and well-fed. Yay!)

I've got four schools in the mix, and they are all plausible choices. All of them have strong points, and all of them have a near-deal-breaker or two. I've got one that's the smallest bit above the others - and I'm not sure that there's any rational reason for this - but I would be happy at any of them. And if I get more than one acceptance, I'm going to be pulling my hair out.

In fact, I've already started pulling my hair out.

I think I've resorted to seeing the ambiguity as a good thing - if the decision is close, then it means that either alternative is a good one. I'm just trying to imagine myself as a student at each place, trying to see what opportunities will be open to me, and trying to make the best choice I can.

In summary...I sympathize. Also, I'll pick yours if you pick mine?

Congratulations on your acceptance! Yeah, it's a tough call. Right now I only official have one admit but I have 3 interviews that could lead to future admits so it's just a lot to process. Of the 4 schools in my mix, 3 are kind of on the same level and one is slightly above (the one I have not heard back from). But I think I'm going to try and visit all of them to see what they are like!