Would you choose your program of choice or the chance to not go in debt?

[hduran]

Program of Choice v. Program of Financial Stability

"I do not have a number one choice. Whatever happens, happens. I do not want to get my heart set on one of them and find myself disappointed or unable to the see advantages of one of the schools because I am too fixated on another school" This has been my attitude since September. but its time to make decisions and i just really need unbiased opinions other than my friends or family or those within my field of interest. (by the way, these are masters programs im referring to)

(keep in mind when reading below: I have a California Veteran Federal Loan which pays for my tuition to any public school in CA, but not for housing/utilites/books/food etc.)

(also, both programs are in large cities and in cities I love. both have networking capability. im familiar with both cities, i have lived in both. and il work during either program)

School A: Prestigious School/i love the program Option

***would have to take out loan for housing/utilites/groceries etc.

I applied to 4 schools (but im debating between two now) and the best of the 4 schools accepted me today. I was ecstatic. SO HAPPY. i loved the interview, the faculty, the people i met. The interview was a genuine time to get to know them and for them to get to know me and i left thinking it was such a good experience and that i would love to be apart of that program.

But when i got accepted the happy feelings started to go away when the financial anxiety started to arise. Questions surfaced such as "Okay, I have to move and take out loans. But going into debt is not the smartest thing, especially in this economy....especially if i have the option to live at home" I wanted to say accept right away to this school but i still havent heard from the school that is right next to my parents house and i could live at home and commute.

School B: Good Program and Save Money/Be financially Secure option

*work and live at home --> do not take out loan

luckily my parents will let me live at home and then i can save money. I get along with my family and parents so i don't mind.

the program is really good. but i did appreciate that the interview was only 15-20 min. and then they took our picture. i felt it was not personable or professional. obviously if they took everyone's pictures, they were not taking the right amount of time to really get to know us. for 65$ admission fee, i would expect a little more face time. every other interview ive been to, i left the program/interview loving the experience and conversations i had with faculty and felt i got to know more than the bullet points of the mission statement on the website and the professors research interests. this interview was quite a joke to me after doing a 2 hour individual interview just a few days before that and two other extensive interviews.

(do you think interview process reflects on the schools overall program and work ethic?)

any feedback would be soo appreciated. im really struggling with this and can no longer listen to the biased opinions that are coming from me left to right.

[psyentist4good]

It is important to think about what is most important to you on a day to day basis. Once you start the program, the novelty will wear off quickly, and you will be left with the reality of the daily challenges of balancing grad school and home life. So it is important to visualize what it will really be like in each situation.

On one hand, how important is it that you have a truly fulfilling experience while at school? It sounds like your first choice program will really value you and take a personal interest in you on a daily basis. This can make all the difference in your quality of life while in grad school. On the other hand, how important is it to you that you don't have to take out loans? If having debt is something that worries you enough, this can make all the difference in your quality of life. Both of these things are temporary, but which one will make more of a difference to you?

It is truly up to you, of course, but speaking from the point of view of someone who has had to pay back substantial debts in my life, I am rooting for your number one school. Yes, debt is far from fun. But when I think back on the things that have mattered most in my life so far, I don't regret investing in the things that really brought me fulfillment. They have always been well worth the money, even with interest.

Best of luck to you with your decision!