molgenlady Posted April 13, 2011 Posted April 13, 2011 So like many of you I am deciding between two schools by April 15th. My undergraduate degree and the past year's research technician work experience are both within the SUNY system, and I have been accepted into the Ph.D. program at the U. I work at currently. I have also been accepted at a private grad school in a different city which has a larger program. I am wondering if having all of my education and experience within the state system will ultimately limit my opportunities later on (especially postdoc. options). I like both schools similarly in all academic aspects and there are professors in each program that I would love to work with. The private school has a bit more advanced facilities and prestige though. I hate the weather where I am now and have lived here for my entire life so far (not by choice), but in the same sense it would be much more convenient for me to keep my current apartment and not force my boyfriend to find a job elsewhere by August. I am torn between the two schools and would love any advice you all have on what you would choose in my shoes. Thanks!
lyonessrampant Posted April 13, 2011 Posted April 13, 2011 I think you should go for the private school so you don't get all of your degrees from the same place. This will help you network more, which will be useful for jobs later. Besides, you sound like you need some adventure to break up your routine if you've been in the same place for so long Good luck! Bison_PhD and basst 2
neuropsych76 Posted April 13, 2011 Posted April 13, 2011 I also agree, branching out not only allows you to develop academically and grow as a person more, but looks better to future employers (or so i hear). I've lived in the same place my whole life to and I would hate being stuck here for another 5 years. I'll be moving a comfortable 600 miles away neuropsych76 1
ck03yh Posted April 13, 2011 Posted April 13, 2011 interesting topic! Just to weigh in, I too decided to leave the country for my MFA. I was actually offered full funding from a canadian school, and chose to travel to the states to do my graduate studies. I recognize Im in a lucky position to be able to spend more to do that, but I wanted to do graduate work outside of canada, so that If I return to teach, I will have that other experiences and perspectives to draw from. But in the end, I think the integrity of the institution with respect to your work, wherever it is, is the most important aspect.
Usmivka Posted April 14, 2011 Posted April 14, 2011 I'll play devil's advocate: If the schools are equivalent academically and you will get similar support ($, adviser, administration), why go through the hassle and expense of moving? If you plan to apply for work or faculty positions away from the area you are currently (which it sounds like you will) then very few employers will care that you stayed within the SUNY system rather than going elsewhere. It is a well known, well regarded university system nationally. Your phrasing makes me think you have have worked in different universities within that system and perhaps in different lines of research. If so, SUNY has more than likely provided you with a diversity of experiences. Anecdotal evidence (the worst, I know) leads me to believe that going to a different university is really only important if you hope to come back to the same one you started at for a career.
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