SUNY ESF or University of Bristol ( UK)

[compassion83]

Hi all,

I've gotten into both SUNY ESF and University of Bristol for MSc in ecology. I applied to several programs in the UK through the Across the Pond program. I'm torn as to which program is best for me. University of Bristol is only 12 months full time but its only research based. I haven't had much contact with the professor about the program and have really had a hard time getting in touch with him at all. But its in the UK which I think would be an amazing experience and University of Bristol is very well rated. But i'm worried because I know the importance of the relationship between the professor and student and frankly I don't even know if this guy will ever return my emails Also, Since I'm applying to school in the UK for ecology will this make it harder for me to get a job back in the USA. I want to work in the Eastern USA.

SUNY ESF is a good school in Syracuse, which I've heard is pretty depressed economically. I've had contact with the professor who seems extremely nice and easy to work with but the program is unfunded and 2.5 years long. The program itself looks good and I know is respected in the USA.

I dont know what to do! SUNY ESF or the UK? Are taught masters programs in the UK as respected as USA programs? Has anyone had experience with an MSc by research ....because it seems like that has no guidelines and could blow up in my face.

Lastly, I just found my perfect program at VT...posted June 20th! I've been looking for this program and have finally found it ...too late Its funded and on my favorite subject Salamanders..But they require a competitive GRE and mine is only average...but aside from that I have a competitive GPA, good references, and a lot of experience.

Any advice on this mess i've gotten myself into!