Tough Decision to Make

[Guest oldname12]

Hey all,

New to the forums, but I am need of some advice from some people who know a little more about the application process than my friends and family. Right now I am very fortunate to have received offers from the programs I ranked as my one and two heading in. While I am thrilled, I am having a heck of a time deciding.

There are certainly perks to each. Program A is the better program overall in my opinion: more reputable faculty, better facilities, better stipend, better university atmosphere as whole, and the religious affiliation of the school matches my own. The perks are not as numerous at Program B, but I LOVE the faculty member I would be working with there. The faculty member at Program A is very senior in his field, but I just don't like I know him quite as well. The faculty member at Program B is young, but are personalities seem to fit well and I think I would enjoy working with him. Both are good programs overall, and they are located in the same area (about 2.5 hours apart).

In your opinions and experiences, what is the most important aspect of having a good graduate school experience? Practically speaking, I am confident both schools would allow me to get to where I need to go. If it helps, both are research-oriented clinical psychology porgrams.

Thanks for any input!

[CarlieE]

Personality fit is important but it sounds like Program A might suit you better. You might also want to keep in mind that while you will spend a lot of time with your POI, that you will also build up a life w/o that POI and so you have to really like all the other elements of your program. Perhaps drawing up a list of pros & cons will help and whichever programs gets the most Pros "wins"?

Maybe you should go visit both campuses and make appointments to speak with other members of the faculty or grad students etc.

[jbriar]

Yep. Your future is what is important here. If you want a career in academia, you need to set yourself up (respected POI, decently ranked university, little to no student loan debt). The next 3-7 years of your life will have a huge impact on your future opportunities. Sounds like school A will open up more doors in the long run.

Good luck,

J

[Norman G]

Tell us the names of the schools

[Megan]

I will add to what others have said that you never know what a professor is going to do once you are there. People sometimes leave. Choose the better program, and keep in touch with the prof you got on with so well.

 

[Guest oldname12]

On 2/22/2012 at 1:47 AM, Megan said:

I will add to what others have said that you never know what a professor is going to do once you are there. People sometimes leave. Choose the better program, and keep in touch with the prof you got on with so well.

I have contemplated attending the first program, but keeping in touch with that professor for that reason. Due to time constraints we may not be able to work all that much together, but at some point hopefully there would still be that possibility.