Advice on Comp Lit MA Choices

[Poor Yorick]

I have received two Comparative Literature MA offers. The University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana offered me a fully funded position including a stipend around $15,000. The second offer from SUNY Buffalo also came rather quickly and grants me in-state tuition and the possibility (but not the promise) of funding in my second year, but no funding for my first year. I anticipate further options, but as of now these are my only two.

Which of these two options is better if the goal is to improve my chances of going to a top level PhD program after completing the master's? Money is something of a consideration, but in-state tuition is only about $10,500 a year, so the loans might not be so life altering, and if I receive funding the second year, then that would make it all the better. I researched both programs and found professors that I like at each (though perhaps more at Buffalo). Additionally, I have looked into program rankings on various websites, but am highly skeptical of the simplistic ratings and orderings offered. What can you tell me about these programs? Do top PhD programs (UC Berkeley, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, Chicago, Duke, Cornell, etc.) like applicants with external MA's? Will they be aware or care if my MA was funded or not? Will they care if I have any teaching experience (as a TA)?

Any knowledge about either program and advice concerning this situation would be most appreaciated. My specializations include critical theory, 19th and early 20th century British and French lit.

[Ryzhaya]

I can't help with most of your questions, but as a fellow UIUC Comp Lit admit, I figured it was worth mentioning that they view all of their admissions as PhD applicants. I sent the graduate director an email asking about the usual timeline for a few things, and he mentioned in his reply that they "do not admit students who do not intend to continue on to the PhD." Just figured I'd share! Also, congratulations - - and perhaps I'll see you in Urbana this Fall!

[123student]

Poor Yorick, I'm going into Comp. Lit. too, and can add a little advice. You could look into and/or contact some current grad students at the programs where you hope to earn your PhD. If PhD students at some schools all have their MA's from those schools, then it might be a safe assumption that those schools don't favor external applicants. As for fit, I would personally incline towards the school with more professors whose work interests you: your own work would be much more enthusiastic with innate interest, your experience more enriching, and your LoR's better due to closer work with faculty. As for money, the $10k tuition doesn't seem to include living expenses, which would enlarge your loans an undetermined amount, and which you'd have to contend with in the future. Unfortunately, the funding situations look very different at each school, but the points I made above may be useful as you weigh your decision. Good luck.