Undergrad university or elsewhere?

[curiouser.]

Yet another 'help me decide' post, if you would all indulge me...I think I've narrowed it down to two schools (although I keep flip-flopping, so we'll see!).

School A:

- My undergraduate university, in my hometown. Keeps me close to friends, family, boyfriend.

- Would allow me to save up A LOT of money.

- Interdisciplinary degree. Perhaps better for employment.

- Interesting research, but not as much as School B.

School B:

- New city. New experiences. Live away from home.

- Funding, so I wouldn't lose money, but I wouldn't save any.

- Single discipline, though opportunity for collaborative program with another department.

- Interesting research, opportunity for a different research area (i.e. a different country)

Any advice?

[splitends]

I am having a really similar dilemma! (I JUST posted about it in my discipline specific forum). I'm a little surprised that you're not being more swayed by the boyfriend-- how serious is it? I feel like all other things equal, maintaining a long term serious relationship would be a huge selling point for staying put. If you're still young and not super serious about it, though, I do see how considering that as a main factor could lead to a lot of resentment down the road.

Also, are the schools similarly ranked? A significant difference in the prestige of the two programs would sway me toward one or the other.

If none of that helps you make a decision, though, I would vote go some place new. Especially if you're young and went to college in your home town, it's good to see a little more of the world.

Also, is this a PhD? How long would you likely take to finish the degree? A shorter time commitment would also sway me in favor of going some place new-- it wouldn't be as huge of a commitment, which would make it easier to be a little more adventurous.

Anyway-- I know this is a difficult decision, so sorry for the sort of mixed advice. Good luck!

[curiouser.]

Thanks for your response, it's kind of nice to know I'm not the only one! And you make some good points.

It's a Master's program, so it will be two years in length. Relatively short!

Boyfriend and I are relatively serious, though we're both young and haven't been together that long. Regardless, he is supportive, and if I choose to go away, we won't break up. While he is a factor in my decision, at this point I'm reluctant to fully base any decision on him, if that makes sense?

School B is ranked higher in general, but both programs seem to be respected in the field. They have different approaches and focuses, but are both perceived as good programs.

I have lived abroad for a year, so thankfully the world isn't completely new to me But I definitely see your point, and I do agree. New experiences are important.

Decisions are tough! Thanks for your input, you've given me a bit more to think about. And good luck with your situation as well!

[Nerd_For_Life]

I would go for school B. It's important to branch out, network, and gain different perspectives throughout your academic career. In Canada some of the most prestigious scholarships make it a pre-requisite that you attend different schools, that's how important it is to the granting agency that you network, are exposed to different teaching styles, research styles, and point of view, etc.

[rmgerdes]

If you plan on applying to a PhD program later, they much prefer it your undergrad and masters are from different institutions. I actually have my MA and BA from the same school, and was able to FINALLY get into a PhD program this year, but if I had been able to, it would have been worth it to go someplace else.

[theoneand]

I've actually heard that interdisciplinary programs often make it harder to find employment? Though I'm no authority.

I'm making a similar decision, as in, school A is close to home and very convienent while school B is halfway across the country but has more to offer both academically and culturally. Personally I think I'm going to have to just go with my gut in the end after visiting. Good luck!

[CarlieE]

I've actually heard that interdisciplinary programs often make it harder to find employment? Though I'm no authority.

I've heard the same - but it depends on what kind of career you're planning on. I've heard it's tougher to find an academic job with an interdisciplinary degree, but I don't know about corporate jobs etc.

My 2cents about the situation is to go for the newer experience. But then, I like to travel and I moved across the world at 16 without my parents so I'm just like that.

[curiouser.]

Thank you for all of your responses!

I'm not sure whether I intend to do my PhD or not, that's something I think I'll figure out over the next few years. That being said, I don't intend to stay in academia.

Something I should have been more clear about: the interdisciplinary program will allow me to broaden my knowledge base and branch more fully into a separate field. It will be in a different department than my undergrad. While I think the research would be more interesting at School B, and will help me in some ways to branch out, I'm having difficulty with the idea of passing up the chance to get a more 'practical', scientific (?) background (from School A).

I love travel, and I like living in new places, which is another reason I'm feeling so torn!

Thanks again for all your input!