UW vs. Harvard, and negotiating with Harvard

[lotuspetal7]

I'm lucky enough to have gotten into my master's program of choice (Regional Studies East Asia) at Harvard, with full tuition and a 5K stipend. I've also gotten into the Japanese program at the University of Washington with a TAship.

I guess if you get into Harvard--and find out you are admitted when a famous professor sends you an email personally requesting you to come--then you should go.

But living in Boston is expensive, and it looks as though I'd have to take out as much as $20,000 in loans per year to meet living expenses. If I went to Washington, I wouldn't have to worry about money at all.

I guess I will have to give Harvard financial aid a call anyway to discuss how to meet my living expenses, presumably through loans. While on the phone, should I mention that I have a better financial offer at another school and see if there's anything they can do? If so, what exactly do you say in such a conversation? I hate talking about money!

Thanks, hope somebody can advise!

[RosamundReage]

I would definitely let them know about the other offer and ask the department about the possibility of getting a TAship. Maybe email the program directly and your POI asking about the possibility of getting a TA/RAship for next year and not just the financial aid office. Are you planning on doing a PHD? Because if you are just doing a masters you will have to consider if you will be able to get a high enough paying job after you graduate that will pay off such a big loan, even if it is Harvard (though congrats and yes you should still probably go).

[lotuspetal7]

thanks for the advice! Yes I am probably planning on going on to a Ph.D., not 100% sure yet though.

OK, I'll try some emails and phone calls all around and see if anybody can help me! Thank you!

[OregonGal]

I would also weigh the benefits of going to Harvard vs UW Jackson in terms of your career prospects, alumni connections, etc. FWIW I think that Boston living expenses won't necessarily be anywhere close to $20K a year, especially if you have a roommate. Even if it comes to taking out $20K a year in loans, I'd consider Harvard worth it especially with 2nd year funding opportunities that might come along.

[lotuspetal7]

thanks so much for the advice. Btw at UW my program is not part of the Jackson School but of the Asian Languages and Literature department. UW is pretty good in my specialty, Japanese lit--a bit more minor than Harvard of course, but then I'd have the TA experience going for me. Both would be pretty great for getting into a Ph.D. program. But I want to go to Harvard, so I'll send emails all round and see what I can figure out!