Which offer would you take?

[crastric]

Hey all-

I've been frequenting this forum some time, and I've reached a point where I believe your advice can be invaluable to my decision going forward.

I am about to graduate as an undergraduate from a large research-intensive university in Canada. In applying for Masters programs (in Political Science), I was fortunate to have been accepted at all schools to which I applied (The University of Western Ontario, Kings College London, Trinity Dublin, and LSE). Going forward, and in the ultimate aim of entering a doctoral program, the picture become a bit muddier.

My decision has come to two possible enrollment options: 1) LSE this coming October, or 2) defer LSE to October 2013 and enroll at the University of Western Ontario (UWO). I should note that I applied for a deferral from LSE, the result of which has yet to be communicated. I applied on financial grounds, which I would imagine to be a compelling reason.

My trepidation in going directly to LSE stems from the fact that most doctoral programs require applications in December or January; due to the late start of the LSE program, and my not knowing any faculty, I feel it would be difficult to garner strong LORs from any LSE professors. Going to UWO, on the other hand, would afford me the opportunity to succeed in a program that I am familiar, with professors that I know. Further, I would be able to target certain professors for stellar LORs. Another year at UWO would also allow me the opportunity to publish and attend North American conferences, further adding relevant extra-institutional experience. An extra year would also allow me to apply to scholarships at LSE and externally that had since passed when I applied (late January), or was simply not aware of.

As the tone of this post probably indicates, my heart is telling me to stay at UWO before proceeding to LSE. My mind, however, has adopted the reverse perspective: why would you 'waste' a year at an inferior institution? Couldn't you just use your references from UWO in applying to doctoral programs? Arent you settling for mediocrity?

I was hoping some of you might be able to offer your insight into this dilemma which has significantly reduced my average duration of nightly sleep, as of late!

Thank you in advance.

[Tamboursg'sell]

Go to LSE and apply in the fall '13. This gives you the chance to get LORs from LSE professors that should know you by then. Plus, you can take a gap year, work, travel, relax.

[Helix]

I second Tamboursg'sell's opinion on this one. LSE is most likely the best of the programs you're looking at and will definitely be a useful leg up on applications for PhD programs. The only caveat would be if you hoped to do your PhD at Western Ontario; I don't know anything about the school or the program, but if doing your master's there would help you make the faculty connections you'd need to do your PhD there, and it was a top choice for you, then I would choose there instead.

[aargauer]

I turned down a funded PhD at UMass and was going to go to LSE for an MSc, but was accepted from the waitlist at another program here in the States (Brandeis). I had decided to go to LSE, so I did make a similar decision (despite needing to take out loans) before the situation change.

I suggest searching for the *negative* comments from Brits in to ask a similar question (re UMass vs. LSE).

Edited April 9, 2012 by aargauer