Help! was just accepted to Georgetown

[CarolineSC]

I don't know what to do! I was just accepted to Georgetown's MA program with no funding, but the office suggests that I will be able to lessen my costs somehow. I have another offer, which I've already accepted, at U of Kansas for a fully funded MA with a 2/2 teaching load and a stipend of 13,000/yr. It would prob take me 3 years to complete. The thing is, Georgetown gets people into incredible programs. I really don't know what to do. Georgetown just sounds so fabulous.

[Fiona Thunderpaws]

Personally, I would stick with University of Kansas for a few reasons.

Firstly, while Georgetown may be able to offset your costs a little, I doubt whatever they could offer would hold a candle to $13,000 a year. That's REALLY good funding there. I'm guessing your ultimate goal is to end up in a PhD program, and the last thing you want when you're looking into PhD programs is massive debt.

Secondly, backing out of Kansas' offer this late might lead to you burn some bridges with the people there. If Georgetown ends up being too expensive or unsuitable for another reason, you won't be able to go back to them, and things could become dire.

Thirdly, if you admire Georgetown's placement record, bear in mind that the fact Kansas is willing to spend quite a bit of money on you for your MA will speak very highly to adcoms when you do apply to PhD programs. Many people can get into unfunded MA programs, but an MA program with funding is quite a rare thing and commands attention.

This is just my $.02 here. Also--congratulations on getting another acceptance so late in the season!

[CarolineSC]

Yes, this is the way I'm leaning too. But God the excitement is getting the best of me. Thanks for the advice!

[MyNamesNotRick]

Personally, I would stick with University of Kansas for a few reasons.

Firstly, while Georgetown may be able to offset your costs a little, I doubt whatever they could offer would hold a candle to $13,000 a year. That's REALLY good funding there. I'm guessing your ultimate goal is to end up in a PhD program, and the last thing you want when you're looking into PhD programs is massive debt.

Secondly, backing out of Kansas' offer this late might lead to you burn some bridges with the people there. If Georgetown ends up being too expensive or unsuitable for another reason, you won't be able to go back to them, and things could become dire.

Thirdly, if you admire Georgetown's placement record, bear in mind that the fact Kansas is willing to spend quite a bit of money on you for your MA will speak very highly to adcoms when you do apply to PhD programs. Many people can get into unfunded MA programs, but an MA program with funding is quite a rare thing and commands attention.

This is just my $.02 here. Also--congratulations on getting another acceptance so late in the season!

I'll second this.

[ComeBackZinc]

Look, I'm always the first to say that every school and situation is unique, and there's lots of nuance and special situations, etc. etc.

But, I think it would be insane for you to turn down a funded MA offer-- far rarer than funded PhD offers-- for an unfunded one. Insane. Want to get into a good PhD program afterwards? Kick ass. Do good work. Present at conferences. Forge deep relationships with faculty. Get people to write you amazing letters of rec. They're already invested in you at Kansas. And you'll be able to represent real teaching experience and send a teaching portfolio out when you apply to PhD programs in the future. The teaching is a plus, not a minus. And it's really late in the day to turn your back on an offer you've accepted. Really late.

I don't mean to tell you your business, but honestly, I can't stress enough that going to Kansas is a better choice. Lots of people get MAs with pretty names. But what matters is what you accomplish there and the relationships you develop. And the thousands upon thousands of dollars of debt you'll avoid by taking a funded offer will mean more to you than you can imagine right now.

[CarolineSC]

Comebackzinc,

Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it, and I definitely asked you to tell me my business so no worries!

I think you're right. I definitely think you're right.

I've been able to connect with faculty, get great letters, and do good work at my undergrad (which is not hella prestigious, so the fact that I can get into Georgetown from it says a lot about where I'll be able to get into from Kansas), so I think I'll be able to pull it off at Kansas too.

I had a feeling this would be the response I'd get, and I need to hear it. I'm waiting to hear from my advisor, but I'm 99% I'll turn down the offer. In the meantime, I'm just going to pat my failed out of high school former slacker self on the back for getting into freaking Georgetown even if I can't afford to go there!

[Two Espressos]

Personally, I would stick with University of Kansas for a few reasons.

Firstly, while Georgetown may be able to offset your costs a little, I doubt whatever they could offer would hold a candle to $13,000 a year. That's REALLY good funding there. I'm guessing your ultimate goal is to end up in a PhD program, and the last thing you want when you're looking into PhD programs is massive debt.

Secondly, backing out of Kansas' offer this late might lead to you burn some bridges with the people there. If Georgetown ends up being too expensive or unsuitable for another reason, you won't be able to go back to them, and things could become dire.

Thirdly, if you admire Georgetown's placement record, bear in mind that the fact Kansas is willing to spend quite a bit of money on you for your MA will speak very highly to adcoms when you do apply to PhD programs. Many people can get into unfunded MA programs, but an MA program with funding is quite a rare thing and commands attention.

This is just my $.02 here. Also--congratulations on getting another acceptance so late in the season!

I agree completely. This is more or less what I would have said. Caroline SC: stick with Kansas.

[asleepawake]

I'm going to echo the sentiment to take the offer from Kansas and never look back. I'm attending a funded MA and I cannot imagine giving it up for another offer, even at a supposedly better school. Unless you have a job waiting that will cover tuition and leave you with more than 13k, I wouldn't even consider it. Even if you do, a funded offer has all kinds of benefits, like those Fiona mentioned.

Also, neither Georgetown or Kansas is going to get you into a great PhD. You're going to get yourself into a PhD. The school will help, of course, but you're as likely to be happy with the faculty and experience at one school as any other.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

[CarolineSC]

Thanks, everyone! Great and helpful advice I needed to hear!

[ComeBackZinc]

Also, neither Georgetown or Kansas is going to get you into a great PhD. You're going to get yourself into a PhD.

Well said.

[Stately Plump]

Funding > no funding.