Staying Put or Trying Something New?

[SLPzs91]

So I just wanted to see if anyone else was in my situation and maybe start a thread for us. I was accepted into the grad program where I've done my undergrad work, and I know it's an amazing program. However, I was accepted into an equally good program about a 45 minute commute from where I'm a now.

I just wanted to see what people thought about staying with the known versus trying a different program for the next two years. It's all in the same city, so it's not completely new surroundings. I'm just kind of torn an talking with people who might know my situation could help. Thank you for anything you have to say!

[katieliz456]

I've opted for the "try something new" approach. My undergrad school is in the same area where I was born & raised, and I've decided to branch out and try a new place for grad school. I know that this is probably my last opportunity to pick up and move cross country, and is probably something I should take advantage of as a young person without a family!

[katieliz456]

And since yours are in the same city, you'll get the best of both worlds! You'll get to meet new people and have new professors, but can still stay connected to old friends  

[SLPzs91]

That's the approach I took in undergrad as well. I'm also from AZ, and switched to Massachusetts. It really did a lot for me in terms of growing up. Do you think that still holds value in terms of going down the street for another program over your undergrad institution? I'm just curious from a fellow SLP's point of view.

[aucinema]

I say that, all else being equal, go with the new experience! That's what life is about!

[SLPtoBEweee]

Agree with the others - a new experience is always nice.  I have moved around over the country several times since leaving undergrad.  It's always been rewarding!  I am trying to decide the same again now.  After being gone for 8 years in several cities, I moved back to my hometown.  Now I can't decide if I want to stay in my hometown or go somewhere else again!  I only picked schools in cities that I have lived in previously and have friends in, so I know any place would be an easy transition.  But it's such a hard choice!! 

[katieliz456]

I would still go for the new experience. It would be nice to make new professional connections and have some different opportunities that you may not have been exposed to at your original institution (different research labs/community projects/NSSLHA activities). All of the schools listed in your signature seem to have really solid programs, so it doesn't seem like you'd be sacrificing anything (academically) to switch!

[SLPzs91]

Thank you all so much for your input on this! Talking with family and friends I get the "if you'll be taking the same classes, then go to the same school" speech. It's nice to get a reaction from people in the same place as me. I really appreciate it :-).

[queenleblanc]

I did a 4+1 B.Music plus MAT during my first stint in college ... and that was great, because I paired my undergrad and grad classes together and came out with a Master's in 5 years.  If I had the chance to do SLP as 4+1, I would definitely stay with my same institution.  That being said ... since SLP doesn't do a 4+1 option, and it is basically 4, then 2, I say find a new place.  

 

Pros - new networking opportunities, new city, new academic perspectives, possible new areas of research / focus, you can always keep your UG profs in your circle of connections, potential new methods or program design (shifting your way of thinking can be a positive too) 

 

Cons - new place to learn, potential new methods or program design, new professors (you would eventually get used to it), some moving expenses

 

 

I'm a "checklist" kind of chick, so I hope this helps you with your decision! 

[seahorse]

I'm having the same internal debate. My biggest worry about going somewhere new is that I will lose all of my closest friends who I have here and that would be very hard for me. It feels like a dumb reason.. because obviously we will all make new friends.. but it really is holding me back! Otherwise, I would love to experience a new city and feel truly independent for the first time 

[kingspeech]

I'd go to the new place. In addition to the new connections and ideas you'd gain, your resume will reflect that you've earned degrees from multiple well-regarded schools and departments.

 

Also, you say that the programs are equally good, but I'd see whether one had a special focus on a disorder or population that I was interested in.

Edited March 12, 2013 by kingspeech

[Dutt0058]

go somewhere new! Its only two years. I recently moved from Minneapolis to a tiny tiny town in Minnesota and even though it was a huge change, it has been a great experience. After living here, I know its not the type of town I want to live at forever, but it was a great change from an always busy city. Although you are just moving a little ways, the change may be just what you need and if you put a little effort in your friendships, you won't lose them. I still talk to my friends all the time. I am having more of an issue deciding if I get into grad school where I need to pay out of state tuition...do I take it? I am so curious about traveling around and this is the time in my life to move somewhere different for awhile.. if Minnesota's laws don't change..I get loan forgiveness after 10 years which means that in the end I really wouldn't pay that much more...but what if that program gets cut? It just makes me worry.

[TalkItOut_9]

I'm dealing with the same problem.  I know it's easy to just tell somebody to go somewhere new--but sometimes being comfortable is all part of the experience!  I know several people that moved to a different city and were not comfortable with their social situation and were lonely--and that affects their overall experience.  Really balance out how open you are to meeting new people, learning in a new environment, and being on your own, etc.

 

It's a difficult decision.  I'm trying to decide if I want to stay in Chicago/Milwaukee or if I want to move out to Boston. Yikes!

Edited March 12, 2013 by TalkItOut_9

[SLPzs91]

I'm dealing with the same problem.  I know it's easy to just tell somebody to go somewhere new--but sometimes being comfortable is all part of the experience!  I know several people that moved to a different city and were not comfortable with their social situation and were lonely--and that affects their overall experience.  Really balance out how open you are to meeting new people, learning in a new environment, and being on your own, etc.   It's a difficult decision.  I'm trying to decide if I want to stay in Chicago/Milwaukee or if I want to move out to Boston. Yikes!

That's exactly it for me as well! I'm already in Boston (all the programs out here are amazing by the way,) and have narrowed I down to a top two. I'm highly comfortable in my program here, but want to expand myself a little bit. I just don't known if it's worth it to give up my comfort for a program I might not be comfortable at.

[slpdream]

I'm not in the exact position you're in, but I have also applied to my alma mater's grad program. Like you, I have thought about (if given the chance) whether to stay with the program, professors and surroundings I am familiar with, or to try something new. I do agree with others that trying a new program could have many benefits and potentially open a few doors for you.

 

Not sure how much time you have to decide, but would it be possible for you to visit the "new" school and familiarize yourself a bit more? You probably already have, I dunno. Just a thought.

 

One thing I learned I learned through my undergrad years is that the experience greatly depends on what you make of it and what you put into it. Personally, I think if you welcome the new experience, you could see great returns.