Chicago or HDS? (MA/MTS)

[PeanutButterJellyTime]

Hey all....stumbled across this while trying not to freak out about this decision.

 

I have been offered admission at HDS with full tuition and Chicago with half, both for MTS/MA, respecfully.

 

My question is which do I choose, especially when I want to go on to a PhD? Chicago usually takes their MA candidates for their PhD, but I'll have to incur more debt. But HDS might get me into a different program (I'm thinking Yale at this point for a top choice), or I can always re-apply to Chicago later--with less debt.

 

HELP?!

 

 

[Kuriakos]

As a soon to be PhD student with 50k in debt (and who married 80k of debt), take the funded option. Both places will provide you with a great education, but neither can guarantee a future. People get into PhD programs from Harvard's MTS all the time, so you have just as good odds of getting in somewhere with none of the risk. 

[sacklunch]

Go to HDS. You will have access to an amazing number of professors and if they do not have something specific to your needs you can just as easily go outside (BTI).

Edited March 20, 2013 by jdmhotness

[bondsdw]

Assuming you like both programs, then HDS all the way.  No question.  In my opinion, marginally improving your chances at one program (Chicago) is just not worth half of tuition.  You still have a shot of getting in there (or anywhere else) from Harvard, anyways.

Edited March 20, 2013 by bondsdw

[AurantiacaStella]

Keep in mind cost of living though too. If you don't have a stipend from HDS you're still going to go into debt because cambridge is such an expensive place to live.

Also HDS will position you well for PhD programs, but I imagine Chicago would as well.

[PeanutButterJellyTime]

Thanks everyone! I've chosen HDS. 

[la sarar]

Keep in mind cost of living though too. If you don't have a stipend from HDS you're still going to go into debt because cambridge is such an expensive place to live.

Also HDS will position you well for PhD programs, but I imagine Chicago would as well.

 

But one could live in Somerville, which is less expensive, especially the rent.

[AurantiacaStella]

Somerville is significantly less expensive, but the prices there can also be shocking depending on what you're used to paying rent-wise.

[sacklunch]

It's true....I was paying $800 a month to live in a 12 bedroom house (graduate house run by BC). Most of the folks I knew in Cambridge/Som. were paying around that.

[AurantiacaStella]

If you want a one-bedroom to yourself or for you and your partner, even in Somerville you can expect to pay *at least* $1400/mo.