Penn State vs Dartmouth: MA in CompLit

[uraniborg]

Being offered admission to both Penn State (MA in Comparative Literature and Russian) and Dartmouth (MA in Comparative Literature), I am now in doubt which one to choose.

 

My primary concern is the quality of the program itself. However, who knows: maybe in the end I will make a decision based on the quality of food in the dining facilities on campus   

 

In other words, I would greatly appreciate any advice concerning my big choice, be it academic-related or otherwise useful.

 

Note: Having received full tuition waiver from both institutions and coming as a Fulbright student, I am less concerned with financial matters regarding the programs.

[ghijklmn]

Penn State is a great program! So is Dartmouth, with the difference that Dartmouth is a terminal MA. Do you plan on going on to your PhD? My thought is that the MA at Penn State basically feeds into their PhD program, which is fantastic and only getting better. I don't know as much about Dartmouth.

[ShiningInShadows]

I don't know much about literature degrees, but I grew up in Pennsylvania and my girlfriend lives literally within a mile of Dartmouth. I may not be able to speak to the programs, but I can say that culturally speaking Penn State is much, much more active (I've known many people who have gone there both as undergrads and grads) whereas Dartmouth is a much quieter area with fewer distractions/activities.

 

Something to keep in mind, Hanover, NH and the surrounding towns are pretty isolated and the cost of living is quite high. I know a few Dartmouth students who have generous stipends but my girlfriend splits rent with four students in a house and she pays more than some houses we are looking at renting for ourselves when we relocate to Tennessee this fall.

Edited April 3, 2013 by ShiningInShadows

[Deadmeat]

I can't speak on the programs, but Penn State has a pretty awesome graduate culture from visiting and talking to current students. It's a huge campus with tons of people, so always events or activities to take part in. Might be something worth considering as well.