Making a Final Decision

[C&C]

Any suggestions on how to choose between two programs that you really like? 

 

I have both UNC-C and CofC sending me funding offers, and both want me to decide within the next two weeks. Unfortunately, I leave for an 8 week program in Barcelona on Friday, so the pressure is really on! I like each program for different reasons, and I could see myself being happy at both.

 

I wasn't expecting this to be a tough decision, and I'm not sure if there really is a "right" answer. Definitely feeling overwhelmed and lost at this point. 

 

Thank you in advance!

[Zephyr99]

This is for an MA, right? I take it CofC stands for College of Charleston. Have you applied anywhere else? Have you heard back from everywhere? Also, these schools shouldn't be pressuring you so soon. April 15th is the widely accepted deadline for all graduate school decisions for the Fall. Take a deep breath... you have more than 2 weeks!

[ReallyNiceGuy]

I'm fortunate to also have this problem.

I plan on listening to my adviser's opinion.

 

Sorry if that's not very helpful.

[Henry Hudson]

not being from your part of the world, I don't know what those abbreviations are.

 

All i can do is suggest listing all the pros and cons, take some time to dwell on them, and then doing the coin flip - while the coin is still in the air, listen to your gut reaction as to which one you are deep down hoping for. 

[C&C]

Oops! I should have clarified: University of North Carolina-Charlotte and College of Charleston. Both are terminal MA programs. I've visited both, but I think it's a bit odd how pushy they are--don't get me wrong, it's flattering. 

 

I've heard back from Clemson (accepted, waiting to hear on funding) and no word from University of Georgia yet.

 

Thanks for the fast feedback everyone! I promise it's all helpful. 

[DCguy]

If all else is equal check out which city is more liveable. Like which one had the better restaurants

[kdavid]

Fit and package should be the main deciding factors.

 

In other words, with whom do you most want to work, and who's giving you the most money.

[maelia8]

I can't believe that they expect you to make a decision so quickly! I have only heard back from two of the six history programs I have applied to, and one is a wait list, so I definitely couldn't make that decision based on what I've heard so far - I'm still waiting on four other programs! How many other programs are you waiting to hear back from, just the one?

[C&C]

Maelia8: Yes, I'm only waiting on Georgia and their email said they would have decisions out around April 1st.

 

At this point I'm trying to find a polite way to ask for more time, as both programs have given me very similar and generous offers. Since I'd be out of state for College of Charleston, their offer is incredibly generous, but I would not have any TA experience with undergrads. As someone who is considering teaching, I think that might be a deal breaker. However, I have no qualms about being a research assistant and working closely with a professor. I'm trying to read my future and figure out what will be the most beneficial for a future career...that I haven't decided on. 

 

In terms of living in Charlotte or Charleston...who can say no to the food, culture, and HISTORY of the latter?! (Not that I have anything against Charlotte.)

[wiewanderlust]

I would personally vote for Charleston, it is one of my favorite cities! Both as a history geek and a foodie

 

But for my part, I'm thinking the best approach may be to decide on the five (or so) factors that are most important to you about a graduate school decision. Then list which school you think wins which category -- better funding, better advisor match, whatever matters to *you*! I'm hoping that this will help clarify my decision. 

[hardtack&coffee]

Calhoun,

 

If you don't mind me asking, what are your research interests? Interested in ascertaining the direction the 2014 "class" is headed historiographically.