Decisions...

[LynziMarie]

Hello!

I've found myself in perhaps the best worst situation I could have imagined when I applied to the few MA programs I did. I've been accepted to 2 out of the 3 schools I applied to (still haven't heard from one of them, but the time is running out)! Now what?! How in the world do I begin to choose?! I've been accepted to the MA English program at the University of Vermont, a school and program that is an amazing fit for me and a chance to live for a couple of years in a totally new place. I was offered a small scholarship but no funding other than that and it's an expensive program/place to live. I've also been accepted to the university I currently attend for undergrad with pretty much full funding and a teaching position. The program is a very good one but isn't necessarily as suited for my interests as Vermont is. Money is obviously an issue here (perhaps one of the most annoying issues ever) as well as the opportunity to teach. But getting to work with some important figures in my field of interest at Vermont is a pretty big deal as well. Opinions?!

 

Thanks!

[Kleene]

I cannot offer you any advice, but I know where you are. I, too, got accepted by 2 out of 3 programs and have no idea how I will ever make the decision.

[Vene]

Here's a few questions to ask yourself.

* How much debt can you expect to be in with a degree from UVM (including any debt you have from undergrad)? Can you reasonably pay this off with a typical job in the field?

* How comfortable are you with the fully funded offer? Do you think that you can succeed in that program?

Generally, the rule of thumb is to only accept a funded offer. But, ultimately, the decision is up to you and your priorities.

[juilletmercredi]

Follow the money, especially for MA programs. Don't use the grad program as an opportunity live somewhere new, either; if you really want to live in Vermont you can always move there after you finish your (free) MA at home, with no debt.  Unless the MA program at your school is terrible and nobody ever gets jobs - which I assume is not the case, since you applied there.

 

If you're not a VT resident I'm guessing that the total cost of attendance will probably be something like $40-50K, which means that your total debt will be around $80-100K after two years.  There aren't many jobs (period, but especially in English) that will pay enough to enable you to repay those loans.