Concerned what I'll miss out on, two top choices.... Guilty feeling!

[PsychEdStudent]

Luckily I have some time to make this decision, but how will I know if it's right? I've been accepted to all five programs I've interviewed for, which is great, but there are two obvious choices. I haven't received any info on funding yet (these are MA/EdS programs).

 School A

Practically an ivy, was rejected for undergrad, have family who went here, I felt the program was the closest match to my interests in the field and I loved the program, current students and teachers. The campus is gorgeous, but just outside the city. 40k a year but does give financial aid, no idea how much yet.

 

School B

Great school, good rep, in the city, could be happy in this program, matched interest but a little more academic focused than counseling/applied psych which is what i'll actually be doing. Great faculty, only met two current students but they were helpful. In the middle of the city. cost 30k but probably will receive no money.

 

I don't want to make this decision on finances either. My feeling is to go with School A, when i was accepted i cried and called everyone. i was in a great mood. When i was accepted to School B i was very excited and happy - to be fair though it was my first acceptance and school B was my last. I'm afraid I'm partly lenient toward school A because its great rep and how i was rejected for undergrad. But it is an amazing program.

I feel if i went to school A, I'd miss out on the great location of school B, as well as the opportunity for concentrating in one of two areas in the program, which school A doesn't offer. In the end its not that big a deal, but it's a great opportunity. 

If i went to school B, in general I feel i'd miss out for school A, but the program wouldn't be as good a match. It's hard to explain. 

 

I could be happy at either but they definitely offer different pros and cons. I want to go with my gut feeling, school A, but i feel guilty about rejecting school B since they're also great, (side note I feel guilty rejecting all the other schools... even though some are just not even a consideration considering they have not even close to the resources as these schools). I don't want to make the wrong choice or miss out on anything. 

Also, school B has a PhD, which it IS possible - possible - i could pursue after my masters/EdS at either program (maybe..).

 

I feel that my education and experience at either school would be different, and it will mold me. Thoughts and opinions??

I appreciate it.  

[TakeruK]

I can't help you with your specific dilemma since I know very little about your field! But I just want to say two things:

 

First, congratulations on getting into two great schools that you love! I think you deserve some time to reflect the choice (but probably a good idea to turn down the other three at this point).

 

Second, it's completely normal to feel this way. Someone said to me that no matter what you choose, even if you are choosing your top choice, it's normal to feel some guilt and regret/doubt because no matter how great the best school ever is, it's never as great as the potential of awesomeness at all the good schools. However, it's important to remember that the latter thing is not really real--you can't actually attend more than one school! 

 

Sorry I can't be more help! But just remember, you made it this far with good decisions and when you make the decision for this next step, trust in yourself to be able to decide in your own best interest And it's normal to feel guilty about turning down good schools, but it's something you have to do!!

[MSIOP2015]

My top school has already accepted me and I'm waitlisted for another. I have 7 more programs that are still reviewing my application. I have about 2 weeks to make a decision on my top, so should I commit before time's up or stretch it out knowing that that I'm jeopardizing funding?

I'm excited I got accepted to my top choice, but man I spent a lot of money exploring and applying to all those other programs. Any advice is appreciated.

[PsychEdStudent]

That's tough MSIOP2015, I too put a lot of money and time into applying to other schools. The question is, what would those schools have to do to make you want to go there over your top choice (funding?? opportunities?). If they gave these things to you, would you be glad to have rejected your top choice? If it's about knowing you can get in to other programs, and seeing what opportunities they would have given you, you can still wait and find that out after accepting your top choice.

Best of luck.