Uchicago Harris vs Georgetown McCourt?

[shadowzoid]

One week left to decide. The packages are comparable, so that's not a factor.

Career-wise, I want to go into research. I wasnt sure enough about a PhD to apply, but Id like to keep my options open. I hope to work at places like think tanks or the world bank, and do economic/development policy. 

The pro of Harris is that its more academic, so it keeps my doors open if I pursue a PhD. That also helps me get research jobs. Harris will also let me skip core classes I have already mastered (ie econ and stat), and take PhD courses (unlike GU, Harris has PhDs). I am unsure if GU will. 

Georgetown however, has a stronger ID emphasis. It is also located in DC, so I have a greater opportunity to work (which is where I am lacking). My gut tells me to go to GU, since I did my undergrad at UChicago and would like a change. I am worried about having to redo courses though. 

 

Thoughts?

[coasts]

My guess is that GU will let you skip core classes too. Most other schools I know of seem to allow this. If this is really a significant factor, it seems worth reaching out to the school to ask. 

[kd7432]

I spoke to a current McCourt student, and he was very happy with GU. He said there are plenty of research assistant opportunities, which will really be the key if you want to go into research. You should look into whether you can do this at Harris - if you can, then I would pick Harris because it has a better reputation/prestige and has the brand, which I think matters a lot. 

On a similar note, I am in almost the same situation as the OP, but with a different set of schools. I am also interested in research, want to keep my PhD options open, and would like to work at think tanks/world bank on economic/international development. I am confused between Duke Sanford and Michigan Ford, with comparable offers from both. Please give me your thoughts on which you would pick and why. 

[shadowzoid]

Ya, on paper Harris seems better. But by how much? Just personally, Id like to go somewhere different for a while. 

 

For you, Id pick Michigan. They have a better quant rep. However, their core has a leadership course, which is kinda bs for research dorks like us

Edited April 11, 2016 by shadowzoid