MSc Policy Edinburgh or Policy LSE (US student)

[Akkin_055]

So here it goes. I am an American student who has been accepted into LSE and Edinburgh for MSc programs (Social Policy and Planning at LSE and Comparative Public Policy at Edinburgh). I am having a difficult time deciding between the two for a couple of reasons. LSE is more prestigious, I know this and I understand how important of a factor it is in future job prospects. I have heard however that the student experience is pretty low; students don’t get much time with professors/facilities are over crowded/good job training not great education. On the other hand I have heard that Edinburgh is less rigorous but the overall enjoyment and standard of living is higher. I also hear that you get more time with faculty. I am a very serious student and would like to move onto a PhD or think tank like positions in the future, so LSE is enticing (I am worried about job prospects after Edinburgh), but my gut tells me Edinburgh might be a better fit. Any advice would be SO HELPFUL, also if I have misunderstood things/ been misinformed please let me know. All info I have is just pieced together from hours of research.

[Buffalofan4255]

Congrats on both. Edinburgh is my favorite city in the world. It's incredible and you'll love visiting. But go to LSE. You can always venture up to Scotland, it's only a 6 hour beautiful drive or train ride from London, or you can take a cheap 45 minute flight. Both are fantastic schools though, so if you choose the burgh, don't regret it for a second. Cheers. 

[Buffalofan4255]

Also, if you're interested in a think tank for millennials, check out www.thinkcds.org, the Center for Development and Strategy.