Need help deciding on a graduate program

[jdb10c]

Hi everyone!

I am feeling very lost on what to do right now. About two months ago, I had decided on a graduate program that I felt like was a perfect fit for me. I went to the open house before I was admitted, and fell in love with the faculty, and the facility. I was very excited to be accepted in their first round of admissions. I went ahead and put my deposit down with them, and also found roommates to live with.

Two days ago, I received an email saying I was taken off the waitlist at another school (USF). I never imagined I would be accepted there, so I was completely in shock! I know USF is ranked higher than the other school I was planning on attending, but I have actually heard mixed reviews about USF's program. I am originally from Tampa, so I know going to USF would be a lot cheaper than me going to the other school (it is a private school). When I was looking at tuition, the private school would be about $22,000 more in tuition. I could possibly go back to Tampa and live at home for free, and have cheaper tuition, but i'm not sure if I will actually enjoy the program. I did set up an appointment to go look at the clinic tomorrow, but I only have Monday to make a decision.

Has anyone ever been in this position before? Or does anyone have any good advice on what I should do? I feel so stuck. I absolutely loved the other school I originally committed to, but not sure if its worth to spend the extra money to go there.

I feel very blessed to have been accepted anywhere. This is my second year applying- I went from 0 acceptances last year, to 4 this year!

[Auuudriana]

Honestly, even though it is more money, I would go to the school you love.  You might resent going to USF later on if you end up not loving it.  SLPs make decent money, so I'm sure you will be able to pay back the extra.

[jdb10c]

10 minutes ago, Auuudriana said:

Honestly, even though it is more money, I would go to the school you love.  You might resent going to USF later on if you end up not loving it.  SLPs make decent money, so I'm sure you will be able to pay back the extra.

Thank you so much for your opinion! I've been getting both sides from friends and family. Some say to go where I love, and others say its not worth starting your life in debt. And that I may end up liking USF. Just not sure if I will or not! I'm hoping by seeing the clinic tomorrow, that will help me decide.

[missleung]

Also depends on whether you can easily adapt into a new environment. For my first year undergrad, I went to a better school that is on the other side of the country. That year passed by so slow, and lifestyle there sucked a lot. I ended up being home sick and realized that I could've saved wayyy more if I head back home and attend another school (which really isn't that bad). To be honest, I kind of regretted not sucking it up to complete the program there (seeing how all my ex classmates have better jobs/careers than me), but I didn't think another three years of living there was worth it.

[MangoSmoothie]

$22,000 is not chump change. Please don't make this decision lightly. As someone who cuts corners and pinches pennies to reduce their debt from school, carefully consider the extra 22k. You may find useful information if you utilize the search on this forum. Many threads have discussed this in the past including this recent one. 

Have you actually visited USF and talked to graduate students there? I see you might be doing that soon. If you read that thread, you'll see I was in the exact same situation. I found a school that was perfect for me, I absolutely loved it, but it was expensive. Then I got accepted to a program that was $30,000 cheaper and realized love doesn't make the world go round. It was initially a compromise to attend the cheaper university, but I can't imagine myself anywhere else now. The visit helped me make my decision and made me feel more comfortable giving up the school I loved that was a perfect fit for me. I went in WANTING my visit and tour of the cheaper school to show me that I belonged at the expensive school. But it didn't. Keep an open mind. Try to talk to grad students on your visit, or see if they'll arrange for a few graduate students to talk to you. Ask about the externship opportunities. Ask about how professors support the students, both clinical and academic faculty. Ask about how the cohort gets along or interacts, if people find their friends mostly in the cohort or outside of it. $22,000 is not worth it for "loving" a program, when the cheaper option will not inhibit you in any foreseeable way.

Edited May 12, 2016 by MangoSmoothie

[Kanga]

Can you clarify the 22K differential? Is that 22K total, or per year (for a total of 44k?) What about your living expenses? Will that add to the debt?

How are you paying for grad school? Loans?

If you share the actual total amount between the schools, I'm sure you'll get more input.

For example, 22K loan at 5% over 5 years is $415. Over 10 years is $233.

 

[mpspeech17]

@jdb10c - where did you end up going?