Tough Decisions

[smokeypup]

OP: Funding is a huge deal. Do NOT go somewhere that doesn't promise 4-5 years funding + benefits (especially top programs).

Also, do not make decisions until you visit. Seriously, it matters so much what the ethos of the department is. I think I would have made the wrong decision last year had I not visited (I am currently at IU).

UNC has a distinct "feel" and very strong priorities (I visited last year). Go visit if you can. It is certainly not for everyone and wasn't for me.

Also, UNC has GREAT placement. If you look at UW lists of people "on the market," you will notice some have been there for several years.

When you visit each school, talk to current grads about the department. They know a lot and will tell you the good and bad. Ask about how competitive students are with each other (some people love this, I hate it), and if there are major rifts between faculty, etc.

[socnerd]

OP: Funding is a huge deal. Do NOT go somewhere that doesn't promise 4-5 years funding + benefits (especially top programs).

What if no place offers you funding but they still accept you? I was planning on paying for it all myself anyway but I know I'm not competitive for funding. I don't think funding should make or break a decision, unless you really can't afford it without any. I guess funding is sort of like a feather in your cap and something to brag about but you shouldn't turn down a program you're really fond of just because they didn't give you as much (or any) funding as another.

Edited February 14, 2010 by socnerd

[ninjastrudel]

What if no place offers you funding but they still accept you? I was planning on paying for it all myself anyway but I know I'm not competitive for funding. I don't think funding should make or break a decision, unless you really can't afford it without any. I guess funding is sort of like a feather in your cap and something to brag about but you shouldn't turn down a program you're really fond of just because they didn't give you as much (or any) funding as another.

I think you're definitely an exception to the rule. While it would be nice to not have to consider the funding package when making this decision, for most people the money is a deal maker/breaker. Last time I checked, I had $400 on my bank account, so I'm not in a position to entertain an offer that doesn't at the very least include health benefits and a modest stipend. I'm actually a generally pretty risk prone person, but I'd also choose the program that I can attend and be more or less financially stable over a slightly better program with precarious funding. It just isn't something you want to deal with when you're already a busy grad student. That's why unless my potential adviser can secure some source of funding for me, I'll also have to decline UWisconsin, even though I do like their program.

[hip2btriangle]

I think you're definitely an exception to the rule. While it would be nice to not have to consider the funding package when making this decision, for most people the money is a deal maker/breaker. Last time I checked, I had $400 on my bank account, so I'm not in a position to entertain an offer that doesn't at the very least include health benefits and a modest stipend. I'm actually a generally pretty risk prone person, but I'd also choose the program that I can attend and be more or less financially stable over a slightly better program with precarious funding. It just isn't something you want to deal with when you're already a busy grad student. That's why unless my potential adviser can secure some source of funding for me, I'll also have to decline UWisconsin, even though I do like their program.

yeah, i'm more than a little worried that the option i have won't fund me, and i'll have to decide if i'm ready to be $200k in debt and ultimately get a job that starts at like $40-$50k if i'm lucky. passion>life of financial misery? le sigh.