Finally made a decision!! *drum rolls* PENN! I feel so relieved that this ordeal is over, but at the same time, it feels like it's just begun! I had a really difficult time deciding between UPenn and Michigan. Even though Michigan was touted as the better program, I felt that I would forever regret not attending Penn. I think what it came down to was location, opportunity, and experience. Penn and Philadelphia are NOTHING like UT Austin (where I am currently), and I wanted a completely different graduate school experience and didn't want to attend an institution that was similar to my undergrad. Plus, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and just take a chance and follow a dream/inkling. East coast/Philly/Penn are a total 180 from what I've experienced in life and I thought it would be a huge change and a bit of a challenge, something I look forward to! Also, there are tons of schools on the east coast, and this is a chance for me to really get out and explore.
I'm really excited and I think I made the right decision. Something was pulling me in that direction and I always follow my gut. It hurt to turn down a job offer I got from Michigan (I really would have enjoyed the people and the department I would've worked in), but I'd like to think that maybe one day I'll be at Michigan for something else. Anywho, I'm babbling, but that's just because I'm excited and scared and this is JUST SO NEW AND SO AWESOME AND SO AMAZING!!
Good luck to everyone else in their decision-making and thank you all for sharing in the journey!