Got my last acceptance letter!

[UnderTheMistletoe]

Three for three!

Now the real problem... I never thought I was going to get into this last one. They emailed me last week and asked me to clarify what I'd done during two interruptions of study (this one and one right after high school). I was sure that was the end of me. The acceptance package was sitting on a box (of wedding gifts of all things) when we came home tonight.

I'm really not sure what to do. I have an Honors program at the one school (where I always thought I would end up for some reason) and am familiar with the school from summer programs; or the one with the name (yes, I know what the sounds like)?

The state school is out of contention. I am fairly sure I'm going to have to take out loans either way-- financial aid and scholarship (which I have a good, good shot at) are both still in processing. Both of them are located within metro DC, so the drive is hell either way.

Food for thought? Anyone? Please? I wasn't expecting to have to make a decision... especially within 3 weeks of the wedding. Just kind of looking for anything to chew on. I know this is a decision I have to make for myself, but I'm very torn.

 

[WDWbride2007]

Jill,

Congrats on your success! This is a very tough decision. Although it may seem that you shouldn't consider the reputation of a school (big name), it can often be very important depending on your career. I am getting my PhD in Microbiology. For scientists, the school you come from can open a lot of doors. When I decided to go to grad school, I told my DF that I needed to move to go to a top school. I ended up in NYC b/c I was accepted into one of the top programs for science and he was accepted into one of the top five for computer art in the nation. I know that for a lot of other careers, such as business, the top firms will only hire from top schools. So, I guess part of it depends on what type of career you want. If you really want to go after the top jobs (no matter where they lie), I think you should at least consider the school's ranking. If you just want to have steady employment in your area of choice, it might not be so critical.

The second thing to consider is tuition. I am lucky to be free of student loans, but my DF was not so lucky. If one school is significantly more expensive, this may sway your decision. I imagine you would want to buy a house, and student loans can definitely put a damper on that. With that said, there are many scholarships out there for women to help us through our education. Conduct internet searches and get on top of those scholarship applications.

Finally, it is very important that you consider the atmosphere at each school. Do you feel comfortable on campus? There is no sense going to be big name school if you will be unhappy (and thus, unproductive). Are professors willing to work with you? I do not know your what your major will be, but do they offer internships? What is the employment rate for students fresh out of the program? What types of courses do they offer? There are many factors to consider, but of course, only you can make that decision. I am lucky to have found a school that fit my needs and personality. Take a deep breath and assess how you feel about each program. Good luck with your decision! Remember, you are quite lucky to have so many options, so try to think of this in a positive way.

 

[princesslisa]

Hi!

CONGRATS!!
I never in my life thought I would say this, because I went to a state university (which I thought was the best school ever, BTW), BUT I would def. pick the school with the name.
The school with the name, even though it will be more expensive, it will pay off in the long run. I work at an Investment Firm in Boston, and I was mortified on how much the "name" meant. But reality is, it does, and if you are fortunate enough (I mean you worked hard enough!! :0) ) to have the opportunity to attend, then by all means, go for it!!

GOOD LUCK!!
lisa

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

Here's the other issue:

The school with the name accepted me into the Psychology program- very important to have a name if you intend to do anything with Psychology- they don't offer an Education program.

The smaller school accepted me into their Education program, with a minor in the Psychology and an Honors standing.

So now I'm coming down to a career decision as well. Just kind of thinking aloud here... I think I want to be teaching in 5 years. I want to be a Psychologist, but I really don't want to have to come out of undergraduate school and go right into a Master's program. The military has made getting my bachelor's hell. I want to get out into the workforce and than reassess the situation in a few years (decades, even) to see if I want to switch professions. DFs job will have us moving... that much I am sure of. It doesn't seem like a real good idea to try to open a private medical practice (ultimately, I would go to Med school for the Psychiatric degree) if you're going to be leaving and moving on every 4-7 years. It could be even more frequently than that.

I really didn't expect this to be wearing me out like this. I was up until 4:30 tossing and turning about this. More and more, I'm leaning towards the smaller school with Honors standing and the option to graduate with a major in Psych or Education. I want to double major and minor in English.... I don't have th option to do that at one school and do at the other.

I like the idea that the smaller school is more of a campus than the other. The other is just a few blocks from the White House with no real defined campus lines. I don't know if I want to be fighting with city traffic a few blocks from the White House every morning! That's enough to drive you batty! The other one is only a mile or two away, but more secluded and easier to get to... not the demand to get into that part of the cuty each morning.

Just kind of writing it all down so I can track my steps... therapeutic. Sorry to put you all through the ramblings.
xoxo

PS- The state school is out not for the name, but rather you have to apply for acceptance into both the Education and Psychology programs. I don't see the point of running the risk of NOT being accepted into them when I have other options. Additionally, I'm out-of-state right now becuase we haven't lived here long enough. They're trying to nail me as an out-of-state for the fall 2006 semester, too, as the semester starts (late August) before we moved here (Sept. 1). I just don't see the point of even dealing with them. They seem to be stretched thin for resources.... and the Psych. research is at another campus which would require commuting to both each day. Just not even going to bother!

 

[princesslisa]

It looks like "sub-conciously" you have made your decision, which def seems like the right one for you. I have a friend in his early 30's (a bartender at my weekend job) and he just got his PHd in Psych. He went to school straight through, and thats a lot of years of hard work at school and then trying to pay for everything on the side.
If you will be moving around a lot, and education is an option, then they need great teachers EVERYWHERE (especially with a psych backround, j/k)!!!
I think becoming a teacher is one of, if not the MOST, honorable professions out there!

Good Luck!
lisa

 

[princessblueeyzes]

Congratulations. Don't worry you'll pick the right university or college that best fits your needs. I know how stressful it is to try and plan a wedding and figure out your career and school path, but in the end you'll figure it all out.

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

\
If you will be moving around a lot, and education is an option, then they need great teachers EVERYWHERE (especially with a psych backround, j/k)!!!

With a Psych background or a PsychOTIC background?

I feel like I fall into the second category right now... I'm still lloking for the mind I lost about 10 days ago. If you see it, please let it know I miss it... expeidted shipping would be preferable!