Deciding between two IR grad schools
Hey, guys.
I'm going for an MA in International Security and Intelligence Studies and have been accepted to two schools I'd like to go to, but I'm debating with myself as to which one I want to go to and am having a hard time deciding!
No one around me has been able to give me advice, so I was hoping my LJ would come through. I'd SO appreciate any help or opinions you guys could give!
Here's sorta a basic breakdown....
American University...
Cons
-Costs a lot more (over $12,000 more)
-DC has a higher cost of living
-I original enrolled in a different major than I now want, to change a major I have to wait a semester and then apply for it, I am not guaranteed that I will get in
Pros
-Better "name"
-In DC, meaning I don't have to travel for an internship, can make contacts, etc.
-Might not need to move after graduation
-Farther from home but close enough I can see my dogs on long weekends
-Better public transportation
University of Pittsburgh...
Cons
-Not as much recognition
-Extremely close to home, so I won't get a new experience and may get trapped in old cycles
Pros
-Cheaper
-Pittsburgh has a lower cost of living (is also safer)
-Close enough that I can get home cooked meals and possibly guilt my mother into doing laundry
-Easier to find housing
Both of them offer a choice of research or thesis based degrees.
Right now I think I eventually want to work in the intelligence community.
I'm going for an MA in International Security and Intelligence Studies and have been accepted to two schools I'd like to go to, but I'm debating with myself as to which one I want to go to and am having a hard time deciding!
No one around me has been able to give me advice, so I was hoping my LJ would come through. I'd SO appreciate any help or opinions you guys could give!
Here's sorta a basic breakdown....
American University...
Cons
-Costs a lot more (over $12,000 more)
-DC has a higher cost of living
-I original enrolled in a different major than I now want, to change a major I have to wait a semester and then apply for it, I am not guaranteed that I will get in
Pros
-Better "name"
-In DC, meaning I don't have to travel for an internship, can make contacts, etc.
-Might not need to move after graduation
-Farther from home but close enough I can see my dogs on long weekends
-Better public transportation
University of Pittsburgh...
Cons
-Not as much recognition
-Extremely close to home, so I won't get a new experience and may get trapped in old cycles
Pros
-Cheaper
-Pittsburgh has a lower cost of living (is also safer)
-Close enough that I can get home cooked meals and possibly guilt my mother into doing laundry
-Easier to find housing
Both of them offer a choice of research or thesis based degrees.
Right now I think I eventually want to work in the intelligence community.