15 March 2008

I Didn't Mean to Leave You Out, It Just Snuck Up on Me, That's All

I know I promised you analytical posts in which the pros and cons of each school are carefully, thoughtfully and articulately weighed, but the decision has been made. As scary as it seemed, it had to happen sooner or later and really, sooner is better.

This summer we will move to Columbia, Missouri and in the fall I will start work on my Master's degree in English and the University of Missouri-Columbia.

For the past few weeks I've been saying, "probably Missouri," or, "it's looking like Missouri," but now I have to switch that to, "we're moving to Missouri." Even though I've kind of known for a while, making the mental/linguistic shift was harder than I thought. The commitment is huge, but Steve and I have talked about it and all signs point to Missouri.

(Except for Matilda's signs. Matilda's signs point to Let's Stay Right Here, but more on that later.)

I did start my pros and cons list, the pros and cons are all smooshed together, but I think you'll be able to tell how they break down, and how Missouri came out on top.

University of Missouri-Columbia
  • Master's Degree Program
  • full tuition waiver
  • Teaching Assistantship
  • Additional Fellowship (including health care)
  • Three authors whose work I really like
  • Faculty and students who have gone out of their way to answer my questions
  • low cost of living
  • great public schools including Pre-K for Freya
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Doctoral Program
  • No financial assistance AT ALL
  • Two authors who I really like
  • Bigger city (which is not really what I want)
Ohio University
  • Master's Program
  • Teaching Assistantship
  • Authors whose work did not grab me
  • Closer to home (10 hour drive)

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! It must feel SO GOOD to have a decision made. Now let me just see how far Missouri is from Los Angeles...

She says said...

Woo-hoo! Congrats! That looks like a great package and program. I'm sure it must feel amazing to have a decision and get rid of the uncertainty.

What a great adventure you're all about to start! What fun!!!

Love by Lauren said...

YAY! Now I have two of you at Mizzou to visit!

Congrats on your decision!

Madam Crunchypants said...

Congrats on making your decision - I have to ask though - full tuition waiver? Does that mean what I think? Because in my simple wee mind that means you don't have to pay tuition??

Anonymous said...

Go Tigers!! Mizzou-RAH!

I'll come visit.

Anonymous said...

It really does sound like the best program. I think you made an excellent choice. Yay!

Cathy, Amy and Kristina said...

I can see why it came out on top. And congrats on making that decision! Sounds like a good one.

Heather said...

Congratulations! It sounds like a great choice.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on making the decision and all the financial assistance at Mizzou! And if you feel like visiting a big city, KC and St.Louis are easy drives!

Jen said...

Hooray on making the big decision! I'm so excited for you, it sounds like it's going to be great!

www.stepherz.com said...

Wow! Some big things going on in the Nell Abode, eh? I'm so excited for you; this is a really special time. And you've worked so hard to get here! Strong lady, you are. Very strong indeed.

Best wishes helping Matilda to adjust. She'll be just fine-- kids are so very resilient. :-)