The other problem is that the list of Things Which Must Be Given Careful Consideration seems to grow longer every day.
Also this is a long term decision, one that will affect our lives well into the future, beyond anything I have dared to imagine so far.
I hope that you will all bear with me over the next couple of weeks as I hash out the pros and cons of Ohio, Missouri and Nebraska with you. I would be most appreciative of any suggestions, comments or questions that might help me/us figure this out. For each thing that I weigh and balance, I am sure I must be forgetting six others.
I've been dragging my feet, not wanting to write about all of this Decision Making Stuff because I still haven't heard from Nebraska yet - I might be accepted, I might not; they might offer me money, they might not.
Here's why that might be important: Both Ohio and Missouri required that I apply to the Master's program, but Nebraska allowed me to apply directly for to the PhD. If I'm moving my whole family halfway across the country, a PhD sounds like a better reason than an MA, especially since it's eventually what I want.
But of course that's not the only Thing That Matters.
There are...
- the public schools
- cost of living
- availability of housing
- jobs for Steve
- other opportunities for Steve
- strength of the program academically
- strength of the program artistically
- (each of which includes its own subset of Things That Matter)
- general atmosphere
- compatibility between my writing and the writing of the professors in the department
- graduation requirements
- financial aid packages
- assistantship terms (teaching, tutoring, etc.)
Let's get this thing started.
6 comments:
Schools, community and cost of living. They'd all be on the top of my list too.
Hang in there. I can't imagine what a tough decision this is.
This is all so stressful. I like your idea of a hashing out all the pros and cons. Seeing it all visually might help.
Oh dear, being a grownup blows.
I vote for Nebraska, seems like a better deal long run with the PhD. Want me to pray about it for you? I'll let you know what I come up with.
I am so jealous that you have gotten decisions already! I don't wanna wait anymore!
Eek. I'd be stressed too.
However -- given your penchant for research, I have no doubt your pros and cons list will be extensive and well thought out.
And of course we'll be happy to weigh in! I can help other people make decisions. I just can't make my own...
That's a lot to consider. The PhD. does sound promising. I can't wait to find out what you decide.
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