<p>The good news is that S2 has been accepted to grad school programs in his area of interest. The problem is helping him decide which offer to take...each program is a bit different than each other, and he feels like he is comparing apples, oranges and grapes. Any words of wisdom on helping him reach a decision?</p>
<p>If financial matters are more or less equal, I’d say to go with the one that is most likely to help him land a job when he gets his degree–whether through reputation or an especially well-connected professor/advisor.</p>
<p>What does he picture as his “dream job.” Assuming that the cost is fairly comparable, he should go with the one that gives him the skill set closest to what he ideally wants to do career wise. </p>
<p>We might be able to help you more, if you tell us the general field of study this involves.</p>
<p>The key to a PhD grad school program is the dissertation advisor. Presumably your student knows what specialty area he want to pursue. The choice then should be based on the strength of program in that specific area and the depth of faculty resources in that area. Perceived prestige of the department is of limited value to PhD grads. Eminence of his dissertation advisor, who will have a large network of scholars throughout the world, will be the key to future opportunities.</p>
<p>These faculty will also have scads of research funds available to support their advisees. Always a good thing.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies so far. S2 applied to MPP programs (masters in public policy).</p>
<p>MPP programs are not research based, so the dissertation advisor doesn’t matter much (a good advisor helps, of course, but since the field to be entered from an MPP is not academic, unless the faculty have major contacts outside of academia, most irrelevant - the quality of the career center will be much more important.) </p>
<p>Location matters A LOT. Programs in major cities or centers of power provide opportunities for interning, networking, and contacts that those (no matter how good) outside of them do not. It may not be the deciding factor, but it really does count. Also, being in a part of the country that your son hopes to work could make a real difference (unless he is thinking of working in a “think tank”.)</p>
<p>thanks, mini. By the way, I sent you a pm</p>
<p>My son picked the University of Cincinnati for grad school only because it was the only college that offered him money. He attended University of Louisville for undergrad on an academic full tuition, room, board and books scholarship so he has not had to borrow any money at all. UC was not his first choice for grad school but he’s very practical and doesn’t want to owe money to anyone.</p>