<p>First of all, you are totally right. I do have much more debt than I (or anyone) am comfortable with. That’s really what it comes down to. Sure, I’ve wanted to go to Columbia for years and I’ve wanted to live in NYC forever. But, sometimes, reality is reality. I’m still planning to contact Financial Aid at CU to see if there are ANY other options, but I’m not holding my breath. My thinking has been that I could go part time for the 1st year, and then get a TA/GA/RA position w/ a tuition waiver for the remainder of my time there. The first year would be hell though. Like I said, probably working 30-40 hours/wk plus 6 creds/semester. </p>
<p>I guess I am mostly trying to determine how important one’s MA program is to being accepted into a fully funded PhD program w/ a stipend and such. I figured that, if I go to Columbia then I will be a shoe-in for their doctoral program (or another Ivy). But, I suppose you are right when you say that my PhD application will come down to the quality of work I do during my MA, regardless of the university I do it at.
I’m still waiting to hear back from my local (in-state) university and Boston University as well. So, this may not end up just being a Columbia (w/ a lot of new debt) vs SDSU (w/ a decent amount of new debt) issue. </p>
<p>Thank you to everyone who has replied to my thread. I really appreciate it. Any other commentary on the importance of program name/reputation in relation to Ivy doctorate admissions is highly welcomed. Thanks guys - Arem</p>