So...for once, my decisiveness is severely lacking. We've had months to research the various programs, I've visited all four schools where I spoke with professors and graduate students, and we've attempted to weigh all the pros and cons. We've prayed and sought guidance from trusted friends and mentors. We've even created a spreadsheet comparing the characteristics (25 of them, including proximity to family, cost of living, weather, academic requirements, quality of professors, etc.) of all our choices, but we still can't pull the trigger and just pick a school!
Part of the problem is that we thought our decision already was clear. We had planned on attending Stanford all along, but then we realized that their class and teaching requirements were significantly greater and much less flexible than some of the other programs. There are two officers there now, and both seem to be having a tougher time with the administrative hurdles than they are with the academic work. Not that the academics are a joke...when I called one of them this morning at 10:30am (on a Saturday), he was still working. It would be unfortunate to go to a school near family, and then never be able to see them.
Fortunately, there are tremendous resources and institutional support at Princeton and Chicago...and both seem to be quite willing to work with Army officers on a condensed timeline. Princeton has a long tradition of supporting Army officers coming through the PhD program that dates back to the 1950s. Chicago is a bit of an unknown. Although several officers have attended Masters programs there in the past, no one has attempted a PhD yet. Given the fact that I have to complete a 6-7 program in 3-4 years, it could be tough to be the trailblazer who has the figure out how to jump through all the hoops.
So we're stuck with a can't miss decision. There really are no bad options. We're sure we'd be happy at every school, but somehow we still are having a hard time making our decision. So we will continue to pray, and make one last ditch attempt to solicit advice as we near our decision deadline! We'd love to hear what you all have to say. And if we still can't make a decision, we'll just leave it up to Leenie to decide!
This girl is ready for an adventure...
6 comments:
Kristen,
Give me a call to talk about living near Stanford. I've been meaning to email or call you to give you my two cents about the South Bay area since we've been living here a little over a year now.
Best of luck as you make this important decision!
Kelly
The Childress family unanimously agrees that Princeton is the answer! (Even though one Childress is napping and another is kickin' it in Krygzstan.)
Good luck making you final choice. We know all are wonderful schools. The answer of course is Stanford, even though this would be difficult for Dad. Palo Alto should be your new home, or you are OUT OF THE WILL!
Just kidding. You will be happy where ever you go, and they will be lucky to have you.
Mom and Dad
From what you wrote in your blog I would pick Princeton. But of course I didn't see the whole spreadsheet (which the idea of makes me totally happy!)
But we will be praying that you will have peace in your decision making, I know it is so hard.
I'm praying for you guys today! We think Stanford is the best choice with Chicago being a close second. (okay, from the sounds of things maybe Stanford isn't the best, but it'd be a great place to visit!)
From what you write, Princeton sounds like a winner--lots of support, and certainly a respected name!
(And WOW... Your husband has his pick of Princeton, Stanford, and Chicago!! I'm in awe of the guy.)
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