Wednesday
Mar302011
Decision Time- To Harvard or not to Harvard?
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 3:00PM 
In case you hadn't heard, I finally got letters back from Harvard and Brandeis, two places I applied to, to do master's degrees.Both offered me places. History at Brandeis, Teacher Education Program at Harvard. Both are incredible schools (one a little more so than the other).
Both cost a small fortune to attend.
I thought figuring out which schools to apply to, and what to study there was hard; now I am faced with difficult task of deciding what I actually want to commit myself to doing. Where do I want to be? What do I want to be doing? Where do I want to end up? And of course, how much am I going to be getting into debt?
So, I have lots of thinking to do. And I would certainly appreciate any comments of any type from anyone out there. Do I pick one over the other? Or do I reject both, and focus on trying to find a job? I suppose the biggest pro of being offered a place, is that it is something set in stone; it's a guaranteed way for me to get another visa and stay here in the US. On the other hand, I wouldn't be staying here in Madison, WI, a place I truly love, and the place where my apartment and my beautiful girlfriend Nicole are.
I know I would really enjoy doing an MA in History. I love practically all aspects of the subject, and felt throughout my undergraduate degree that I would love to be doing more. Exploring wider periods and places, and going deeper into the topics I love. But, though Brandeis could reduce my tuition my $19,000, I would still have to pay $20,000 myself, plus living expenses. Boston is not cheap.
Furthermore, I am not really sure how much getting an MA in History would advance my career prospects, or my life goals (not that I really know what they are!) After all, many BA graduates in History don't really know what to do with their degree, so what difference would an MA really make, besides putting me a little ahead of others and giving me a Master's Degree.
So while I know I would have a great year at Brandeis, I can't help but feel it just wouldn't really get me anywhere.
Harvard on the other hand is different. I think the biggest draw about Harvard is that it is the number one university in the world. Number One. That really is something incredible, definitely not something to take lightly. Any kind of degree from Harvard will surely benefit me, whatever I choose to do. But even with financial aid, Harvard would still be $30,000. And whose to say I would enjoy it there- Ivy Leagues do seem to have a certain type of air about them, and based on what I saw in The Social Network recently, I can't really say it appealed. Of course, that was "fiction".
Harvard would provide me with a Master's degree which I could put to work; namely, giving me a M.Ed. and training me as a teacher. But is that really what I want to do? I have always thought I would make a very good teacher, and the experience I have had in that field has always been rewarding and enjoyable. But I never really "studied" the area, and it has never been a strong desire of mine. More of just a fall back. Do I really want to spend time and money on something I don't have super strong feelings about? Plus, I would have to attend a summer school, and would only be qualified to teach in Massachusetts. I would have to go through more time, training and cost in order to teach in the UK or anywhere else in the US.
Still, it's Harvard!
I initially wanted to apply to the Kenendy School of Government at Harvard, but those programs were only really suitable for those with more work experience than I had. So I decided to wait on that one. Hopefully in a few years time.
I suppose ideally, I'd like to be working towards getting more experience. And saving up. That way I have a better chance of affording Grad school. However, there is no guarantee that I could get a job. I'd love one here, but I just don't know if that is possible; there is no guarantee I would even find one in the UK. Grad school does offer some security at least.
Basically, it all boils down to the fact that, I really don't know. Perhaps I should take the advice one very very wise man once said to me: "If there is a doubt, there is no doubt"
Reader Comments (6)
Decisions.. decisions.. Most perplexing task. Reading your Blog tells me that you have analyzed the situation very carefully and from many angles, finance, subject matter, goals, etc. I feel like you also want to be "practical", "sensible", "logical"...but don't forget happiness too.
One thing we know is that NOTHING in LIFE is forever certain except.... SOmetimes you go forward; sometimes you need to make a turn or two to satisfy your wants and or your needs.
You are a very inelligent, conscientious, and personable young man. Your assets and achievements thus far will no doubt provide you with good advantage whatever and wherever your goals might take you.
Noone can tell you what you "should" do. That said, you asked for advice so here's my analysis based upon your blog:
You talked about three choices, Harvard, Brandeis, or work for another year. Granted these schools are the best, but from conversations we have had, I got the impression that what you REALLY want and what excites you and what you dream of is some aspect of theatre, be it, acting, writing, producing etc. This is the career path you really want, I believe. Going into large debt for something that doesn't really excite ME wouldn't make me very happy. I know also that one has to be somewhat practical and earning a really fine income immediately is not, most likely going to happen in theatre.... But it DOES happen!
Perhaps an option is to think about getting a job for another year and applying for an MA program that will help you to meet your most desired goals. You are still very young!! ( You may not believe that but...),
I say GO FOR GOLD. You'll never know unless you try, and if you don't try you may always wonder.
Remember too that your career path does not have to be cast in concrete, never to be changed.
If you are going to spend upwards of $30-40,000, spend it on your dream. At the very least you will be excited about what you are doing and you will be happy going for it.
However if this idea is just TOOOOOOO risky for you, my second choice would probably be History. An MA in history could afford you many varied opportunities, even as a university professor , if that excotes you! My brother-in-law graduated from Michigan with a history major and did very well as a historian, consultant with the government, and small business consultant.
Ben, I have spoken from my heart and from my life experience. Briefly, when I went to college I wanted to somehow be involved in social work, or acting. I was convinced by others who I respected to become a teacher beacause it was more secure and I wouldn't be depressed working with sadness, maybe, encountered in a social work career. While I enjoyed teaching I have always wondered about how things would have been if I had followed my heart. Who knows! It's all about comfortable risk levels and life is an adventure anyway you turn.
Best of luck to you. Let me know which path you have decied to take on YOU SPECIAL JOURNEY!! You will do well no matter what! Of this I am CERTAIN.
P.S. I just read your quote: "If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything" /do you really believe it? (:->
What a choice.........!!!!!!!!! I guess your priority is to stay in the US so Uni is the answer at the moment and if you're going anywhere then Harvard is the one. As for teaching I don't think its you, you're too intelligent and it would be a waste of your talents. Could you not switch courses when you're there? Can't your present employers help with a job/visa in anyway, have you talked to them about it?
Sorry I'm not much help but whatever happens will be for the right reasons and non of its bad is it.
Will try to skype you sometime this week.
Dad
As far as I know, a Master's degree in History is essentially worthless unless you are going to pursue a PhD in history. So unless you want to do that, I'd say go for Harvard.
You couldn't do the teaching program at Harvard with a focus on teaching history?
Just watched the social network. Dont go to Harvard you are too good!