picking a PhD program in psychology?

Question

I have been accepted to two developmental programs (fordham and Temple) and one community program (UIC). I can't make a decision on where I want to go. I've weighed all the criteria I could think of: strength of faculty, research interests, course work, overall strength of the program, and location. All three programs promise me 4 years of funding. I currently live in NYC and love it, but I don't want to pick the wrong school just because it's located in the city. Is any one familiar with these programs? I really need some help making this decision, any feedback regarding any of these three programs would be much appreciated. Or any other things I should keep in mind when making my decision!

Answer 1

First, congratulations!

Second, call the Director of Graduate Studies in each program and ask them to put you in touch (via phone) with a couple of current students. Ask these students about their level of satisfaction with their studies, tell them which schools you are deciding among, mention your SPECIFIC areas of interest, and ask if they think there's anything you should know about their program that might help with your decision.

You can be confident that current students will give you their honest perspectives.

In addition, you might try the Graduate School discussion boards at http://www.collegeconfidential.com

Best wishes to you!

Answer 2

All I know is that Temple has a great reputation as a university, however, it is in a very bad area of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love ;) How about visiting each one if you haven't already and talking with some of the students and teachers. There may be a student open house in the spring. I wonder if any of the schools will allow prospective students to stay overnight to get a feel for what it might be like. Sorry that I couldn't be of more help. Good luck to you, and bless you for being accepted into a doctoral program!