MePleaseHokay
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- Aug 2, 2018
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Is there anyone who has declined their offer to Harvard in favor of another school that is technically ranked "lower"? I am really struggling to make that final decision. My gut is pushing me towards Emory - they gave me a hefty scholarship, I really liked the Atlanta area, and the strong ties to the CDC are a plus. I do have genuine reasons (beyond simply financials) that make me feel like Harvard might not be right for me (program seems fairly rushed, I get the vibe that the curriculum is more content-based and has more of a research focus than a practical focus [I am not planning to pursue a PhD right away]). But even with my gut telling me Harvard isn't the right move, I haven't been able to bring myself to decline it yet. It seems like everyone who was accepted plans to go - no matter how much money they were offered - and I worry maybe I am making the wrong move by not doing it for the name/network... Is anyone else feeling similarly or does anyone have any insight on how you made your decision??
I have! I've done exactly what you were contemplating; turned down Harvard (and a group of other offers) to attend Emory. Although I had a great visit to Emory, it actually wasn't what I anticipated choosing, but in the end i'm so psyched. I got a pretty bad vibe at Harvard and while it is a big name, the reality out in the work field is that people within a certain field know which programs are good. Those rankings are based on peer reviews and reputation, not necessarily on the value of the program or its "rightness" for your goals and personality.
Why i'm excited for Emory: great program, sense of community, lots of available and well-funded research, beautiful campus, amazing climate, and in terms of the rating, it's still in the TOP FIVE mph programs nationally!!!
Hope to see you there, feel free to reach out if you wanna chat!! Best of luck!