Deciding between BUSPH and Yale

[stam487]

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So I'm deciding between BUSPH and Yale both for Health Policy. I think that probably I'm a better fit for Yale, personality-wise (and I was really excited about being at the same institution at the Rudd Food Policy Center), but personal circumstances necessitate that I stay in Boston. I've been thinking about doing a commuting thing--where I live at Yale a few days a week and commute back to Boston for the weekends but I'm concerned that this will make me unhappy on a personal level. Is choosing the right school worth being exhausted and miserable because of the commute?

Also, my parents are paying for school and they are pressuring me to choose Yale because they think the reputation is so much better than BU. On the flipside, my longterm boyfriend lives in Boston and is not keen on having a commuting/long-distance relationship. Basically, I could use my fellow future public health students' perspective on the merits of BU vs. Yale. Is one so much better than the other that it matters which I choose? I am concerned that BU is too practice-focused and that there won't be enough opportunities to do significant research (something I'm very interested in doing). What will be the consequences with regard to my career? Am I being blinded by the cache of the name "Yale"? Advice needed!

 

[2013MPH2013]

I was in a similar situation last year. Feel free to PM me.

 

[studenthealth12]

Honestly, I went to an Ivy school for my graduate degree and the opportunities were unbelievable. This is not to say that BU is a bad school. In fact it is excellent, however you need to remember that Yale is Yale. If I got into Yale, regardless of circumstances, I would do my best to go. You might be being blinded by the name, but so is the world. The name counts and it offers a great education. BU will be great and I am sure you will be fine career wise, however Yale is definitely a few steps up. BU=8 and Yale=10. Not sure if this is true but is your BF the issue? I had a GF and she did not want me to go away for school and obviously it was a tough decision. However, it only made our relationship stronger. Choose Yale if you can do it. 5 years from now you will be regretting if you did not. Just my thoughts.

 

[mwdl4life]

Both are great schools. Do what will make you happiest.

 

[Stories]

I know a lot of people will disagree with me on this, but I say completely disregard and disentangle yourself from your boyfriend's feelings. He'll get over it, and if he doesn't, you shouldn't be with him to begin with. And yes, it's as simple as that (unless there are other circumstances such as you have a child together).

If Yale is a better fit and you think you'd be happier at Yale, it sounds like a no brainer to me.

 

[Kalla]

^^^ Agree.

Go with Yale - it seems like the best choice for you and your career goals. Don't hold yourself back for the sake of someone else. I know it's tough, but you can't re-do your education so easily. If he loves you, he'll be supportive and try to make it work. Good luck!

 

[Anna86]

I have to agree with the two above posts. Its hard but you need to put yourself first and think about what is best for you. If you feel like Yale is the best fit then that is what you should do. BU is a great program (and one I am debating attending myself) but I really think you should go where the fit is great, not where someone else wants you to go. I hope this doesn't come off as harsh advice but it sounds like you prefer Yale so you should go there, experience the program, live in New Haven and get the most out of the program!