Decision- Stanford-PGSP- Help!

[pengy]

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[clinpsychgirl]

I need some guidance on my decision for psyd-
I've been accepted to Chicago School of Professional Psychology and I have an interview at PGSP-Stanford. I haven't yet been accepted to PGSP-Stanford, but I am trying to make this decision now so that I will have my mind made up if I am admitted.

Obviously the PGSP-Stanford program is a top program. By biggest concern is that I live in Chicago and would have to really make a big move to live in CA. My entire family lives here as well as my friends. Additionally my boyfriend has a good job here and I am not sure if PGSP-Stanford would be worth the trouble of him having to decide whether to move with me, and if he does, he would have to find a new job, etc. I am trying to decide this now because I am thinking that if I don't plan on actually going there then I might as well not interview. But on the other hand, PGSP-Stanford is a really strong program and I don't want to miss out on a great opportunity.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? This is such a rough decision for me

If you can afford it, I would go to the interview. Obviously family, significant others, and geographic locale are important considerations- if these are the most important factors in making your decision, by interviewing at the other school you can atleast feel confident that you systematically evaluated all of your options.

 

[perfektspace]

Go to the best school you feel most comfortable in. Any funding differences would also be very important as well as cost of living. California can be quite expensive but perhaps Chicago is not much better.

A few years ago I had to make a decision to move away from my girlfriend (now wife) for over 2 years and, although it was not easy, we had no problems and lived happily ever after (results not typical!). Despite my experience I would not advise most people to stick around for a non-spouse. Maybe you don't think your ready to go at it alone in a strange place. If so, that's nothing to be ashamed of. Better to know your limitations and act accordingly than to ignore them and be miserable.

 

[leftbrian]

I need some guidance on my decision for psyd-
I've been accepted to Chicago School of Professional Psychology and I have an interview at PGSP-Stanford. I haven't yet been accepted to PGSP-Stanford, but I am trying to make this decision now so that I will have my mind made up if I am admitted.

Obviously the PGSP-Stanford program is a top program. By biggest concern is that I live in Chicago and would have to really make a big move to live in CA. My entire family lives here as well as my friends. Additionally my boyfriend has a good job here and I am not sure if PGSP-Stanford would be worth the trouble of him having to decide whether to move with me, and if he does, he would have to find a new job, etc. I am trying to decide this now because I am thinking that if I don't plan on actually going there then I might as well not interview. But on the other hand, PGSP-Stanford is a really strong program and I don't want to miss out on a great opportunity.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? This is such a rough decision for me

Hi there,

I was interviewed by both schools and I think there is nothing to lose to go to the PGSP interview. But it's true that the cost of living in the San Francisco and Palo Alto areas is very expensive. I personally prefer Chicago school and plus if you already feel like home in Chicago with your boyfriend etc., maybe Chicago School will be your choice. But then again, at least fly to the west coast and see what the program is like. The weather was very nice when I went there 🙂

 

[pengy]

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[leftbrian]

Thanks for the advice. Question for you- why do you prefer the Chicago School? Any specific reasons? And are you planning on attending Chicago School?
I've decided to at least interview at PGSP-Stanford. I just am hesistant about actually attending there because of my personal ties in Chicago and also because I heard the program is quite expensive.

Hi,

I guess I prefer Chicago School for a lot of things. First I really liked the city when I first got there and there are just so many internship opportunities there if not more than PGSP-Stanford area. Second of all, I think you are right, the cost on the west coast is extremely expensive. Third, I like the Chicago program better because of its different tracks you can choose from, like multicultural/community, child/adolescent, and more. But PGSP-Stanford seems to be at a very raw stage although it has very strong curriculum and other Stanford resources.

I hope you have a great time there in Stanford. The weather and area just blew me away. It makes a nice place to visit. But I just can't picture myself going there.

I haven't heard back from Chicago School yet and most likely I am attending a PhD program in, guess what, Chicago!

 

[pengy]

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[vesper9]

in terms of money IMHO it's tooooooo expensive....I live in San Francisco and I didn't even apply b/c tutition is easily $30,000 without living expenses (and living in Palo Alto is pricey too)

http://www.pgsp.edu/html/prosp-tuition.htm

for other PsyDs looking on the West Coast check out The Wright Institute in Berkeley