Northeast/Mid-atlantic

[dustycat]

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I've read on this forum before people saying it is bad to have too narrow geographic preferences. Is applying primarily to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic shooting myself in the foot? My stronger preference & most schools are in the Northeast. I wouldn't go to a school I don't like-- so if I can find enough that I like/fit, is it really a horrible idea?

Yes, it is for personal reasons (love the area, family, bf, friends). I know we can break up. I don't hold any illusions about that. But I also know that while career is tied into happiness for me, I derive much of my happiness from being around people I love. I am most productive then also.

Bad idea?

 

[justme08]

Obviously, in the end we all have to make these decisions ourselves. If you're gathering input, all I can offer is that I personally can only apply to schools in cities with a low cost of living, excluding most of the NE, including a program or two I would have loved.

If I were single, I personally think I would be more adventerous (with children my pragmatic side must rule).

 

[GreenPsych]

My take on this is that the process is so very competitive therefore you, or anyone, is remiss to create application boundaries such as the one you are asking about. It's hyper-competitive, so why cut out 75% or more of the schools that might be a good fit for you? Anytime you remove 75% of a desired objective you are hindering your chances of landing in the correct spot.

In the end it is.... to each his or her own.

 

[VeggieDelight]

Location is important. If you are not happy where you are, it doesn't matter how much of a match you have with the program. That being said, in the application stages, you should consider programs both far and near. I know cost can be an issue, but scrounge up as much as you can. If all the programs you like happen to be in the NE, great. If you find yourself saying, "Ohh, this program out in CA is PERFECT for me... but it's in CA... so no", then I think that's a problem. Don't limit yourself so early in the process. I applied to places at 3 corners of the country and ended up 1 state away.

 

[justme08]

I'm assuming that the NE covered a lot of schools. But, I agree 100 percent with others, if I could live anywhere I wanted I would apply to a few more programs. As it is I've got a baker's dozen on my list that cover 12 states.