I graduated a year and a half ago and upon graduating I planned to get my Masters within the next several years.

I have been gaining excellent work experience and will have been out of school for two years before going back if I choose to apply and go next year. I don't have any goals for how many years off is too little or too many. I'm flexible.

My problem is that I am torn between wanting to work for awhile and pay off past student debt before getting more and just hoping on to graduate school next year.

I feel like I would be perfectly happy either way which is making the decision process a little hard.

Any input from other people who went through this would be much appreciated.

I'm sure most of you know my situation from my constant whining, but here it is again!

I have a bit of a strange dilemna.

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I guess what I'm looking for is a bit of perspective...I feel like I have made up my mind already, but I am still waffling between declining and reapplying or going for it now.

X-posted at Gradcafe

Alright, I need advice. I always knew that I would have to take loans for my masters. They don't generally fund international students in my field at all. I have three options -

1. My dream school. I LOVE it and have always wanted to be there. It is also one of the top 3 in my field. BUT, they accepted me to the 3 year program which means about $150k in all.

2. 2yr program. In the top 10. I like them a lot. No aid. So about $100k

3. 2 yr program again. Merit scholarship of about $9k per year. So I will need to spend about 80k in all. BUT, this one is less reputed than #2(only slightly). It's still in the top 10.

Rankings aside, I like all three schools. I am just wondering if all that debt is worth going to my dream school. I used to say I would kill to get in there. But now I am not so sure. I thought I had made my decision when a friend told me "Money you can earn. Your education and time however is a one time investment." Also, I would REALLY be an idiot to pass on the admission offer from a school which people will die to get into. Yeah, I am confused.

I am obviously going to look for on campus jobs and apply for a scholarship again next year. That plus freelance work should lower down the $150k(or whichever) figure a bit. So, what would you do? Just want to hear some opinions on this.

p.s. - Not naming the schools for the sake of anonymity and also because not many people outside of my field would know much about art schools anyways.

eta - I am also applying for this highly competitive scholarship in my country. If I get that, they'll pay for everything for 2 years and I just need to draw out some $50k in loans. The problem is, I need to tell them which school I am going to while applying and I have the maximum chances of getting the scholarship if I am going to school #1(they also judge you based on the school's reputation). The problem is that the results of this scholarship will be announced in July, and I need to accept an offer before that.

I have already been admitted to a few programs. So, does it matter what grades I get in my current classes? I already have my bachelor's degree, I'm just taking a class this quarter and next.

Hello - I've come for advice.
I've been offered a fully-funded position from a super-prestigious UK school (WOO!) that I need to accept or decline - by Feb. 22nd. I wouldn't mind deciding by mid-March, even, but Feb. 22nd might not even allow for me to hear back from ANY of my other schools. My offer is probably my 2nd or 3rd choice, so I'm only considering turning it down for at most two other schools.

Should I just take it, or email my contact professors/potential supervisors from schools #1 & #2 right before Feb. 22nd to see if they'll let me know? Any other suggestions?