Good luck.  Probably the smarter choice.

Thanks! I think/hope so.

I just declined my admission to UIC and decided to work another year.  The professors are awesome and it seems as though everyone that graduates from there lands a job.  You aren't from an architecture background and after visiting the school I think that UIC is a great program for those who are from a different discipline.  I think you made a good choice in the end.  Plus, you will get more attention at UIC than at Penn, the average incoming M.Arch class size is about 12-18 (Penn is more like 60-70) students.  Were you at the open house? 

What made you decline C.Watts? I wasn't aware that the M.Arch class was that small which is awesome! I didn't go to the open house because I attended the prospective student open house and I was set on going to Upenn. 

I came from an arch background and for me, personally, UIC was little too heavy into the theory for my taste (and I came from a theory school).  I really thought I was going to love it and end up attending, but It just didn't feel like a fit while I was visiting.  It was a hard decision, but the experience made me realize that I need to continue working and think further on what I want to accomplish and focus on in graduate school.  Next step for me is finding a new job that is NOT in Kentucky. And of course tweaking my portfolio and statement so I can start the process all over again ;)

Oh yeah, get out of Kentucky and get some experience in a bigger city! Not only would you be able to get a job with a diverse portfolio but living in a bigger metropolis would provide a wealth of cultural knowledge along with some great exposure. Good luck!

HP I've been lurking around the site and have spotted you on a couple of other threads..I think you're making an extremely smart decision here. I can imagine how heartbreaking it must be to pass on the school of your dreams because of the money factor. But the future looks far brighter and lighter without 200k in debt, doesn't it? You'd be able to travel, experiment with jobs, get a car, maybe even put down an advance on a house someday! I'm sure you'll do exceedingly well at UIC. I just turned down their offer in favor of another school where I think I'd be a better fit, but I was very seriously considering it - they seem to be moving in exciting new directions under Bob Somol, and Chicago is a great city for our field! 

@ Cwatts

Move to Cal , get that instate tuition , ha 

@AppleMartini

It does. Don't get me wrong, I will still accrue some debt, but nothing close to 200k. I also figured that if I wanted to I could do a post grad program at an ivy league school if I wanted further down in my career. Good luck with your school as well!

@ROB4

You bet!!  I will be applying to offices in LA area, San Fran, San Diego, etc. etc. One year full time is in-state $$$$

@Hp87

Seriously though, the office I work for now mainly does projects in eastern and southern KY (quick geography lesson, this is the more small town hillbilly parts of Kentucky, which are full of nice people, but anything too modern or contemporary really freaks them out...) As you can imagine, things get a little dull...  I've been ready to move on for a while now.  Hopefully I can make a big change and get to the west coast.  Good luck at UIC, you will do great!

Bravo.

Good call, and good luck.

@SeriousQuestion

I knew you would be pleased. :P

Frankly, I had given up on you when you reported the Penn deposit.  Thank goodness you re-thought the decision before school was actually underway.  Also, Penn's behavior doesn't surprise me in the slightest!  Have a good summer and get rested before school starts.

I understand completely. I won't lie, it was hard for me to let go, but I do believe it's for the better. Since I was so supportive of the 'incurring debt for your dream school' issue I felt it was necessary for me to report back my final decision. Have a good summer as well!