Hi everyone, I’m really confused and don’t know what to do. I got acceptances from some schools (VT, NCSU, ISU, UB, SCI-Arc) but since I’m an international applicant I don’t have so much information about programs apart from Internet. I think these schools have quite different characteristics in terms of design understandings, location etc. So any advices, thoughts are really appreciated.

I’m 29, female, and I have a consecutive master of architecture. I applied M.Arch II programs (2 years) of universities. Of course, education and the faculty quality are my prior concerns but the university’s surrounding, city life and architecture offices in the city (for internship possibilities) are also very important for me.

SCI-Arc is way expensive for me and I am not sure it is so different to worth 100k for 5 terms, I liked UB at first but its gradate research groups each seemed very focused on one area not too much architecture. So now I am torn between VT (Blacksburg), Iowa state university and NCSU.

I know ISU is not as famous as the other 2 but it gives me TA(with resident tuition) and %50 tuition remission and $ 3000 fellowship so basically I don't have to pay for my tuition. But I think being in a small city like Ames won't be good for practicing Architecture.

VT and NCSU both seem practical with excellent design perspectives.

I need to know if ISU is a good program not much lower than the other 2, because of financial benefits I have to consider it but if the others are way better and much different with better job opportunities, I am willing to pay for them.

If the other 2 weigh more which one is better, VT or NCSU?

I am going crazy, please any insight would be helpful, whatever you know or heard.