With the recent flurry of X v. Y threads, I decided to create a one-stop shop of sorts. Here's what I need from you.
IMPORTANT: IF YOU HAVE NOT VISITED ALL SCHOOLS BUT PLAN ON DOING SO (OR HAVE OTHER OUTSTANDING INFORMATION, SUCH AS REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS OF FINANCIAL AID, ETC), DO NOT PARTICIPATE. YOUR RESPONSES AND THEREFORE RESULTS WILL BE SKEWED.
First, list ONLY the schools you're considering attending, then answer the following questions subjectively (or objectively [ties are acceptable, but please list all schools]):
1. The school with the best location (factor in local activities, proximity to SO's, etc.)
2. The school that will overall cost you the least (cost of living included)
3. The highest ranked school (according to whichever source matters to you; personal rankings count)
4. The school that you think will give you the best job prospects (go with overall flexibility as opposed to what you think you might want to do, since that could easily change; factor in location as well)
5. The school that best seems to fit your personality
6. Finally, write down (or type, I guess) the first school from your list that comes to mind.
Next, rank each of the first 5 criteria (1-5) in terms of how important they are to you on a scale of 1-5, 1 being least important and 5 being most important. For example, if you don't care about cost, rank it 1. There must be a 1, a 2, a 3, a 4, and a 5. No ties.
I'll start as an example:
1. NYU - 2
2. UVA - 3
3. NYU - 1
4. NYU/UVA - 4
5. UVA - 5
6. NYU