School decision time…does size matter?

[Guest 1196631]

Hi, 

New here. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in school and am searching for fresh insight. Main question…does class size matter?

I was accepted to some top schools for post master’s PMHNP, was super elated, then realized it meant making decisions!

My top was Hopkins but there will be 40-something people in the class and I am unsure how awesome that’ll be (only 1 section). Plus side is 3 semesters, zero travel, and only 500 clinical hours. I asked about clinicals there just for the experience alone and got a weird look. Everyone I’ve spoken with has been nice enough but very, uh, “confident” in the Hopkins name. Program has been around 8yrs.

2nd choice is right up there with Hopkins in name but some differences. Faculty already much more accessible but support staff (admissions, etc) not so super. I’d be 1 of like 5ish but have to travel there once a semester (3 total semesters) and there’s 690 clinical hours. I asked about doing some clinicals there and faculty was actually excited. It’s a new program.

For some reason this one is stumping me! The logical choice seems to be Hopkins because of no travel and less clinical time but the class size and enthusiasm aspect are getting me!

Thoughts?