PSL voices | Choosing between three Master's degrees

Published May 23, 2024

We often talk about the fear of not being accepted anywhere, but it can be just as anxiety-inducing when you have too many choices! If you're like me and hate having to make a choice, this article should help to reassure you so you can make the "right" decision!

My five tips:

#1 : Weigh the pros and cons of each program

Take a deep breath and grab a sheet of paper. Try to make it a blank one so you can be as objective as possible! Leave no room for distractions (I'm joking, rose-tinted glasses are much more fun). Divide the page into two columns: one for the pros, one for the cons. Write down anything that comes to mind. Don't forget to mention what drove you to apply for one program over another.

If you had an interview with the course manager, think about how you felt at the time. It often means a lot!
Think about your future employers, too. What do you want them to see on your CV? If you want to join a prestigious Master's degree or university like PSL, note it in your pros column. For example, I personally turned down a course that I really liked when I found out its diploma was not state-recognized.
If the international aspect is important to your future academic or professional career, remember to look at the official rankings for your preferred fields.
And above all, think ahead and dig into the details of the career prospects on offer. Go on LinkedIn and take a look at what Master's alumni have done.

This may not really motivate you right now, but in two or three years' time, you will be glad you took the time to check this out.

#2 : Talk to those around you

Stress and overthinking things are often counterproductive. Getting some outside opinions can be really valuable. Talk things over with your family, friends and other loved ones. They may notice that you are more excited when you talk about one course than another. They know you well and have a bit more distance from the situation, so they should help you get your mind on the right track

#3 : Look at all the aspects of the course �ċ

Do you prefer a traditional Master's course or a work-study program? In other words, do you want to get some field experience before you enter the job market? Verify this on the admissions portals. If the course you are interested in does not offer a work-study program, internships are often a possibility.

However if, unlike most of us, you loved writing your 40-page thesis in your Bachelor's course or if you’ve always loved thinking about the big questions, you might prefer another option. Have you thought about joining a research program? At PSL and , for example, many courses offer a "professional" path and a "research" path. This is something unique that you might be interested in.

You may also want to take a university-supervised gap year between the first and second year of your Master's degree. If you want to learn more, you can read the article I wrote on the topic.

I hope this has piqued your curiosity, in case you hadn't thought about it before. Any of these criteria can help tip the scales. These aren't mere details; they can greatly change how you see the course.

#4 : Don't forget about 'neighboring' factors

Even though the pace can still be quite hectic in a Master's degree program, don't worry: the point is not to have you eat, sleep and breath your work. Think about the other essential aspects that will influence your daily life. The practical and/or financial aspects first: the cost of the course, scholarships or other financial aid, as well as the accommodation options. If you live outside Paris, can PSL offer you options for housing near the campus?

Contacting ambassadors can be a good way to get a better grasp on these aspects. Chat with PSL students online: :

#5 : Try to see yourself after the Master's degree

I know this might sound scary! But I'm speaking from experience. Look into the industries and sectors on offer after you get your Master's degree. Does it give you the option of working for NGOs, private businesses, the public sector, associations or in research?

If you can't find this information easily on websites, you can try to contact Master's alumni. Type in the name of your Master's course on LinkedIn, and you can easily find alumni who can help guide you and talk about their careers after they graduated.

What is the job placement rate on graduation? Has anyone talked about the course in the media? Ask yourself all these questions to imagine yourself after graduation in the most informed way possible.

In conclusion

The most important thing to remember is that, no matter what, you need to listen to your heart and choose what you believe will offer you two or three unforgettable years in a pleasant environment with courses that you will love. It's great to have the choice! That means that your profile won over several juries. And there is no need to panic: nothing is ever set in stone! Changing courses isn't taboo, and there is always time to try something else later.