<p>bedman, best of luck in getting that Fulbright grant–you do sound very qualified to get it. Then, you’ll be able to make your decision free of financial constraints. </p>
<p>Incidentally, it can be pretty hard getting in and out of Ithaca, which may have some bearing on your decision when considering getting together with your girlfriend. There’s no very convenient airport, and you can be snowed in or have a difficult time driving several months of the year. At Stanford, you’re within 20 minutes of two airports, and suffice it to say there is never a risk of being snowed in! And you can get decent airfares with a couple weeks’ advance planning. There are several airlines that fly between SF or San Jose and Philly. Good luck!</p>