bjlowe

I completely understand your feelings. Although I'm in a different field, global affairs, my situation is very similar. Undergrad debt, NYU for grad school, and a career that will have a modest salary. I can't help but wonder if this insane amount of debt will be the defining characteristic of our generation? How can we buy houses or start families if we are repaying these loans in our 20s/30s? But it doesn't seem like anyone let's this debt stop them from pursuing degrees to get the careers they want. Maybe my biggest comfort is knowing that many others are in the same situation. So best of luck to you! I'm also taking a scary leap into debt in hope of developing my professional life!

I don't know if I'm exactly the right person to give advice, as I don't know a whole lot about getting a law degree. But I am an global affairs major, and I would think that getting the MIA for an international law career would make more sense. It seems like the more direct route, no? While both programs can prepare you for a career in the field of law, I think the principles and concepts one needs to focus on are very different between the two. But like OregonGal said, figuring out what career you want is the place to start.... although that is hard for most of us!

I was admitted to the NYU SCPS Masters program in Global Affairs. I graduated from UW Madison two years ago with a BA in International Studies/Political Science. After two years of work, I haven't been thrilled with either of the two jobs I had. I had always thought of going to grad school and made the decision to apply after realizing that I may not get a job that I will be satisfied with unless I continue to grad school and find a job that I worked hard for and that I really care about. (As an IS major it is difficult to find something in this field without a grad degree, or so it seems.) Now, after I'm signing up for classes and reading through articles on JSTOR in preparation for my program I am starting to have a lot of anxiety about whether or not I am making the right decision. I'm currently teaching abroad but don't want to continue this so my options now are pursue a grad degree or go home and start job searching for a job that I will be settling for. The thought of going back to school scares me a little, and the cost of tuition scares me even more-especially when I think about the current job market. This could be a severe case of 'fear of failure.' I guess what I want to know is this- How many of you are doubting your readiness or your decision for grad school? How many grad students were worried about their decisions to attend when they enrolled, and how do you feel now that you are in school? What level of stress/anxiety/self-doubt is normal when we are taking this life-changing step? Some days I am perfectly confident that I am making the right decision to move to New York and pursue what I have always held to be my 'dream.' And other days I feel like I would be perfectly happy furnishing a home/apartment back home finding a job and settling down and paying off the (comparatively) little debt that I currently have. Any input/personal stories would be greatly appreciated!

Personally, I don't care for anything that is 'east side.' this includes East Washington street and others east of the state Capitol. There's nothing necessarily wrong with it, but I get sketched out. I lived downtown all 4 years I lived there as I didn't have a car. I assume you will too, but if not, definitely stay away from areas near the South side bus stop (the main south transfer point) that area is scary. University Ave/Johnson St/Broom st/Gorham st/are the main downtown drags. I personally like Shorewood Hills/ Old University area. And the busses in Madison are pretty good so don't be worried if you find somewhere a little farther from campus

I'll be starting at NYU this fall as well! MS in Global Affairs. This housing thing really is daunting! But not as scary as the debt I'll be getting myself into!

HI! I'm from Wisconsin and I did my undergrad at UW. Here are some good websites to check out for apartments downtown. Unfortunately, the prices are really high for Madison, considering it is comparatively a small-ish city. jsmproperties.com cdliving.com madisonproperty.com I lived with JSM before and have used the other two many times. Of course you can use craigslist if you are looking for a sublet. But I would recommend either of these for finding an apartment on your own. Good luck! And enjoy UW It's really a great school!

Did you live in the dorms as a grad student? Or have you seen them? I was there before and the undergrad dorms seemed pretty nice. But I looked at Washington Square Village and Alumni hall, and neither look very luxurious! I am locked in a contract until August 14th. So I'll have exactly 3 weeks before school starts. However, during that time I'll have to move my things from Korea back to Wisconsin, rearrange things, and move to New York. So while I could go a little earlier, is two weeks even enough? Plus then I don't get to visit home for much time... but I suppose there are worse things.

I will be moving to NYC in the fall to start grad school at NYU. I have no stipend or funding and am relying solely on FAFSA loans. I'm debating between applying for the dorms- which seem to be pricey and limited, but right on campus- and trying to find my own place. The complication is that I am currently living in Korea and will only be moving to NY about 1 week prior to starting classes. Therefore, I have little opportunity to go see any apartments or rooms I might find on Craigslist for ex. I want to save as much money as possible, but I also want to really focus on school and I'm worried living in a shared house in Brooklyn could be a little bit of a distraction. What are your guys' thoughts? I think the NYU grad dorms are around 13,000 per year. I've read some reviews that say it's better to just find your own place for more privacy and less cost. If you recommend finding my own place, are there any pointers you have? What subway lines/stops to stay away from? What's the easiest stop to be around to commute into Manhattan? Thanks!

Here's the situation: I have applied to NYU SCPS for the Master of Science in Global Affairs program. The cost of this degree is astronomical. I did my bachelor's with relatively little debt, but I still owe some and have no source of financial support to attend graduate school (FAFSA is my only option). I am very passionate about the IR field and I feel that pursuing a degree is the best way for me to get a job I will really love. Unfortunately, as with many careers / programs in the field, the jobs we will end up with are quite likely going to have a salary that is much lower than the cost of the degree. So what I'm trying to poll is: Is it worth it? Should I put off the degree and pursue a career in this field by other means? i.e. moving to NYC anyways- and try to volunteer or find a part time job and an internship? This would allow me to minimize my debt. Or should I go for it? Rack up the debt in hopes of finding a job in the end? Is there anyone out there that graduated recently from the NYU MSGA program that can share their experience? / Give any advice? I would be greatly appreciative! Or anyone who has pursued a degree in this field at a similar program that can give some insight? DEBT makes me CRAZY!!! Thank you!

I just had an interview as well, for a Global Affairs program. The woman from admissions asked me one question: Could you please tell me more about why you would like to study Transnational Security. She asked me a few other questions about things I had mentioned and then asked if I had any questions for her. That was it! It was about 15minutes as well. I hung up the phone feeling extremely confused and wondered why that was necessary? I had prepared for a bunch of different questions and only got asked one?! Back to the waiting game.

Thank you for the information as well!

I'm looking for some feedback on a particular situation: A woman from admissions with whom I have been in contact sent me an email: "I am writing to request a phone interview to further discuss your application. Please let me know if you are available to talk this afternoon at 4:30pm or 5pm." Unfortunately, I didn't see the email until it was 6pm her time because I am currently living in Korea and due to the time difference I received it at about 11:30 pm my time. Does it strike anyone else as strange that she would request an interview that very same day? I wrote her back reminding her that I am living abroad (it's stated on my resume so I assume she would have known), apologized for not responding sooner and recommending another time. She has yet to contact me again regarding the interview! I'm really hoping that I screw up this chance. But at the same time it seems a little unprofessional to request an interview on 6 hours notice even if we were in the same country.

I'm looking for the same information!! Any advice would be helpful

Okay, yea let me know when you heard anything! Good luck to you as well!

I can relate! I also blush very easily- sometimes not even when I'm nervous or embarrassed about anything. But when I tell a story, or when people are looking at me. It really is a dreadful thing to deal with. When this happens, I normally just try to relax and take a deep breath. Most of the time in professional/academic situations this happens to me when I am underprepared. If I know what I am talking about and feel confident of course it's not as bad. What's more, it seems like it got worse over the last few years ;( Basically just know that many people struggle with this and it doesnt seem like there is a fool proof cure. Just try to relax and be yourself!