Hello all!! So, April is here and I am having a veeery hard time trying to make up my mind.
I have been admitted to the MIA at SIPA (no $), MALD at Fletcher (some $) Elliot (same $ as Tufts) and American (fullride).
A bit of background: I am an international student, hold a Fulbright Scholarship which covers only maintenance costs and my interest revolve around sustainable cities. I am in my 30s, have been working at a consulting firm for almost 6 years and after grad school my ideal job would combine urban sustainable development and consulting on place branding.
Because I have a clear idea of what I want to do next, the Fletcher curriculum seems like a perfect fit. However, I am concerned with the lack of networking that Medford could provide and I am not too excited with the idea of living in the suburbs (this is all in my head, since I have never been there; but I come from a very big city and need to be in a place that is vibrant and stimulating, both personally and professionally). And also, Boston seems to me more "young" than, say, DC and NYC.
SIPA is absolutely tempting in terms of networking, though I am concerned with the flexbility of the MIA. Also, the prospect of working in the 2nd year as TA or RA might take time off my studies (would appreciate SIPA alums' opinion on this pls!!). Should I embark on a higher loan because of the Columbia brand? Does it truly make a difference?
Then, the program at Elliot is much more specific. I would be studying Global Communications, which only covers a part of my interests - the public diplomacy/place branding branch. The debt is considerably smaller, but perhaps DC might offer work opportunities after graduation.
The SIS program is much more culturally oriented than Elliot's, and does not fit my interests. The full ride tuition is not enough to sway me towards it.
Bottom line. Should I go for my academic interests? Have a broader formation in order to secure a better paid job? Rely only on the Fulbright brand and not on the University? I am really at a crossroads here...I know that it's a nice problem to have, but still, I want to be happy with my decision.
Any insights are welcome!!
Cheers!!