@Gradstudies_IA : I am deciding between SIPA and Fletcher as well! Based on the forum input, the decision between the two school has been historically difficult (posts from 2009 onward, without any decisive end!) At the end of the day I guess it boils down to individual preference.
I have full tuition offer from SIPA and this is HUGE for me (I also have 50% from Fletcher and I heard I can try for more). I am leaning towards SIPA also because of the brand Columbia. But, at the same time I also want to ensure that the school will help me reach my career interest. I would be grateful if someone can help me put to rest few of my concerns regarding SIPA.
1) Large class size/ high competition - How true is this? I heard of students finding it difficult to even get internship because of heavy competition and the class size is large. If you have any info on this please share.
2) Conditional scholarship for second year, meeting a 3.4 requirement. I have been out of college for 10 years. I don't mind slogging and giving up on campus life to reach this but I want to know how difficult is it for an average to slightly above average student to receive a 3.4. I know this depends on the student but I am from India and my universities never used the bell curve to fit our grades. So i want to know how doable is achieving a 3.4.
3) Unhealthy competition among students - I don't mind competition but I definitely do not want a negative competitive environment and I am 100% sure I do not want to spend the 2 years looking over my shoulders and thinking of out-smarting my classmates. How competitive is SIPA?
4) Career Services - I heard that UN jobs at SIPA are limited from a student at SAIS but on the other hand I hear about SIPA's close relationship with UN. I want to work in the interaction between education and health policy. any stat on this - the number of people who joined UN from SIPA vs from Fletcher??.
Given above are the few points I am trying to clarify. I want to go to SIPA but at the same time Fletcher's culture is super ENTICING. This is killing me, I want to accept one school and open up the other offer/fund to other students.