Jump to content

StillWondering

Members
  • Posts

    2
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Profile Information

  • Gender
    Not Telling
  • Application Season
    Not Applicable

Recent Profile Visitors

536 profile views

StillWondering's Achievements

Decaf

Decaf (2/10)

1

Reputation

  1. Thanks, all. I just needed some confirmation that I would be, indeed, crazy. Relieved to hear this a number of times, actually! Last fall, I only really checked out the MPA/ID program at HKS (which is a highly economics-based, quantitative program which doesn't really fit with my career interests). I didn't realize the MPP or MPA programs at Harvard had an international concentration option (and with that, human rights course offerings), and so that was a admittedly fault of my own. Comparing programs though, SIPA has far more course offerings in human rights (the school offers an entire concentration focused on it after all) and so I think SIPA does confer an advantage with my career interests and background. I definitely would not be able to pay full fare and would have the additional obstacle to look for external funding. I was very close to receiving some full-ride external fellowships, and I considered that I might be able to pull together a stronger application/interview for them -- that is, if I even got selected again if I reapplied. I've met some KSG alums during my work abroad this summer (short-term consultancy projects) where I Have been reconsidering the strength of KSG's alumni network. Previously, I met many SIPA alums in my work. My observations are that there are more SIPA grads in my field, but only am I now seeing a few KSG grads (in higher level policy work). That's what I thought. I did check out course offerings at KSG (I was also accepted to Fletcher, with very little funding) and noticed that while there were a few human rights/conflict resolution courses, a bulk of them are at Fletcher. KSG has not been to be traditionally an IR school, and those I've met in my field of work abroad who are KSG alums almost all pursued the mid-career program since they had years of regional and professional experience. That being said, cross-enrollment is possible with Fletcher, and I like that idea. Losing a massive amount of funding in an excellent program that's already a fit in my field seems pretty unwise, though. This has been really helpful!
  2. I applied to and was accepted into a number of top-notch IR programs for fall 2015, but I did not apply to Harvard Kennedy School. My impression is that HKS is largely domestic-focused, and the IGA (International and Global Affairs) concentration is a relatively small group within HKS, whereas SAIS, Gtown, SIPA, etc. is more internationally-focused to begin with. I received an amazing funding package from Columbia SIPA ($75k). However, my brain is being really fickle about the fact that I did not apply to HKS -- I am admittedly too hung up on the prestige of the Harvard name. My focus is on international human rights, namely conflict resolution. SIPA has an amazing program concentration on this, and I don't know much about Harvard's focus on international human rights or conflict resolution. I don't expect to make amazing money in this career, but I just feel that I have missed out on the chance of being admitted to HKS, which to me would be a dream (though probably a misguided dream). I am inclined to reapply entirely and include HKS. I can't find that many sources on how many HKS candidates get funding, but I imagine not many. Would I be crazy to turn down Columbia SIPA to reapply entirely for this upcoming cycle? I can't defer without losing my scholarship from SIPA.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use