Thanks for all of the great responses everyone.
In trying to write my Fletcher wait list acceptance letter, I have again stumbled into the question surrounding the value of "prestige" vs. solid professional preparation. I have seen on many occasions two separate lists of schools sorted into "academic" and "professional" categories. The "prestigious" schools (WWS,SAIS,HKS,Fletcher, SFS) all make the "academic" list, and schools such as Elliott,Denver,AU SIS, and Pitt are placed on the "professional". Is there a clear division between "theory and practice" when it comes to these schools? Are the Think Tankers and PhD's going to one set with the FSO'S and USAID workers going to another? Keep the responses coming, we only have a few more days to decide.