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Hey guys, I'm still trying to decide which program I will attend for my MA.. I was between New School (Milano School) and SIPA for a MA in International Affairs.... but now I'm starting to consider GW's MA in International Development Studies. (The only reason I was still considering New School is because of the scholarship I was offered, but considering GW is $40,000 less than SIPA I should consider it as an alternative.) I've heard GW has really good job placement and career services ...anyone know what is said about the Elliot School? Do employers really care about where you got your MA?????

That's the thing... I'm not really sure if I want to go down the professional track (NS) or the academic track (SIPA, SAIS)... Until very recently I thought I would follow the USAID Foreign Service track, but was disillusioned after speaking with several FSOs and learning about their experiences... Ultimately, I would like to be a ID policy practitioner (the foreign service isn't exactly where I would contribute to policy construction w/regards to development.) Is it really true that most 2nd year SIPA students get funding or is that just something they post on the site to get students to accept the offer? I've heard that SIPA students are super competitive and that it's very hard for students coming straight from undergrad to keep up with the rest - anyone know if this is true? Btw, Is Milano really that bad?

But what about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs, are they not an option? I'm just scared that attending New School may make is that much harder to get a job simple because their programs aren't considered main stream and they lack the hyper-quantitative research focus that most IVs have :/... Is it all a myth or could I get just as good an education at NS (without 100k in loans)?

Hey guys... I have about two more weeks before I have to make my admissions decision...right now I'm between The New School (Milano School), John Hopkins and Columbia SIPA - I'd be enrolling in a MA in International Affairs in all of them While JH and Columbia obviously have the stronger programs they are also waaay more expensive..... I prefer Columbia's MIA program but its $140,000, JH is $130,000 and New School is $100,000 more or less... I have a Truman Scholarship of $30,000 and New School gave me 60% tuition..... any suggestions?? I don't mind taking out student loans but 100K in loans in this economy seems like a mistake...however, I know that the international affairs academic community doesn't exactly the New School to be on the top ranks because of its heterodox academic approach.... Is 100K in loans worth it if I go to Columbia? I'm also considering requesting deferral and dedicating next year to saving up big time and applying to every scholarship possible.... HELP...PLEASE!

I graduate in May from the University of Puerto Rico (best school in PR but obviously not a top school in the US) with a bachelors in Political Science and minor concentrations in International Relations and Comparative Politics. I'm applying to several MA programs that focus on international relations (specifically international development) that all prefer applicants with several years work experience, which I lack. I want to know if I have the slimmest chance of getting in, or I don't want to spend the money/time/energy on these applications and I'll start looking for internships/jobs. • GPA: 3.97 • GRE: V 161; Q 155 (my quant score is much lower that I wanted) • 2 internships (US Senate:John Kerry/Foreign Relations Committee; PR Senate: Committee on Banking, Public Corporations and Consumer Affairs • Substantial volunteer experience with United Way of Puerto Rico • Senior thesis to be completed (and if lucky published in May) Schools I'm considering: Columbia - MA International Affairs John Hopkins - MA International Affairs Georgetown - MA Foreign Service or Global Human Development Fordham - MA International Political Economy and Development American - MA International Development GW - MA International Development Studies BU - MA Global Development Policy The New School - MA International Affairs UChicago - Dual MA Public Policy/MA International Relations HELP????