av260987

Guys, I've finally decided on Elliott after much deliberation and I'm quite happy about my decision. But I want to connect with my future classmates, as I'm sure many do. I've asked the Elliott school office to make a Facebook group for us admitted students, class of 2015. If any of you know of a group or page that already exists, please let me know. Thanks!

Help!

Hi guys, I know that there have been various topics about which is better between SIS and Elliott. But my situation is a little different. I've been accepted to the MA in International Affairs(Comparative and Regional Studies) program at SIS and MA in Asian Studies at Elliott. I've been waitlisted for the MA in Asian Studies program at SFS, Georgetown. A lot of information, on these forums and otherwise, is available on these schools. But it has been difficult for me to find out about their expertise in Asia. My interests are Asian IR(with a focus South Asia) and foreign policy, especially India-US-China relations. I'm a journalist and will most likely continue in journalism after graduate study. Which of these schools has the best South Asia component? I'm leaning towards SIS because I feel it's the best fit for me. But I'm worried that AU does not have the global reputation that Georgetown or even Elliott has. Also, Elliott seems to have more networking opportunities in terms of well-connected alumni than SIS. Is this true? I've already mailed the faculty and current students at these schools but I'm waiting to hear from them. Any thoughts about which school I should choose? If there are any current students or alumni, I'd love if you could weigh in. Thanks.

Has anyone heard about funding yet? I'm dying! Also, WakeMeUpB4UGoGo, waiting to hear from you about the admitted students day!

I am. Only for me, it will be insanely early. Something like 5 or 6 am. So I hope I can make the most of it!

Rejected. But it's alright. Was expecting it. Now, I can finally make my decision.

Still waiting Applied for MIA. Guess this means rejection but I just want to see the decision with my own eyes. Then it ends and I make a final decision. Very honestly, I know SIPA is a bit of reach for me and not even that great a fit. And I've been accepted to three other great schools so it's all good

Stupid SIPA! Reading the word 'decisions' in their blog post title gave me such a start! As if I wasn't scared enough to last the weekend.

I have. Submitted my application last minute, sort of as a safety net.

Yeah, sure. We should swap notes. I've already spoken to a friend who did conflict resolution at SIS a year or two ago. Have asked her to find me some CRS alumni. Another friend knows some current Elliott students so she'll forward some contact info. SIS is a great fit for me in terms of the curriculum but Elliott has a better name. So confused! Anyway, do keep me in the loop about what you hear. Will you be visiting any of the schools? I'm an international student so I can't but if you're going, I'd like to know everything!

Yeah, sure. You can PM me whenever you want Although I haven't started attending, so I don't know how much help I'll be

I'm scared to even start thinking about making a decision. I'm so confused! I keep telling myself that I'm waiting because I haven't heard from SIPA yet but I know the school is a bit of a reach for me. Everytime I so much as click on admitted student links to compare schools, I promptly close them. Anyone else going through this?

Those of you admitted, which program did you apply to?

I haven't got funding from ANY of my schools. SUCKS!

I'm sure you'll hear soon

Ok, funding decision just in, via email. I didn't get any All the best to the rest!

So which one are you leaning towards? I'm somehow attracted towards SIS(American) but I'm not sure of its reputation globally. Have you spoken to any students at any of these schools?

I have EXACTLY THE SAME dilemma. Any inputs will be appreciated. Thank you!

Hi gatsby8724, Thank you! You make some very good points. I can check with the schools about both the things you mentioned and then decide I guess

I know you're right. That's why I'm thinking about it seriously now especially because I'm so confused. Thanks for your perspective

I have the same dilemma. Even I'm trying to decide between GW(Asian Studies) and AU SIS( Int'l Affairs- Comparative and Regional Studies). My interest is in foreign policy of Asian countries especially China and India. I'd like to go back to journalism after my master's. Does anyone have any thoughts on these schools? Particularly on how strong the Asia component is?

Hi, I'm an international student and I'm wondering whether I should make a trip to the US to check out the schools that have admitted me before I make a decision. I want to visit because I am not sure if I can make a decision just by checking the school website and talking to faculty/alumni/current students via phone/email. But the problem is that I am working full-time and may not get leave. Also, I'm not sure if it makes sense to spend all that money. Any thoughts? Is it possible to decide about a school without visiting it?

Ok, so I emailed SIS admissions regarding funding and this is what they had to say: "We have an extremely limited number of scholarship and assistantship awards to offer to our outstanding applicants, making the awarding process extremely competitive. All SIS scholarships and assistantship awards are outlined in the admissions decision letter, so if you did not receive an award with your acceptance, we were unfortunately unable to offer you one. In terms of federal loans, if you are an eligible US citizen or permanent resident and have already submitted your FAFSA form, you should be able to review (or will soon be able to review) your loan package through the my.american.edu portal." So that means no funding for me

Got accepted to Elliot. MA in Asian Studies!

I got accepted too! i can't believe it though. I wasn't very happy with my SOP for Elliott.