dessert_indulgence

I still cannot make up my mind!

I guess my problem is I'm more interested in gender policy in developed nations... SIPA has classes that deal with gender equality issues in developed nations while most schools only deal with gender equality issues in developing nations to discuss international development.

So, it looks like I will not be receiving any merit-based funding from MSFS. So, money is not the deciding factor anymore. If that's the case, which school should I attend, SIPA or Georgetown MSFS? I want to join the Foreign Service and gain expertise in gender policy. If I end up hating the private sector, I would like to get an MBA and work for consulting firms. Pros - SIPA 1) It's in NYC. 2) I can specialize in gender policy. 3) Joining the private sector is my backup plan if I do not like the Foreign Service, and SIPA might be better in this aspect (am I wrong?). 4) SIPA is more internationally recognized. Cons - SIPA 1) NYC is more expensive than DC. 2) It seems like everyone gets into SIPA. 3) Its class size is too big, and the program can feel impersonal. Pros - MSFS 1) DC is cheaper than NYC. 2) Foreign Policy ranked this program as #1. It is more selective than SIPA. 3) The school provides a great network for those who wish to pursue a job in the Foreign Service. 4) There are about 90 people in your class. 5) Famous politicians and civil servants teach at this school. How cool would it be if I could TA for Madeleine Albright? Cons - MSFS 1) Foreigners might not know where Georgetown is. 2) It is not in NYC. 3) I cannot specialize in gender policy. So, any advice?

I just talked to the Financial Aid Office. They said that they are still processing my financial aid application. So, I think this all depends on how early you submitted your FAFSA and graduate school application.

I would love to know more about these two programs as well because I have to decide between SIPA and MSFS.

Do you know when they will notify us about funding?

I´m going to assume that I didn't make the first cut because it looks like they have already notified the finalists.

Has anyone else heard back from them? A phone call? An email?

just got my placement email. i will be in madrid!!!

How can you be recommended for a specific region? I thought you didn't get placed much later.

External fellowship (those that required separate essays) decisions haven't come out yet, correct?

I didn't receive this email. I'm rather surprised that they have already started sending these "unofficial" emails out while not notifying others about their app status. Also, they must be quick readers because we received our eligibility emails two weeks ago. Maybe this has something to do with applicants' location? If not, I'm really bummed out because that means I am not a finalist. Or, maybe there's something wrong with my email again because I had to ask the office to resend my eligibility email. Ugh...

what i found on Fulbright's FB page: if the sequestration goes into effect there may be minor cuts to participant numbers in Fulbright Programs. We anticipate, however, that the bulk of the program will proceed as planned. Thanks!

i'm bummed... i got wait listed. i thought i had a good chance, but i wonder if being an out-of-state student put me at a disadvantage. also, it looks like people there are usually older with at least 4 years of work experience. i haven't reached my second year mark yet with my first full-time position, so maybe that has something to do with this as well. but, congrats to those who got in.