raptureonfire

A full ride to SIS is a great way to get a master's degree for use in policy and professional applications, but if you're interested in academia, then you're far better off by attending NYU, which is a top-15 school in terms of academic preparation. That's not to impugn SIS at all - again, it's a great professional program - it's simply to point out that academic training is different than policy-oriented training. You certainly shouldn't withdraw your application ... why on earth would you do that? If they've given you an offer, then they understand that you are likely waiting for other schools. See where else you get in. If NYU takes you, then you should pick NYU for academic training. Only when you've seen all your offers should you withdraw.

Well - that's your first problem! Do you want to work on CP or IR? What's your funding situation per school?

Good luck!

Are you determined to enter a PhD program? What do you want to do with the degree? Are you looking to teach, or to join policy? What are your stats (GPA/GRE/experience). Perhaps an MA would be helpful in strengthening your credentials. Which programs did you apply to, and how many? If you applied to top schools, then you may be in good shape for a second go-around at mid-level schools next year. What is your existing degree in? Can you pursue work experience in a related field? It may be worth moving to a city with a related field (DC/NYC) and trying your hand in the professional world. If you are determined to be a PhD, and you want to pursue academia, then I recommend trying to get into a competitive MA program (with the understanding that you will likely fund it yourself), and just do as much as you possibly can to put yourself in a strong position for your next cycle. That also includes the GRE. The new GRE is definitely better to study for, so put a good 6 months into it and really knock it out of the park. If you are sort of unsure about whether you want to be a PhD, then I'd recommend a few years of career building. See whether it's for you. And make some money (and connections) while you're at it!

Well, GWU bumped up - so congrats to them!

If you're looking for terminal MA with entry into policy/think tank, GWU Elliot is one of the best places to be, period. Elliot is right across from the state department, and they feed lots of people into internships and PMF. It's a good place to be. Just a word of warning, though ... State is insanely difficult to get into. More than you think. You and every other Elliot grad is going to want to get a job as an FAO when you graduate, so your competition will be stiff. All the more reason to make extremely strong connections and to work as many relevant internships as possible. AU is a decent school - it's strong for an MA; however, both GWU ranks better across the board, and has a stronger reputation here in the DC area. If anything, that simplifies the equation. A waitlist is not an acceptance, so unless you feel like rolling the dice, I'd stick with GWU.

Hey Mr. Tibbs, I'm not in any position of authority on the matter, but here are my thoughts ... If I were serving on an admissions committee (I am not, and never have), I would be asking myself about your ability to commit to a field/career. To be blunt, I'd question why, with an MBA and a JD, you haven't pursued a career in either business or law. I would question what you said on your applications to the MBA and JD program ... did you say that you wanted to manage businesses or be a lawyer? What were your stated reasons for enrolling in those programs? What makes your commitment to teaching any different than your past commitment to law or business? Just wanted to second this. Going into a PhD program with the intention of entering academia is maybe the least stable path that you can possibly take right now. If you're really looking for a stable middle class life, you should be starting your career, not postponing it by 5-7 years. Particularly given that you have a child (congratulations!), you should be investing in yourself now - particularly if you're hoping to stay in the South Carolina region. As anyone will tell you, when you're looking for a teaching job, "you get what you get, and you don't get upset". The chances that, at age 40+ with a degree from SC, that you would be able to get a job that allows you to remain in a specific region in SC, are extremely limited ... and then you'd either have to move to wherever you can get a job (and uproot your wife and kid), or just end up taking an unrelated career, having added a few more letters to your business card.

My thoughts? I'd probably take the #75 school. The jump between 75 and 50 is not so huge, and I really wouldn't suggest going into debt for a school that isn't top-top ranked. Even with top ranked school, I would be hesitant to recommend it.

SAIS's program is very strong for policy; not so much academia. That's probably why you don't see a huge focus on the program here at GC!

Heyo! Welcome to the club - I'll be at UMD this fall!

GWU jumped up a bit, no? That's good to see

Why not read up on the topic so that, instead of having to bullshit your way through the interview, you can actually speak with some knowledge about it?

Congratulations!!!

Ask them about support for publication and getting funding.

Congratulations!