deadhead47

A lot of SAIS ERE students go to the private sector, and I think the program is pretty good. There are a lot of alumni who can support you as well. Indiana seems really good though, and you get to take a lot more econ classes than at SAIS. You also have a chance to take MBA classes as well. My friend got into the investment banking division from the U-I MPA program (not particularly energy related but he was doing energy). That said, as long as you get into a decent program, you will be a competitive candidate. Pick the one that makes you convinced the most.

Of course. But professional schools could provide you with better career services (resume, mock interview, internship, etc etc). Students are also interested in what you are interested in as well, which could potentially help you a lot. If you don't need career services/great networking opportunities, and are confident to be able to get a job in foreign service, then any graduate degree would be ok.

at SAIS, its not uncommon. ive seen many people getting in without taking micro/macro and i was one of them. also, as far as im concerned, a LOT of people took the online course over summer. however, since it IS an requirement, you must pass the online course to be enrolled officially (meaning if you fail, you get kicked out).

I go to SAIS Europe (the Bologna Center) I don't know much about the Nanjing Center, but here's my thought on DC and BC. Pro DC - arguably more rigorous, great internship opportunities, fascinating faculty, more options for the language courses BC - experiences in Europe, close friendship, smaller competition when taking classes, some classes only offered in the BC Con DC - more competition when taking classes BC - limited number of courses (including the language courses) and faculty compared to DC, limited opportunities for getting internships There are many Chinese-speaking people in both DC and BC though, so you get to practice your Chinese skills if not at an academic level. You can't take Asian languages in the Bologna Center though.

for me, school specific threads definitely helped me go through the application process last year.

I think you have a good chance for SAIS, Elliot, and American. You might wanna study a bit of math and re-take GRE though... SFS might be difficult because they only accept a few ppl, but its always worth trying.

My friend from undergrad is actually doing that program. Personally I don't know much about it, but he stood out at my univ. He received many awards and scholarships, and he had Magna Cum Laude when he graduated. He also spoke Spanish and some French I believe (and was from the UK btw). My other friend who studies at LSE (MPA) also had a decent GPA (something close to 3.8), and he had an internship experience at Kosovo and what not. Me and them took many classes together, so I know that they were smart and motivated enough to keep learning at a grad school. So from what I gather, you'd need 1) decent GPA, 2) some international/relevant experiences, 3) motivation (good SoP), and 4) good LoRs (I know that my friends got good ones...and so did I). GRE being not required means other stuff counts more! So good luck! Taking some math/economics courses beforehand would also help! But get a decent grade!

You can also go to an american institution and study abroad. SAIS MA has an option of studying in Bologna for a year (2nd year in D.C.). Elliot School gives you an opportunity to study abroad for a semester at LSE, SciencesPo, IHEDI, Free University of Berlin, University of Sydney, National University of Singapore, etc etc. I'm not sure about other programs, but my point is that gaining international experiences and earning an American degree can go together. It's still gonna be expensive and long (2 years mostly) though.

SAIS China Studies??

Info sessions - recordings March 27: https://connect.johnshopkins.edu/p7e7h536i1i/ March 28: https://connect.johnshopkins.edu/p2ie1vxt8il/

Initially I was interested in Conflict Management, but I think I'll do Strategic Studies instead. I really don't know though, I'm still debating...

They do on a space-available basis, but if you applied to SAIS this Fall, then you have to wait for a year to re-apply. Idk about the one in DC though. http://www.jhubc.it/ADMISSIONS/apply.cfm

SAIS Strategic Studies?

Thank you rhodeislander for sharing your thoughts!

@cckrspnl56 I have one more question: Is it possible to choose two concentrations for MAIR? I'm interested in both Conflict Management and Strategic Studies. If it's too demanding, I would just pick one, but I was wondering.