Kadisha

You can change your concentration any time and it does not matter what you put on your application. They usually use it just to group you with like minded people during orientation. You can switch and change it yourself, and yes as long as you satisfy the requirements you can do what you want. also, it doesn't matter what your concentration is because it's not on your degree. It's all about how you market yourself to employers. Source: just graduated in May and was a peer advisor my second year.

Nothing wrong with that. Good luck with getting accepted.

I'd be very hesitant to use this message board as a true sample size for the incoming Fall 2013 IA class.

Those are a lot of specific questions CreamTea. You might have better luck by just asking current students.

http://new.sipa.columbia.edu/experience-sipa/news/sipa-live This probably doesn't help you much but there's video of the Q&A session I believe. They're also suppose to provide a Youtube playlist of the plenary sessions at some point.

Wouldn't be surprised Soaps. ISP seems like a natural track for people with a military background. Rugger, I don't know what kind of financial aid packages each gave you, but if your interest lies in International Security, wouldn't it make more sense for you to pursue a program that is specifically geard towards that, and from what I've gathered seems to be quite good at it? Here's the list of ISP employers given to me by the coordinator of the program. http://www.scribd.com/doc/135144371/Copy-of-ISP-Employers-2012

That's actually kind of comforting for me. Right now I'm tossing around the idea of switching to International Finance since I'm trying to avoid the public sector, if possible to be honest. Four years working for the federal government are enough for me. My only issue is that their ISP and CF classes are just so damn interesting. I find counter-terrorism to be a thrill. I'm getting into too much detail here, but either way I'm meeting up with Ms. Jessica Baen, whose the coordinator of the program tomorrow, I'll post my thoughts here for anyone that's interested.

My post was certainly not directed at you. I apologize if that's how it seemed. This is definitely an important decision that everyone should think about carefully. If you need clarification and advice ask away. I'm sure a lot of people don't have the luxury of everything lining up perfectly for one school that they had to take their offer. But for some it has turned into splitting hairs, and wanting other people here to make the decision for them because they cannot decide. It has come to the point where they would rather that strangers make the decision due to their inability to commit. Those are the people that I was talking to

Summarized right there.

I find it difficult to believe that: A. An institution such as Columbia would allow such conditions to exist. B. That the NYC Health and Sanitation would allow such conditions to exist. Let's be serious here. While I wouldn't doubt that such conditions might have existed at one point it would be ridiculous to assume that they are still there and have not be handled. PS: If you go to Yelp for serious reviews about anything other than food then I feel bad for you.

I'm curious as well. I'm also curious to see what the "horror" witnessed truly was. Let's be honest. A lot of people can be fussy over the silliest things, especially if they've been accustomed to luxury living.

I'm not sure which program you applied to, but the deadline should be stated in your admission letter. Mine says the following:

I'd just like to add to the other people saying that the best way to get a hold of them is just by calling. It's really the quickest and easiest way to get an answer for your question. Even if they don't have an answer right away, they will have some one contact you within a day or so. Also for anyone interested we're having a get together the Friday after admitted student's day. PM me for more info.

I have a feeling that a lot of people are overthinking this entire process. Yes it's always a good idea to get different opinions and discuss things, but it shouldn't be this difficult people. Look at the program. Look at the funding, and then look at your career objectives and see how they align with the school. It's not an exact science. If you don't feel that a certain program will live up to its expectations then you either shouldn't have applied there, or you should just stop considering it.

I'm currently out-processing out of the military, and it's amazing how big of a difference your resume and cover letter make. Not in shape, but in content. In my opinion the military does a fine job at preparing people to leave the military and go back into the civilian world. With that said, we STILL have homeless veterans and some living of welfare. Like everything it all comes down to your own initiative and ,like you said, how involved you are, and how much you're willing to put into the job search. I don't know why people expect their hand to be held during the entire process of finding a job. As long as the career services gives me an opportunity then I'll be happy. I'm in the MIA program, and I'm going to have at least two years to set myself up for a job once I graduate. I think that's more than enough time.