Denisse

Disregarding the above negativity...I think you could get into a good school if you are able to clearly explain why you are interested in a policy degree. Might I ask? If I read your post correctly you're getting an MBA currently? Have you found it's not giving you the skills/background you'd want to pursue your interests in policy? Also, I'd advise you to find a program that fits your interest more than the prestige level. While there are certainly some schools that have the Ivy League name behind them and others that are very renowned in policy and have higher prestige than others, not choosing a school based more on fit and interests will make your time in that program not as worthwhile.

I ended up choosing SIPA. It had the international focus I wanted for an MPA. It was a tough race between SAIS and SIPA, but at the end of the day, my SAIS acceptance wasn't into IDEV which made my decision a lot easier. Actually, that is something to consider. I'm sure my lower end quant had to do with not getting into IDEV. At SIPA, I'll be able to focus on the economic/emerging markets development that I'm interested in without having to worry about not being allowed into the courses because IDEV students are given preference (which is completely understandable). It also didn't make sense to have to chose from the other concentrations which didn't match my interests at all. I also think though the MA and MPA are technically very similar, the MPA options sounded better for what I'd like to do. Also, even though the coursework is the same, at SIPA there is a significant difference between the starting salaries of MIA and MPA grads. Not sure where that stems from, other than the MPA students might already have more work experience before entering for the MPA. Or that maybe they are the ones to pursue more private sector jobs than MIA, not sure. Regarding online courses, it depends. Is this something you are doing for yourself to prepare for grad school, or something you are doing so schools can see that you are trying to up your economics skillset? I'd say if it's the former, go with a free course. It will give you everything you need and you don't have to pay for it. If it's for the latter, a course that could send an official transcript might be better. Of course, you could always let them know you are taking econ courses to better your background without needing a transcript.

If I were you, I would first take a practice GRE and see where your quant score actually lies. You're predicting it might be awful, but it might not be terrible. That will inform your decision about how much time to dedicate to the GREs a bit better. I think your work experience is more than relevant and sufficient. You have 6 years in another field (I'm presuming) but the last three years in non-profit/NGO, in a management position at that. Also, because you're so far removed from undergrad your 3.2 won't affect you as much. For reference, I had a 3.2 and a 155 Quant (graduated 3 years ago) and still got into SAIS, SIPA, GWU, American, Fordham, and NYU. I would take the time to work on your apps. I worked on mine for months!

Dani, I agree that your only making the best out of a great, but confusing situation. I committed to SIPA immediately upon receiving my acceptance because my excitement and interest in being there far outweighed my other acceptances (JH w/o IDEV , GW, American, and NYU). I think you should take your time as long as you are being fair. That said, I have done a ton of research into SIPA due to my slightly obsessive compulsive nature (courses, opportunities, etc.) If you have any questions about anything that might make your decision easier let me know. I also currently live in Boston so I'm familiar with the nature of living here. Feel free to PM me or send me a message on the SIPA google group!

This thread seems to have died! Is no one else on gradcafe going to SIPA??!

It doesn't seem like there's anything you can do. They made a mistake, but you never paid a deposit. And even if you had, they would most likely refund it. I would send an e-mail and state that you are disappointed about the mistake. You also don't want to burn any bridges by sending an angry e-mail.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a one-stop shop for school supplies, etc. that isn't expensive. I've been out of school for 3 years now, so I literally have to restock everything (pens, highlighters, labels, notepads, binders, notebooks, folders, etc.). Whenever I needed anything now, I would just run to CVS but that seems excessive.

As far as I know, Teacher's College is well regarded. In fact, based on my personal statement, I was actually interviewed by a professor at SIPA who thought that the education development track was a better choice for me (also given my past career experiences). I had to explain that I was more interested economic development and policy, but viewed educational development as a tool, and very beneficial for communities in its own right. And I also had no interest in working in a school environment again, which I think the educational development track is more geared for in Teacher's College.

StarkResilient89, don't be discouraged by your supposed low stats! I went to a top 25 university and graduated with a 3.22 dual degree in business and international relations. I did well enough on my GREs (but not spectacularly in the quant). I would say the one thing you should do is use this year to really build your work experience. I'd recommend volunteering, even getting an internship in something more related to what you'd study. I applied to 7 programs (SAIS, GWU, American, Columbia, Georgetown, and Fordham). The only place I didn't receive acceptance into was Georgetown and I think I would have had a better opportunity had I not applied to the GHD program which is in it's 2nd year and has like 20-30 students only. You can definitely do it. The one thing I think got me in to all the other schools was my recommendations and very clear personal statement. Granted while my career goals have changed somewhat. But when I wrote those personal statements I was very clear!

The internship requirement though could be paid. Also, you can do an unpaid internship at any other point as well. It's a small thing, but if you are able to figure it out correctly. I don't believe the internship has to be done over the summer, or does it? I agree that the capstone or practicum is a HUGE selling point. Not just for the experience, but the networking/connections you can make with the organization you do it for.

Does your 100K refer to total COA for two years, or just for one year? Because SIPA estimates the total COA as 71K for 1 year HOWEVER, I've realized that those numbers are inflated. They seem to take into account a higher rent, personal expenses, etc. than would seem realistic for a student on a budget trying not to take out too much. I think my threshold for opportunity is high (probably higher than most here). I didn't get funding for my 1st year so everything is being covered by federal loans (unsubsidized and Grad Plus) and my own personal savings and a couple of smaller outside scholarships. I assume this is the case for most people attending who didn't receive funding. If you plan on working throughout the year for personal expenses, as well as during the summer to save money for your 2nd semester than the scenario I envision for the 2nd semester is: Some kind of funding that hits around 1/2 tuition so around 20K with the potential for even more funding through fellowships/scholarships both SIPA related and outside related. (especially if you take the time to research etc. and actually apply). At worse, only 20K gets covered, and once again federal loans would cover the rest (in this case probably only the unsubsidized and potentially a small Direct Loan Plus, if you haven't been frugal and saving money to cover the rest of the personal expenses). I mean, SIPA estimated that I would need to take out around 51,000 to cover all the tuition + fees + living costs and that wasn't the case at all. I figured it's a high price at the end of the day. But so was undergrad and I wouldn't be where I am now without it. I'm assuming the same for SIPA at the end of the day.

Again, I didn't go, but I've done a ton of research due to wanting to specialize in Latin America. I think it depends on how clear your career goals are. For example, I want to do economic development work in emerging markets/Latin America, so I think an EDP/IFEP concentration w/ a regional specialization will be extremely beneficial. But, I've noticed that most of the regional courses can count as something else (EDP, IFEP, etc.) so if you're interested in taking some regional courses but still want a fundamental understanding in another discipline than you could probably take some as the electives in your concentration.

Thanks for that info. I think you most definitely are considered for the fellowships, etc. for SIPA during your 2nd year. The application seems to be separate and due in February. There are also so many other scholarships people can apply to that are not SIPA-specific. The TA thing seems to be very competitive. Does anyone know if they look for people with experience teaching or do they just base it on who has done well in the class?

Ha, for some reason I totally associated RA with Resident Advisor! Did anyone who attend get a sense of the EDP concentration or IFEP? I'm interested in both!

I didn't attend Admit Day, but I've read and heard that the funding is awarded to 70-80% of 2nd years. I've also been told that most of those who don't receive funding during their 2nd years, either didn't apply or didn't have a 3.4 GPA. This includes TA awards - I don't believe they have RA positions at SIPA but I could be wrong. They say on the website that the average award is approx. 1/2 of what's needed. But I don't believe that counts any outside awards you may apply to before your second year begins. This info came from someone in SIPA admissions or finaid who responded to the google group.

Even though I'm not attending NYU Wagner, I was accepted and did a lot of research into the school. I think if you are looking to narrow your interests down - possibly by taking various courses, it's a great place to be! I was really impressed with the breadth of their courses, everything from public health, sustainable development, economic development, finances of non-profits, etc. You can take courses in the other schools that are applicable to what you're interested and one of the things I really liked was that a lot of the courses also prepared you for any policy field - because they were broad enough. I can't speak to Georgetown, but I don't think you can make a wrong choice here!

Since the financial obligation is negligible to you, I suggest really looking at the courses you can take. I drew up a mock course schedule w/ potential electives when deciding between two schools that I really thought were good fits. As it turned out, SIPA was a better fit after all because of the customization and how it just hit upon everything I wanted to study for my career goals. Ask yourself, is the HKS concentration in international affairs going to prepare you for security studies the way you'd like or will you be taking a bunch of courses you're not that interested in? Or alternatively, which school has better placement for security studies? I don't think you're insane for not jumping at HKS. Grad school isn't about attending the better name (at least not for public policy as much as for law/business, etc.) It's about attending the school that will provide you with the studies you want to undertake and prepare you for the career you want.

Living in NYC seems to perfectly reasonable if you are moving with roommates. I was going kind of crazy looking at price tags for 1 bedroom or trying to find subletting, etc. until my bf and I decided to move in together. Now, looking at prices for a 1 bedroom that will be shared between two people brings down the costs to totally reasonable levels for housing. Of course, if you're not sharing a bedroom, it might still be crazy!

Since both schools are good and you think they might both be a good fit, I think the next step would be to take student accounts into perspective, as well as career services/job placement data, and financials. Did both schools offer you money? If not, GWU might be a good choice. I've heard really good things about their program and their is the option to take later classes so you can work during the day and offset costs, in fact it's encouraged. When D.C. was at the top of my list, even though I preferred SAIS, I was tempted to take the GWU offer because of all the good things I heard + finances + career services being awesome!

My top choice definitely changed too. Originally John Hopkins SAIS and Georgetown GHD were my top choices. That said when I applied, I wanted to focus more on international development with a more specific focus on education development. While international development is still my focus, I'm more interested in economic development/emerging markets (not completely out of left field, my career experience thus far has been in education, but in undergrad I got an B.S. in business administration and B.A. in international relations. When my focus was the former, the two above programs seemed like good fits. Then, as I redefined, I started looking more closely at Columbia SIPA and Fordham's programs. When I got the acceptances to both of these schools I was almost certain I would attend. I think my shifting top choices are really due to me changing what I wanted to get out of the programs/do right after. I also really liked that Columbia's MPA is so internationally driven as that is still the area where I would like to work and customizable. I could do economic development/emerging markets, the language study I want, and the regional focus I want.

It doesn't seem like you think that CMU is that good of fit for you so even though it's the least expensive, if it's not going to give you the skills you want then I would go to NYU or SIPA. If you want to bring the cost down more for either schools, remember that aside from 2nd year funding (which NYU doesn't really offer) there are outside scholarships that you can apply for, etc. I will be at SIPA for the MPA so I'm a bit biased, but it just doesn't sound like you like CMU that much.

I e-mailed them today and got a response literally 5 minutes later, along with my package. I'm not going to be able to attend the Admitted Students Day, would someone be willing to either post or PM the information/vibe you get?

I know this wasn't directed toward me, but I figured I'd answer it anyway. Well, yes. I have always lived with roommates, at least one or two. As for buying a house/having kids, I don't particularly have a desire to do that within the next few years (4-5). Of course, circumstances vary. As for going on vacation like I said, I pay approx. 400-450 in loans each month, make around 50,000 (a little bit lower), live in a very expensive city (Boston) and I go on vacation rather regularly. For reference, last year I went Spain and the Caribbean. This year, I will be going to the Caribbean twice (one for pure fun and the other for a family obligation). Not to mention the countless times I've visited friends in D.C./NYC. And as I stated in my previous post, I'm not an extremely frugal person, so I eat out a lot (I actually don't shop much so there's that), but even with that I've managed to save some money. Not an extraordinary amount by any means, but I have a good chunk for living expenses while I go to grad school. AGAIN, based on just my experience, it's so much more doable than people assume or seem to think. But I do think that depends on the lifestyle you are used to. I like to enjoy myself a lot, but I'm also not dropping hundreds every night I do go out lol. Also, before the idea even gets thrown out there - I do not come from money and my parents do no assist me. I've been paying for own fun and living expenses since I graduated college and for my own fun since college. In fact, asking my parents for help if something were to happen isn't even an option. So it's not like I'm a trust fund baby that digs into that whenever the bills don't add up.

Thanks gatsby8724! I'll do that!

Yea gatsby8724, I'm not sure why they haven't responded to you yet. I've found them super responsive and any question I've asked either directly or through the Google group gets a same day/one day later response. The one thing is, I haven't received a financial aid package yet....has anyone else received that info yet. The financial aid office told 7 days ago that I'd get it in 4-5 days but I haven't yet.