kac624

Thanks for the responses everyone! Just one point of clarification: if I did receive funding at Harvard/GT, it would be full tuition with a stipend (that's the deal with FLAS, and usually they release decisions earlier, but this year they must wait to ensure the grant is renewed from the DoE). I think I agree with most of you; it really seems to be the sensible option to go where the funding is. There is still, however, this nagging feeling that tells me turning down Harvard is a mistake. But that feeling may very well be rooted in pride. The thought of being able to say, "I went to Harvard," sure is appealing, but maybe not worth such big costs in the real world.

Hello all, I lucked out with my grad school apps and got accepted into all the schools I applied to, so now it's time for decisions. I going for a terminal M.A. in Middle East studies, hoping to work in government. I'm struggling between my top three: Harvard, NYU and Georgetown (which is an awesome decision to have to make, but still a tough one). The big caveat is funding. I applied for FLAS funding at all three of these schools, but only NYU has offered anything: a full ride with a stipend. There is a chance I could get the same offer at both Harvard and GT, but I won't know until early May—a few weeks AFTER the reply deadline for accepting admission (mid-April). In an ideal situation, Harvard would certainly be my first choice, followed by GT because of it's location in DC and it's professional orientation. NYU would be third. It's a great program, but I think a bit more academically-oriented, and I'm not sure living in New York would afford me the same opportunities as DC (or the status of holding a degree from Harvard). So what do you guys think? Are Harvard/GT that much better than NYU that it's worth taking the risk of zero funding and acquiring some serious debt (in the ballpark of $100,000)? Any input is appreciated!

I'll read it as well! I'm in my first round of applications, so I can't claim to be an expert, but an extra set of eyes always helps. Send me a message!

Hi, I am (like so many others these days) applying to MA programs in Middle East Studies. I am looking for terminal MA programs that are focused on careers in diplomacy, media, the private sector. I'm not really planning on going for my PhD, at least not anytime soon. I've also spent a lot of time studying Arabic, so I want a program that combines the typical areas studies approach (modern history, politics, economy) with a heavy focus on language. I mention this because I've come to understand that a number of programs have somewhat of a divide between regional studies and language/literature. UT, for example, despite the fame of its Middle Eastern Language and Cultures program, seems to have very little Arabic in its terminal MA MES program. I'd like something that pushes students with language, maybe even with chances to take seminars/lectures conducted all in Arabic. I would, however, like to attend a university in the US, taking shorter periods abroad. Funding is also a big consideration So far, I plan on applying to: Georgetown MAAS, Johns Hopkins SAIS, GWU, NYU (Kevorkian is better suited for my goals, right?), and Harvard CMES. Chicago is also looking like a good candidate, too. My question is: what other programs should I be applying to? I've heard a lot of UCLA, Berkeley, Princeton and Columbia, but from what I've seen, these programs seem much more focused on literature and ancient/pre-modern history, more suited for academia. Am I wrong about this? Thanks for the help!

Hello, I am applying to MA programs in Middle Eastern Studies, one of which is at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins. Their site notes that they prefer applicants who have completed economics coursework, or have at least some kind of quantitative background. As their admissions office put it: "We do look for quantitative ability when evaluating applicants. This means we look at course work (Econ, Biology, Statistics, Physics, Calculus, etc.) as well as GRE or GMAT scores. If you do not have any quantitative course work and do not have strong GRE or GMAT scores, then I would recommend you try to take a course now so we can see you have the quantitative ability." My GRE quant score (159) was pretty solid compared to their average range (154-161). And I took Calc I and Stat I and got AP credit for a lab Bio at my undergrad, but these were just introductory classes. What I am wondering is if these classes plus my score are enough to demonstrate the quantitative ability their looking for. I could try and squeeze in an online course or something before deadlines, but I am hoping that's not necessary. Has anyone here dealt with a similar situation? Or any SAIS students who know first-hand? What background did you have when you were accepted? Thanks for the help! PS - I understand this question is pretty specific to my field, so if this might fit better in the Interdisciplinary Studies forum, let me know! Still getting used to things here, appreciate the help!