hedong123

Hi kb6, Thanks for the helpful post. I'm wondering what an acceptable amount of debt for this program would be. I am interested in the DC program only and I have relatives near the area, so I wouldn't have to pay rent. So between that and what I have saved, I could probably get out with roughly 60k in loans. Would you still consider that amount of debt to be foolish? With the class schedules, do you think it would be difficult to work twice per week (9-5)?

For those of us who get accepted but don't receive any funding, do you feel that the degree is worth the debt? I already know it's a great program..but I'm worried about the price tag... Also, what's your weekly schedule like? Do you have classes every day? Are the classes as quant heavy like everyone says?

Pretty bummed out that I was wait listed to this program on 2/28. I was hoping to hear from some of the other applicants. Anyone planning on turning down their acceptance? Anyone wait listed as well? Is there a priority wait list this year?

Thanks for taking the time to respond. You're right about counting the chickens. It might take a small miracle for me to get accepted to either of the programs that I mentioned, but I'm trying to figure out a game plan should it happen. My goal is to get a job with either The World Bank, GAO or USAID. My undergrad major was finance and I worked in that field for about three years before deciding to pull a 360 and teach English in China. I taught for about three years and as my language skills developed I decided to take a break from teaching and study the language full-time at a university in Beijing. I recently passed an advanced level of a well-known proficiency exam. Given my financial background/international experience I feel I'd be a good fit for the agencies that I mentioned. I certainly have weaknesses in my application package but I have a solid quant background. As in every math/economic course that I took in undergrad, 161Q on the GRE, and my corporate quant-related work experience/internship. It's unlikely that I'll receive significant funding so this part-time offer would minimize the amount of debt that I would incur. I'll certainly take your advice into consideration. I'd hate to graduate from one of these programs and still be stuck at my current job.

Hello everyone, I applied to Georgetown SFS and SAIS and am very hopeful that I get accepted to at least one of these programs. Currently I work about 45 minutes away from downtown DC. My job is not related to international affairs and I'm anxious to move on (I just took it to save some money while I wait to get into grad school). My boss approached me recently and offered to let me work 1-3 days per week while I attend grad school. The terms would be very flexible but I would just have to be available from 9-5 on days that I agree to work. It pays very well. Because the money would really come in handy, I'd like to work about two days a week. My concern is that the job isn't related to my ultimate career goals. Would this affect my options when I graduate? I have about five years experience living, teaching and studying abroad. So I already have plenty of international experience. Also, Is it generally possible to schedule all of my classes on two or three days of the week, leaving the other couple of days open for a part-time job? Thanks!

I just submitted my application this week and the thought of waiting two grueling months for the results...phew...

dpgu - I think you have a good shot. If you don't get accepted it'll be due to lack of work experience. From what I've read everywhere it's harder to get accepted without full-time work experience (even if all other aspects are strong). Out of curiosity, did you live on Jeju or play for Jeju United?? I lived in Seogwipo for 19 months. Cheers

I've also heard that the AW doesn't count for much but a score of 3 will stand out. If I were you I'd retake it and try to get the quant up while you're at it. The other aspects of your app are pretty strong. You might actually have a shot at some decent funding with a more respectable score. There are techniques that'll help you score higher on the AW. Some quick brainstorming on a scrap paper really helps. Did you just sit down and start writing it?

Hi Herr, I'm only applying to two programs because I actually have a pretty decent job at the moment. The only problem is that it's not in my field and I'm not passionate about it. So the only way I feel I can justify leaving it is to get into a top program. SAIS and SFS are the only programs that fit this requirement. I know there are other great programs, but I don't want to relocate (I already live near DC). If I already didn't have a decent job and grad school was my only option then I'd apply to six programs. Two dream schools, two that I felt I was a competitive applicant and two safety schools. 12 seems pretty high...I'd look into them and eliminate a few to focus on the ones that I'd actually would want to go to. But hey, if you have the time and energy to apply to 12 then go for it. Care to share your list? I'd be interested in seeing it.

12 seems a little high. Why do you feel the need to apply to so many different programs? So are you going to approach people for a LOR and have them submit it two 12 different programs? My list is two. I'm doing everything I can to ensure that my applications are tailored to each program, attending the open houses, asking the admissions office questions, etc. I think that it's very important to not only show a genuine interest in the field, but also one in the program.

I disagree with NPRJunkie. You have an excellent chance. Just explain to them how your undergrad's GPA system works.

It's not your GRE score that's an issue. Do you have any international experience? If not, I suggest joining the Peace Corps first. On the other hand, if you have loads if international work experience/exposure, I suggest applying to grad school now.

I almost feel like I'd be at a disadvantage for not going.. Hmmm guess I should sign up.

I agree that Magoosh is good...but for permutation/combination problems get the Manhattan word problems book. You can get it used on Amazon for around 10 bucks.

I'm currently preparing my application for this program and am curious if anyone has experience applying. Also I wondered if admittance would be easier or more difficult compared to the general MSFS program. I have loads of experience living and working in Asia and am fluent in Korean. Practically all of my international experience is related to Asia. I've researched the program extensively and it seems to be a perfect fit. If anyone on this forum is a current student I'd love to hear from you! Thanks!

You might be nervous because you stopped studying for a while. If I were you, I'd pay the fee to change the test date if you still can and take it when your more prepared. You should study up until the test date. There's always time to study...I use a flash card app on my smart phone and study that while I'm on the elliptical machine at the gym...I've learned countless new vocabulary words that way. Consider an online GRE test prep membership. There are a few that are under 100 bucks/year and provide video explanations for each problem. I found this to be more helpful than textbooks.

Heh...I'm preparing to apply for SAIS this coming application season. I'd love to post my details and get some feedback.... But after reading the above I'm paranoid to post my details. How's everyone's application prep going? I'm tired of it already! I recently took the GRE and got a 162V/161Q/4.5AW it seems to be decent for SAIS but I'm trying to make up for a weak GPA. Also, I didn't see updated stats for SAIS or MSFS. I was curious about median GPA/GRE for the 2013 Fall incoming classes. Everything is still from 2012. Anyone know if/when they'll update these?