musicman

Anyway, just as an update.. Was accepted to GSPIA, NYU Glo Affairs, Korbel. Funding? Not sure yet, but it doesn't look good at all. I am planning to study Arabic abroad in an immersive setting for a year and then apply to the Peace Corps for Jordan. Does this seem like a wise choice? I didn't apply for the real 'elite' schools because 1) it was for spring semester 2) and two I really want to focus on Middle East Studies, but have to immersed in Arabic for a few years first... Can anyone comment on this/ give me feedback? Thank you! If I don't get a response... will post in the am I competitive thread... sigh...

Additionally, how does Korbel, for security studies, compare to a place like U Pittsburgh?

Hi, was just searching on the forum but didn't find too many comments on Korbel (at U of D). It's said that it's a solid second-tier choice, but do people have regrets going there? How is it regarded for security studies, any alums on the forums? And internships, how much of a barrier does not being in Washington provide? Which federal agencies, public or private instutitions are available in Denver? Is the school really a respected name for IR/IA studies? Does the name have 'clout' (respect) in DC? Or at what level? Anyway, thank you for your comments, responses. Feel free to PM me.

Thank you for your reply. Yes... sometimes it's frustrating because it seems like very few people understand what it takes to be a 'competitive' classical musician... so thanks for your comments. However, I wish someone might answer my questions.. Is NYU GloAffairs actually very good, or not so much? Pitt GSPIA? And about my GRE, does my AW 4.0 hold me back- but my other scores are good right? How do people see Korbel? I think I have a very good PersState, because I tied together playing overseas and cooperation (which is NOT easy, and takes much experience to learn) with Internat cooperation through public service. So... Are those 'top 10' schools really worth it? Should I wait and apply for them? And if I have good recs, a good statement, but my undergrad GPA suffers, this GRE.... is it possible I could get into a good program? I wouldn't post my PersState here (ha) but I think it makes sense, ties together my concert pianist studies and experience with IR-diplomacy. At Verbier Fest it was all internat students...

Just trying to get a clear picture about NYU GloAffairs myself... Anyone still going there/Applying want to comment on what it's like?

So, I know that the 'am I competitive' thread exists for a reason... but I think I have a rather unique background. I'm curious if having another Master's degree helps in applying for top IR programs, if those programs are really worth the money, or if they're really necessary to... let's say work in the State Department in or the foreign service. I just want to, like everyone else, have as many opportunities as possible. I may not ever be able to go to a really top school, but I want to know if it's worth it to begin with, or if the other schools (instead of the top 10, the top 25) are even worth going to. Bachelor of Music: 2.96 (not good) Master of Music: 3.16 (not much better) GRE: Verb 165 - Quan 162 - AW 4.0 Good recs (I think) + Good pers state My GPA isn't so good because I was training to be a concert pianist, often practicing 7 hours or more per day, sometimes 11 hours each day for several days in a row. This took ALL my time, and studying in a classical music conservatory, music came before everything else. EVERYTHING. It was expected. (I've been playing since I was 4 years old) However, I performed quartets, trios, semi-professionally in Switzerland and Italy, have played in internat piano competitions in France and Romania, in multiple rounds with orchestra, have had all foreign friends while studying to be a concert pianist (bunch of Russians, ex-soviets), have worked with Europeans countless times here and in Europe, performances, rehearsals, fundraisers etc, masterclasses... (Plus community service) The problem is that I applied for schools here in Florida (which are worthless for MIA), Univ Pittsburgh GSPIA, and NYU GloAffairs. These schools are at best #22, #23... but few good schools have spring admissions. So what should I do- Given my background and internat experience, should I wait a semester, then apply for the top 10 schools? Or just go now, wherever I'm accepted, look for internships, apply for gov jobs at the same time? I've heard over and over that if you can't go to one of the 'best 10' IR schools... then it's not worth going. Is this really true? I would apply... just for the sake of it, for the whole lot of them just on the off chance... But I much rather be in school in spring for financial, other practical reasons. Thanks in advance, just looking for an honest assessment. Hope this thread's in the right place.