thrtyfutsmurf

thanks!

Would love to but can't make it. Have work obligations. Would appreciate anyone posting thoughts and comments here after attending. Anyone receive word of upcoming admitted student chats or any other pertinent information like registration or orientation (beyond just dates)?

Hello everyone! I'm going a bit nuts trying to think through comparing these programs and am hoping someone here might have some helpful insight. First, some background. I am a active duty military officer who was awarded a fully funded scholarship to any graduate school of my choice. There is no cost cap, so (thankfully) funding is not a major concern. My near term goal is to continue a successful career as an officer in the Infantry (after grad school). I don't anticipate serving beyond 20 years, but if the right assignments come I could be convinced to stay longer. My long term goals after the military seem to be focused on security policy and government work either in the NCTC, FBI or CIA. I am interested in developing my understanding of international relations and global strategic issues at grad school, while also developing German language skills. Each of the programs listed here have their strengths and weaknesses, but I was hoping someone here might have some thoughts on the programs that I may have missed. Any help or thoughts would be appreciated!

Thrilled and humbled by acceptance! Anyone else comparing/contrasting SSP with broader IR programs? Curious to hear insight on pure security degree vs IR degree with security concentration....

Curious to hear anyone's thoughts or insight on this. From the start SSP was my top choice. However, this delay has surprised me and, to be honest, it's somewhat disappointing. With a primere school like Georgetown, I wouldn't expect a few snow days to delay the process this badly, especially since the application deadline was January. As a result of the delay, I've spent a great deal of time researching other schools to which I was admitted and started to rethink SSP a bit. While SSP is still my top choice, I think other schools, especially policy schools like SIPA or Bush, offer skills and a degree that many officials (military and civilian) have (MPA, MPP or MIA degrees). Are any of you worried that with a pure security program like SSP that you will miss out on some of the MPA, MPP or MIA skills that other schools offer? What is the advantage of a security studies MA over a MPA/MIA/MPP?Thanks in advance for any insight or thoughts. Good luck with the wait!!!

Hi all, was hoping to get a current student's take on the language requirement at SIPA. Assuming I am at a basic level, how difficult is it to meet the language requirement by graduation? How are the language classes and level of instruction? Is it unrealistic to take language classes every semester? Any comments or insights from the group would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

I was accepted to both schools, although for the MA and MIA in SAIS and SIPA respectively. I am not an expert on the IDEV programs (so take this with a grain of salt) but from everything I've researched and heard through forums, current students and school literature seems to suggest that SAIS is more or less known as the "quantitative leader". This is just a sense that I get and it isn't based on any hard evidence. For what it's worth, it seems that SAIS does a better job of preparing students for those classes as well by offering an in-depth online course prior to pre-term and actual econ classes during pre-term. I think SIPA does something similar but it isn't as well advertised or explained. Hope that helps and good luck with your decision.

I wouldn't worry as results may be sent in waves. But I would be sure that you've fully checked the website. When I first checked, it appeared there was no change in my status. Then, under application management, I clicked "Fall 2014" then "open application" and saw a update note. I clicked that link and was directed to the acceptance letter. Hope this helps. Good luck.

According to the website, it looks like 1 May. But if you have a fellowship then it appears to be 18 April.

Same boat here. Both are absolutely awesome programs from what I've researched. If it were me, I would go with Fletcher. SAIS Bologna is nice but not worth the extra debt. Good luck!

Kb6, thanks again for answering questions. I was wonder, could you speak to the quality and/or difficulty of the online economics course and the economics courses taught during pre-term. I am very interested in SAIS, and was fortunate enough to get accepted (to theBologna program), but the heavy focus on economics gives me pause. The admitted students page mentions TAs will be present to assist students during economics courses during pre-term. Is that accurate or is it more of a selling point? Above, you mention the economics courses seem pretty difficult for some students. How helpful are the professors and are the classes big enough or small enough to ensure those that struggle get enough attention? Thanks again for taking the time to answer questions.

Hey all! Just completed the Skype interview last night with the Bush School. All and all, it was a great experience. I was interviewed by two lecturers and they asked a variety of questions. The first question was about where I am currently working (Romania) and what exactly my job entails. I have a similar background to one of the interviewers so we spoke briefly about that. They also asked if I was interested in living in College Station and how that would or would not impact my wife/family (German citizen). They asked about my language preference during graduate school, as I am not yet proficient in a language. They also spent significant time selling the school and its many strengths to me, which I thought was a nice touch. At the end of the interview, they asked if I had any questions. I asked about the instructor/student relationship, class size and feel of the student body. It was relatively relaxed and comfortable. I appreciated the personal touch the interviewers added and am even more impressed with the school now then prior to the interview. Hope this helps.

Shot you a note to your inbox! I'm applying to SAIS as well for fall 2014.