changy06

Hi everyone! I wanted to get some insight about these programs as my decision as come down to these two schools/programs. As of now, I'm not 100% certain on the direction I'd like to take after graduate studies, which is part of the issue. I don't want to be limited because of the program I chose. I have an external scholarship that will cover up to $37,000 of the cost of attendance each year, and currently no other funding except loans (possibly work-study as well). This is regarding master's programs. Here are the stats: Vanderbilt IEPM: -2 year policy/research focused -freedom to take classes throughout the university to apply to my interests -director of the program worked for the World Bank and has connections to it -2 month practicum in the summer -lower cost of attendance/out of pocket expenses (~$10,000 estimated for 2 years) -Possible assistantship (interview required, can't make it, trying to arrange a Skype interview) Penn IEDP -1.5 years policy/development focused -freedom to take classes throughout the university to apply to my interests -2 month international internship (most likely with UNESCO b/c of the program director's connection to it) -cost of attendance ~$45,000 estimated on my end -no assistantship/financial aid offers (looking into positions with residence life or working at Penn to defray costs) -possibly a professor that I want to work with -However - it's Penn! I'm really trying to avoid looking at it from purely a financial standpoint, as I'm seeing it as an investment in my future. 1) My main issue currently is about the focus of each program - is Vandy too policy/research focused and limiting in the field of international education? I am also interested in development, but would like to use my studies to refine that interest. I'm wondering if Penn offers a balance between policy and development. Any thoughts/info? 2) Is the Penn name/reputation worth the investment? Both schools are highly regarded in education, but seems that it's pretty damn close. 3) Any and ALL info about international education programs generally and at these schools would be very welcome! Or, where to locate this info would be appreciated.

med latte - These are regarding MA programs. rbamattre - Do you recall if the MA programs specified in the letters that funding would follow or was that a follow up that you had to do? TakeruK - Would you suggest asking for extensions to coincide with the later school's deadline of April 30th, or just for whatever they will offer? While I have some funding available through an external scholarship program, my decision will come down to how much each school offers as I'm not keen on taking out too many loans. In terms of admissions decisions, NYU was the only one that asked for a deposit at the time of my decision, while the other seem to only ask for a yes/no. Thank you all!

Hi everyone! I've been trolling the April1 5th forum for some guidance, but I can't seem to find the exact info I need. I'm hoping you all can provide some insight before I make calls to the schools themselves. I've been accepted to 4 out of 6 programs I've applied to. Two programs have asked for a decision by April 15th, and another by April 30th. Two programs have said financial aid offers will follow in a separate letter (one I've been in contact with the GA who gave me specific dates; the other has not stated if the offer will be before or after April 15th). The other two programs made no mention of financial aid offers in their acceptance letters. I am waiting on the last to get back to me, but I submitted that application last week, so it will be awhile before receiving an offer. Is it typical of programs to withhold offers of aid until receiving official acceptance by the applicant, or should I have received some offer in my admissions letter? Furthermore, I have come across the CGS info regarding decisions by April 15th - my understanding is that offers accepting financial aid need to be withdrawn by written notice, but does this apply to strictly offers of admission as well? Although I still have about 2 1/2 weeks left until the deadline to receive aid offers, I am getting a bit antsy. Should I accept all the admissions offers now and decline later once I receive my aid offers? Thank you for your help! I appreciate it