SdeS

Dodging piles of homework to write this ) Was there anything that surprised you about the process? Several things! I found it quite difficult to balance my [demanding] job and the [equally, if not more stressful] application process. I also underestimated the amount of time and energy that goes into organizing the administrative requirements (transcripts, recommendations etc.) and doing background research on the school, it's faculty and programs. Anything would have done differently? 1. Actually studied for the GRE. It turns out my scores were just fine, but I was nervous throughout the application process about them potentially being the one factor that prevented me from being admitted. 2. Started working on my essays earlier! I found myself editing essays 10 minutes before the submission deadline. Again, not very good for the nerves. 3. Explored the financial side of the equation including performing a more thorough search for fellowships and scholarships. I'd also recommend using this forum as a resource-it was incredibly helpful to know that I wasn't alone in my anxiety about the application process. That said, take everything said here with a pinch of salt, especially as it gets closer to admission decision day!

I'd guess that the reason SIPA students get entry level jobs at the UN is that many of them probably have limited work experience prior to entering grad school. I imagine that someone with 4-5 years of experience and a Master's degree could probably get a P-3 position, regardless of where they got their degree. As far as I understand, SIPA only funds 10% of their incoming class and reserves most of its [limited] endowment for second year students. Of the first year awards they give, only 5-6 are in the $25-50 k range. WWS and HKS both score high with their focus on domestic govt. affairs. WWS is arguably more quantatively rigorous than HKS (besides the MPA/ID). SAIS is also very serious about their quant requirements/curriculum. That said, I do believe that is is possible to customize your experience pretty much anywhere you go and take higher level quant classes if you choose. As someone who was very conflicted about choosing a school which was the best fit and prestigious vs. schools with great programs and a lot of funding, I've gone over every possible combination in my head and realized that it really comes down to what you make of your experience. A prestigious name could be cancelled out by a lot of debt, and in some cases, a full ride might not give you the experience you are looking for or the connections you might hope to gain. At the end of the day you never really know how things are going to turn out (I got offered a full tuition scholorship from my top school at the very last minute)-so keep the faith and good luck!

Thanks! It was a difficult decision, but I ended up turning down the offer. So hopefully that's good news for one of you

I got offered a spot off the waitlist today. Now I'm just super confused about what to do. Anyone else hear about the MPA?

I've looked at a few different calculations based on possible income levels that I could expect after graduation, but I need to get some clarifications on what is considered "public service." Not sure if the UN would qualify, and not sure if one would need to stay in the US, or be employed by a US agency to fulfill the requirement over the 10 years. In any case, if the plan works out as advertised, there are big savings to be made.

Thanks for all the great feedback-I can't wait to make a final decision!

Thank you-that's really what I needed to hear

So it's essentially come down to this for me- lots of $ (and a fair amount of courting) at Fletcher vs. approx. $130k in loans at HKS. Even just by posting this, it's clear that I'm having some issues coming to terms with the reality that my (perhaps misplaced) dream to go to HKS would be a bad financial investment. I suppose I'm just looking to be reassured that I won't regret giving up on the Harvard name to graduate with a relatively small amount of debt.

Anyone hear anything yet?

Program Applied To: MPP, MA, MIA, MALD, MSFS, MPA Schools Applied To: HKS,SAIS, SIPA, Fletcher, SFS, WWS Schools Admitted To: HKS, SAIS($15k+ loans), SFS, SIPA($25k), Fletcher ($35k) Schools Rejected From: None Still Waiting: WWS (waitlist) Undergraduate institution: Top 20 Liberal Arts Undergraduate GPA: 3.95 Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable):4.0 Undergraduate Major: International Relations, Econ (minor) GRE Quantitative Score: 650 GRE Verbal Score: 690 GRE AW Score: 4 (not sure why!) Years Out of Undergrad(if applicable): 4 Years of Work Experience: 4 (full time) + 1 (internships) Describe Relevant Work Experience: 4 years with an international human rights NGO in NYC directly related to the field I want to pursue post-graduation. Some leadership experience as well. Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Honestly,the whole process of writing was horrific. I chose the worst possible time to really question what I wanted to do with my life etc. At the end of the day Ithink I put out a fairly focused and straightforward SOP, but it certainly lacked creativity. Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): I waived my right to read them. Overall I’d say they would be pretty strong-I have good relationships with my recommenders and I’ve worked with my professional recommenders for 4+ years. I was a bit nervous about some of my academic references though, since it had been a while. Other: Very glad I minored in Econ in college (and got good grades). Spent a year studying abroad in France and I also speak two additional foreign languages. Not sure how much these are taken into consideration but also graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Magna cum Laude. Decision: Trying to enjoy the moment, but am anxiously waiting on the $ decisions.

In I am so happy they didn't prolong our anxiety till next week. Ahhhhhh relief (till the aid decisions!)

Ooooooh no. I fell for it too. I got $15k in grants and about $20k in loans. Yikes. That's just not right!

Just heard as well- $25k. Sigh, not enough for me unfortunately.

NYC. Received the acceptance via email approx 8:15pm (EST).

YESSSSS! Super excited!