Kosmosis707

I am the "dinosaur" here...38. In hindsight, I wish I had applied to programs about 5 or 6 years ago, but I have had family obligations and was pretty deep into a music project. I was an older undergrad (graduated in 2007 at age 31). My recommendation is to go for it sooner than later. You never know what unexpected personal circumstances can wiggle their way into your life that could cause future delays. However, if you feel holding off for more work experience or an increased GPA will get you into a program that is important to you, that's an understandable reason to hold off. If you are passionate about the subject, your interest in going back to school will not waver...it may even intensify. Good luck on your decision!

I think the rankings of SIS compared to UCSD caused me to at least waiver for a second, but not the geographic location. Ultimately, I really want to find jobs that are in Asia, rather than DC. While I understand that most international orgs are based in DC, I don’t really see myself settling down there. As long as I can somehow work a great internship in Asia, I’ll be completely satisfied. As for the ranking, it did make me consider SIS for a couple of days. However, I pretty much have an unwavering commitment to the Southeast Asia region and I didn’t see any study abroad programs based in SEA, any specific SEA language training, and it just started to seem like UCSD was the better fit for my specific interests. Although it was a drag to only see Indonesian and Mandarin as SEA track languages offered at UCSD, I still feel like the region is better represented in the IR/PS program. Ultimately it just came down to fit for my specific interests. And then cost also became a factor.

Same thing for me! But the funding was the deal breaker. I think I save $20K by attending UCSD over the 2 years. If you go UCSD, I hope to see you there!

I think the FAFSA language may just be part of the template and serve as a reminder to have admitted students send it ASAP. I confirmed that I had mine sent my FAFSA to AU about a month, but I still received that language in my notice as well.

I still have one year with the Post 9-11 GI Bill which is nice…but I guess I’m greedy! Great move getting out of undergrad early!

Ah, no funding for me either then and AU is a bit too pricey in comparison to UCSD for me. I’m guessing it’s those blasted low GRE scores! Congrats to all those admitted!

Accepted, but nothing posted regarding funding. Anybody else get funding notification in their actual notice?

Hi contemplate, I have been eyeing the Boren Fellowship for 2016-2017, as I am a recent admit for an MIA at UC San Diego. I’m EXTREMELY interested in Burmese language, since it’s hard to find in the states. What affiliated universities teach Burmese? Or are you applying for Thai? Any pointers you could give would be greatly appreciated!

Nice! Congrats! I'll likely see you down there!

It's probably VERY rare. As long as you didn't fib on your application and you meet the graduate school minimum qualifications, you're solid.

I'm pretty sure the UK school are an option. I applied to SOAS and LSE and I think I recall that they were an option. Are you applying to small schools?

Nope. I think last year it wa around the middle of the month.

I haven't seen any consistent numbers on this yet. I read some sources that stated "a majority" can get RA/TA Assistantships and others (from the website, I think) that state "some" will. This is something I plan to bring up either in online chats or when I go down for a visit next month. The housing is definitely cheap but the wait lists are ROUGH. You may not get in when you begin the program. Waits are ranging from 9-15 months, I believe. Sign up for the wait list right away if you accept your offer. You can always change your preferences later without losing your place on the wait list. I'm hoping somehting opens up for Fall Quarter if I decide to head to San Diego, since most off campus housing wants you to sign a lease!

As far as the geographic location away from DC and NY, I read some other posts that the UCSD Career Services make up for that in a lot of ways. It seems they are EXTREMELY active in getting their students networked with people in those locations and they do set up a lot of internships out there. I can’t say any of this from personal experience, but a lot of the feedback I have seen has been very positive on the networking side of things. Right now, I’m definitely leaning towards UCSD because of the Pacific focus, the cost (I’m in-state), and the practical tool focus, but I have an offer with LSE in London that’s a bit tempting too. Still waiting on two DC schools, but unless I get some serious funding (unlikely) I’m probably heading to San Diego. Getting pretty excited! If I get any additional funding from UCSD, it’s pretty much a lock for me.

The career track choice was something I inquired about, too. A program representative told me that it IS possible to change career tracks during the first two quarters, since the curriculum is pretty much standard for all MPIA students during this time. BUT, he stated that the sooner you know, the better for planning purposes. Also, I did select my track when I first submitted my application. I applied for the Public Policy career track and Southeast Asia as my regional focus. Of note, the program rep did tell me that it is much more difficult to change the regional focus since you start language courses pretty early on (unless of course you are already proficient in a language in your regional focus).

Hey all! I figured I would start up an offical thread for those of us who are seriously considering UCSD's IRPS program. Anyone ready to commit? Waiting on funding decisions? Apply for housing yet?

I actually applied through SEASSI (Southeast Asian Studies Summer Institute) in Madison, WI to study Burmese over the summer. I am REALLY praying the FLAS works out since Burmese is almost impossible to find, and it will require me to take a hard hit financially by having to leave work two months earlier this summer. Hopefully we will all hear back soon!

Hey there! Just a heads up, but most of the International Affairs folks are post under the forum for Professional Programs, subforum Government Affairs. I think I saw a couple of people post about Penn State.

I believe one of my letters stated that funding decisions would come some time this month. I was an early admit and have been anxiously awaiting the funding news.

Hi all, I have a general, quick question to those of you have been admitted or are "in the know" about PhD funding. What percentage of the total annual cost of living is paid on the average? I have seen some people talk about full funding but I am assuming this is reserved for the very top applicants? I'm interested in possibly pursuing a PhD in Political Science after I complete a Masters degree, but it seems it would only be achievable if I get some hefty funding from a program. Also, any advice on how to put yourself in a position to receive full funding would be much appreciated! Thank you much for your time.

I had a couple of quick questions for you. Any information you can supply would be helpful..especially from those who have been admitted! 1) What degree was your undergrad in? 2) How much professional journalism experience do you have? Thanks!

I did notice the nice prices on housing. I put in my application immediately but the wait is still anywhere from 9-15 months, I think. It looks like by applying earlier, I have a shot of getting in by January of 2016 which would be great. The cost of living is way higher in London from what I have seen, but I do see LSE coming in with a higher reputation than UCSD with some “ranking systems” (Foreign Policy, QS World Rankings), even with the one year programs. Also, it seems like a lot of LSE faculty are accepted into American PhD programs but the same can be said for UCSD. I believe LSE is one of the few one year programs that is looked at favorably internationally. It’s still a tough decision but a great spot to be in. Part of me feels like one year just isn’t enough time to gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities that I am shooting for, but the reduction in cost for a one year program at a great political science research university like LSE is very tempting. However, as you mentioned, I think there is a more active career center and more opportunity for work at UCSD. As for now, I’m just waiting to see if either one offers any additional funding. That will likely guide the decision at this point. Again, if anyone out there has any info they want to share on either program, it is GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks so much for the insight everyone. Honestly, working in the US is not something I’m looking for. I’m looking to work outside of my country and it sounds like LSE is well regarded globally. As for cost, north San Diego is right up there with the most expensive areas. The cost of living is high and it seems almost to London levels. However, the additional year in San Diego would cost me quite a bit more since I have veterans funding for only one year. Thanks again everyone, and if anyone else has more insight it would be greatly appreciated.

Hello all, I have recently received offers of admission to both the UCSD IR/PS MA in International Affairs and the LSE MSc in Comparative Politics. While I understand the two programs are very different, I’m curious to see if anyone has a recommendation out of the two. My situation: I’m trying to keep as many avenues open as possible for international career paths, especially academia. I’m interested in: 1) research in Comparative Politics or Area Studies, 2) work as a Foreign Service Officer with the State Department, 3) work as a United Nations Officer, 4) work as an international journalist (yep…the curveball), or 5) possibly work in a federal position in national defense. UCSD is close to home and has a great focus in Asia, but the one year Masters at LSE has a great reputation and is easier on the wallet. Does anyone have any advice regarding this? Thank you much.

Hello all, I have recently received offers of admission to both the UCSD IR/PS MA in International Affairs and the LSE MSc in Comparative Politics. While I understand the two programs are very different, I’m curious to see if anyone has a recommendation out of the two. My situation: I’m trying to keep as many avenues open as possible for international career paths, especially academia. I’m interested in: 1) research in Comparative Politics or Area Studies, 2) work as a Foreign Service Officer with the State Department, 3) work as a United Nations Officer, 4) work as an international journalist (yep…the curveball), or 5) possibly work in a federal position in national defense. UCSD is close to home and has a great focus in Asia, but the one year Masters at LSE has a great reputation and is easier on the wallet. Does anyone have any advice regarding this? Thank you much.