esotericish

For an MA, not really. What do you want to do with the MA? That might be the more important question. But that much debt is a serious burden, especially when an MA (depending on the field) doesn't make you much more hirable. However I will say that a DC-based MA might be a little different. You do get lots of connections that aren't afforded to you if you attend a different school. On the other hand, a DC-based MA is actually much more expensive than the tuition would have you think because of the cost of living. It all comes down to what you want to do with the MA though.

Of course I discovered this thread after making a new topic. So, cross post below! I'm looking at certain schools, mostly based on geography (the fiance has to be ok with the location). Particularly, UC-Boulder, University of Washington (Seattle), UT-Austin and probably Duke. Undergrad: UNC-Chapel Hill, political science and European studies. 3.6 GPA with an honors thesis. Graduate: MA in Poli Sci also from UNC (comparative focus) with no GPA...they do a pass/fail thing. Took a couple PhD seminars as well. My GRE from my MA application: 610 verbal, 680 QR, 4.0 AW (160/153 according to the GRE website). Work experience post-MA includes international development nonprofit, Hill internship, a social science association (think APSA), and some communications stuff. My main concern is the GRE. I think I can get the scores up, especially QR. I have great recommendations lined up. My focus is in comparative politics and IPE. Also, any schools I should add to this list? Thanks for the help!

Hey all, I've been lurking for quite a while on these forums while trying to decide whether I wanted to apply for PhD programs this cycle. I'm looking at certain schools, mostly based on geography (the fiance has to be ok with the location). Particularly, UC-Boulder, University of Washington (Seattle), UT-Austin and probably Duke. Undergrad: UNC-Chapel Hill, political science and European studies. 3.6 GPA with an honors thesis. Graduate: MA in Poli Sci also from UNC (comparative focus) with no GPA...they do a pass/fail thing. Took a couple PhD seminars as well. My GRE from my MA application: 610 verbal, 680 QR, 4.0 AW (160/153 according to the GRE website). Work experience post-MA includes international development nonprofit, Hill internship, a social science association (think APSA), and some communications stuff. My main concern is the GRE. I think I can get the scores up, especially QR. I have great recommendations lined up. My focus is in comparative politics and IPE. Also, any schools I should add to this list? Thanks!