crisisdiplomacy

Is Georgetown SFS similar in that of GWU where you can work full time and take classes or are courses usually throughout the day?

In my opinion, I would choose the better program. Why would you go into some debt by going to Harris, when you're only going to take somewhat redundant courses that you've already explored in you Econ graduate program? If HKS - MPA (which is incredible, by the way!) fits in your career plans and goals the most, than choose it. Although debt is significant I think it plays too much of a part in our choices. Call me idealistic, but wouldn't you want to go to a potential dream school that can open a lot of doors for you and is truly what you want, than save a few thousand only to take coursework you've already done? It seems like the choice is salient here. But that's just my opinion! For some, debt plays a lager role in their choices, and that's understandable as well.

It also depends on what your future goals and career plans are and what you want to do with the degree you're planning to obtain.

Every IR school I applied to specifically asked for foreign travel and/or experiences. Yeah your 3 day cruise to Jamaica doesn't really matter much, but if you traveled to Costa Rica to volunteer on a farm for two weeks then it's significant. I think that's the type of cultural enrichment travel they're looking for. After all we are in "international" affairs. But then again, I was just following the instructions.

When I looked on the form, it says I was accepted with "No concentration." Does that I mean I get to choose a concentration?

My resume/CV was from 4-5 pages. I agree with what everyone said about having a little more leeway/making it longer since its for graduate admissions. I'm straight from undergrad so mine included all of my education (including study abroad), relevant internships (8 total) , foreign travel, leadership activities, volunteering, honors and awards, and teaching experience. [not in order]. It was simple and clean, times new roman font and bolding/italicized in the headings/titles to emphasize certain things. I had mine reviewed quite a bit, and you should definitely get rid of the "objective/summary" section - they'll be getting some of that info through your SOP and just the fact that you're applying. Also really look at the language you're using to describe what you did. Always make sure to QUANTIFY your experience, people like to see numbers and that you've had an effect on things. Don't use a lot of fluff because it's easily identifiable, but use concrete descriptive words and don't over elaborate, be concise. That's my advice! hope it helps!

I'm loving the online admissions packet they've got going. Wishing other schools like SAIS did this! I've been having to hunt for info..

NVM.... just got the email lol

Just randomly checked the application portal, and I GOT IN! I didn't get an email though -- so for those still waiting, check the app portal itself!!

21 as well and will be 21 by the start of the program!

it's just so strange that they wouldn't release all admission decisions at once... do other schools do this? did they do this last year?

still nothing yet...kinda getting worried.

I second this question, mine did not specify either! But elllieannn above said that you can switch to any concentration within the first few weeks of the program!

Thanks a bunch! I will probably PM you to ask more questions. Also, typically how many courses do students take per semester? Are most classes in the evenings? Are students able to hold a job and do school at the same time?

For any current SAIS (DC) Students or for those who know details of the program, could you tell me more about the economics courses? Are they manageable, extremely difficult, a pain, etc.? Same for the quantitative reasoning requirement course. In regards to the language requirement if we are already fluent in a foreign language but we want to learn another, is that an option? Or do you just have to stick with the one you're already proficient in? Additionally, are any electives allowed between concentrations, or is it a pretty strict curriculum? Also what if you want to switch concentrations, is it hard to do so? Thanks!

ACCEPTEDDDD!!!!!!! SO INCREDIBLY HAPPY - STRAIGHT FROM UNDERGRAD TOO!!! Congrats to everyone else that got in!!!!!

Hi guys, So I want to get a general idea of where I stand and what my chances are for applying to these programs because I have some concerns. Born in Latin America but living in the states for almost 10 years. APPLYING FOR FALL '15: Schools: HKS MPP, Chicago Harris MPP, Georgetown MSFS, George Washington IA, Johns Hopkins SAIS, Boston University - IA, Columbia MIA Career goals: U.S. Foreign Service Institution: Midwest Big-10 school, ranked in top 50. Major: Dual major in Political Science and Communication GPA: 3.7 GRE score: 149 Verbal 140 Quant (bad quant, I know) Work experience: Over 4 years part time experience. Worked part time all through Undergrad in relevant fields (international education and academic affairs), teaching a class, worked internationally during study abroad, two substantial full-time internships over the summer in State Government (Health & Human Services) and with U.S. Department of State. One internship during undergrad regarding Arms Control Research Coursework: Statistics, Micro Econ and Macro Econ, also taking poli sci class using statistical models Language skills: (Native) Spanish, (Fluent) English, (Intermediate) French, (Intermediate) Portuguese OTHER: Lots of involvement and leadership on campus. President of 2 organizations, Executive board of 2 other orgs, substantial community service Overseas experience (work, study and teaching): 8 years living in a developing country in Latin America while I was young, 6 months study abroad in Western Europe, extensive travel throughout Europe Statement of Purpose: Really strong, my background and experiences are what make me stand out the most. Extra Essays: Two for HKS and Columbia. Basically explaining why despite my lack of full-time experience and low GRE scores they should accept me Letters of Recommendation: STRONG. Two professors in my Poli Sci field who have mentored me throughout undergrad and one from State Dept. internship to show work experience Concerns: GRE!!!! So bad. I studied hard too. Standardized testing is not my strong suit, though my classes in Econ/Stats have all had grades of B and As. Also, concerned with the fact that I will be fresh from undergrad (graduating May 2015) and have no "full time" experience. I know its a "holistic approach" but I want to know my chances.