MsFutureDiplomat

Accepted to DC!! So happy . No info on funding yet either. Just out of curiosity is it possible to study in bologna the second year or just for a semester? I am glad to be in DC but would like the study abroad experience too

I just checked my application online and have not received any messages! I am freaking out..... glad i am not alone

Thanks very much for the encouragement! Best wishes to you as well!

Hi, thanks for doing this! I was just admitted to Fletcher and am very happy about that! Many aspects of the program appeal to me. My specific question for you is about career services and networking. What kinds of career advising and networking opportunities are offered? The main drawback of Fletcher for me is that it's not in DC - is this any kind of hindrance for most students in finding internships and employment? I am interested in working for a think tank focused on the former USSR, or the World Bank. But I haven't quite made up my mind yet. Which organizations recruit from Fletcher and what types of internships are students involved in? I apologize for so many questions!! Thanks again.

Hello everyone, I just received an email notifying me of my acceptance to Fletcher. I applied back in September and am very excited! Has anyone else heard? Anyone know when we might hear about financial aid or fellowships? Best of luck!!! My stats for reference: GRE: 169V/162Q/6AW GPA:3.75 History WE: 2.5 years (I am American, working in the former USSR) Still waiting on SAIS EN and hope to hear soon!

Found it - just after the screen where they ask you to fill out a list of relevant classes. Very different navigation wise from the other apps. Thanks very much!

Hello everyone, and best of luck in the application process! I am attempting to fill out the application for Princeton WWS (MPA II) and had no problem creating a profile and filling out the biographical/educational information. I noticed some instructions regarding the statement of purpose and policy memo there, but unfortunately, no place to upload them! Can anyone please point me in the right direction? Where can these be uploaded? I'm using the general Graduate Admission application for Princeton, just specified my field, I think that's our only option (it's called ApplyWeb). Someone please tell me what I am missing!! Thanks so much and I apologize if this is a stupid question......

Yea, that's the deadline for EN. But I have heard it's a hard deadline for submission of the application / scores / transcripts ..... but rec letters can come a little later (or so I read in an old post on a Fletcher admissions blog). But I don't know if that's the current policy about the recommendations. Will try to call the admissions office via Skype, it's hard to do in my location though Ahhh!

Hello everyone, I've submitted my applications to the Fletcher School and SAIS before the early notification deadline today, but two of my recommenders still have not submitted their letters yet! If they come through within the next week, will I still be considered as having applied by the EN deadline? I really want to find out in December - waiting game is a killer!!

Great!! Thanks so much! Again, really appreciate your time in replying

Thank you so much for the feedback! I feel much more confident now. The more I research, the more I feel that SAIS-Bologna would be the right program for me (although, as I mentioned I would be thrilled with an offer from any of the programs I applied to). One more question though, if you can possibly give me some input on my recommender situation? The Georgian politician whom I'd worked for (and who already sent my rec according to my online applications) is quite well-known in the USA, but I just read a really unflattering article in a major US newspaper casting aspersions on his personal life and his administration (pretty serious allegations, although obviously nothing I had any idea about, as I have only known him to be professional and polite). The article even quoted a representative of one of the universities I'm applying to, stating that they were hesitant to invite him to lecture there for these reasons. I know this is a strange situation, but perhaps you have heard of someone who has been in it? WOuld you recommend asking for a fourth recommendation perhaps, or am I making too big of a deal about it? Thanks again for your time! I really appreciate it.

Thanks - I appreciate your advice! I'm going to ask another of my professors for a recommendation, since certain aspects of this report (in NYT) really cast aspersions on his character, not to the extent of murdering people or extorting money, but still not good. What worried me was they actually quoted a representative of one of the universities on my list saying they would not hire him to speak there because of his personal behavior. I guess my only clarification would be, he sent the letters already (I got started on my applications really early, since I had a long break from work this summer, and I submitted all of them by now). So the universities already know I'm affiliated with him somehow. I'll definitely ask another professor to send a recommendation but I can't change my application. Really only posted here to gauge how big of a strike against me this could be, especially since I'm applying for Area Studies with an eye on a State Dept career. Either way, I will definitely take your advice and reach out to the adcoms to discuss. Thanks!

Hello everyone, I just posted in the Am I competitive thread so I'm not specifically asking what my chances are here in this topic. But I had a more general question. I briefly worked for a well-known foreign politician who became sort of a mentor for me and wrote one of my recommendations for SIPA, Elliott, SAIS, Georgetown SFS, and tufts. I thought having a personalized letter from a well-known politician would be great for my application (I also have letters from professors and my direct supervisor). However, a US newspaper recently published an unflattering story about my recommender, implying that some universities had concerns about his character and behavior. I have only known him to be professional so i was shocked - and very upset of course. I knew all along that he was a controversial figure, but had no idea that he had any sort of negative reputation at American universities. Anyway, the letter is sent - so in can't do much except wait. But I'm looking for some peace of mind or at least honest feedback- do you think that his name associated with mine will hurt my chances? The letter itself is not the issue; I am sure it's fine. Anyone been in this situation before?

Hello, everyone. I'm new to the forums and have found excellent advice here so far. I did read the sticky but felt I should still make a post, because I think my profile might be a little unusual for the programs I am interested in. The other question I have is regarding funding. If anyone can give me insight on my chances for institutional funding, that would be very much appreciated. Ok, I'll try to make this succinct. I am an American citizen who graduated from a top 25 private university in the USA in 2012, and I have just decided over the past two years since graduation that I want to work in international relations in some capacity. My regional interest is the former USSR. I'm considering the State Department path, but am more likely to apply to work for the German Marshall Fund, Open Society, USAID, UNDP...most likely in the South Caucasus or Black Sea region if possible. Here's my info. Any feedback would be so, so much appreciated, as I am extremely nervous about this process; I do not personally know anyone who has gone through it before. I've already applied to the following for Fall 2015 admission, in no particular order (I would be happy with any of these programs, but somehow I am leaning towards SAIS-Europe). 1. Johns Hopkins SAIS (Bologna and DC campuses, IDEV/Russian area studies) 2. Georgetown SFS (concentration in Russian area studies) 3. GWU Elliott School (Russian area studies) 4. Columbia SIPA - MIA 5. Tufts Fletcher - MALD My stats: B.A. History, GPA 3.75 Minor in Russian Language and Area Studies Study Abroad - Moscow State University (Directed research and intensive language classes) President of Russian Club, Executive Board of Armenian Students Association Research Assistant in Law School and History Department for 6 semesters GRE: 169 V, 162 Q, 6.0 AW Work Experience (here is where it gets strange) 3 years research assistant in undergrad volunteering in legal aid clinic after undergrad - 1 year as HR recruiter @ fortune 500 company (when I realized I needed to go back to university and do something I actually enjoy...quit to move to the former USSR, Georgia specifically) In Georgia (the country) 1.5 years working with a nonprofit organization that helps Georgian students apply to undergrad and grad programs in Europe and the USA. I help them write essays and interview for scholarships and fellowships also. I have worked privately for the children of major political figures and have a LOR from one, and I have also helped expand our organization in Azerbaijan by traveling there frequently. I've put together similar programs at the presidential library and for another NGO. LORs: Georgian politician whose name is known in these programs, whom I worked for Professor of History from my university My boss at the Georgian organization I mentioned Now my weaknesses: I am not bad at math, but I never took Econ of any form as a History major. My problem was that I had no idea what I wanted to do until recently - I had a good understanding of my talents and interests, but didn't know how to parlay them into a profession until I came to Georgia and interacted with people working in politics and NGOs. Do I still have a chance? I know econ is required for some of these programs and would take a summer course before enrolling if I'm admitted. Another weakness might be the fact that I don't work for a recognizable organization? It is legitimate here, but no one in America would know the name probably. Also, one of my recommenders is quite controversial ( you might be able to guess who he is if you share my interest in this region). I am sure his recommendation is good, but not sure what the programs might think of him personally, or if that even matters??? Again, I know no one can predict my exact chances, but I want honest feedback if possible..... Do you think an offer of admission with at least partial funding is a good possibility for me? Thanks so much!!!!!!!