ZebraFinch

Any news? I know interviews were done already. Good luck!

Of course

Sorry to butt in, but I'm going to Georgetown CERES! The admitted students day was great... they offer a TON of courses on Turkey and the Turkish language. I did a geospatial intelligence certificate after undergrad and found it extremely helpful for grad school apps AND jobs. Honestly with a GIS/geography background, there's plenty of jobs especially if you have solid quant skills and knowledge of a foreign language. In my case, I was just 100% I wanted to be in the FS so I went for that.

I'm a bit early but I started the hangout if anyone wants to join. PLEASE let me know ASAP if the link doesn't work as I've never created a hangout before!: https://hangouts.google.com/call/l53d7lixzjd2lplya3siv6ugkue

I'll try to create the hangout link at 11 cst

I think I can do that My quote thing is working oddly.

I'd happily join a google hangout. Folks, word of warning, if you get one of these fellowships, the medical clearance is so tough! I am trying to get all my records from all doctors and it's driving me craaazy. I thought the security clearance was enough.

Aww thanks! It was still nice to get the email, and I'm talking to them on being there on interview day to talk to finalists, so maybe I'll meet some of you all @GlobalUp, not sure if anyone in my cohort did, but I know two other Fellows who did Skype interviews and were successful. One of the Fellows in my cohort flew in the night before from Vienna, and she was very jet lagged but I think her flying there showed her commitment. In your position, I'd honestly try to go in person as I'm very sure they evaluate how you interact with other finalists. @mrs12 Please do re-apply for next year! I'd be happy to help if you need. I think undergraduate fellowships are a tad more competitive from what I understand. I think with the CLS under your belt for next year you'd be an even more competitive candidate

I forgot to withdraw and was selected as a finalist. Whoops. I'll withdraw and give someone else the spot.

Just three. I didn't want move from the DC area since I'm already there. More importantly, I figured there's no point in applying to a school unless I 100% would go.

In my experience having worked in the federal gov (if that's what you want)... It's not worth so much debt at all.

Maybe I'm being ungrateful but in proportion to the cost of study they still award a lot less than other schools in the area.

WOO!!! You are great thank you!

I don't think they realize what a bad impression of GW this leaves. If they're so slow about something as important as funding, why would we think issues such as course availability, career advice, etc are of any importance?

I'm still very undecided! SAIS seems to have more choices of courses but I'm not thrilled about taking Econ again. Georgetown was originally my top choice and I feel like I'll be happier there overall but my advisors say SAIS has a better program. However, multiple FSOs have told me to go where I'll be happy as it doesn't matter where I went once I'm in the FS. Both have given me essentially the same amount of funding although I still have to speak with Georgetown about possibly getting more money. I'm very happy for you and happy that I could help you in any way. I'm open to helping out anyone else who reads or might read this thread! There's nothing quite as satisfying personally as seeing people achieve their dreams.

Agh don't do that! but congrats!!!!

What happened?

3rd. Officially have my deposit set up for Georgetown or SAIS. Taking my Pickering money elsewhere.

Any updates on Payne? I'm so hoping you got it!

I'm really torn between SAIS and Georgetown. I'm mostly just terrified of the Econ requirements; I did Econ in my undergrad and while I did well, I didn't enjoy it.

How hard or easy are the Econ courses for someone who's slightly math illiterate or who took Econ eons ago? thank you for the AMA!

This is exactly why I deferred admission until I got full funding. I just have a hard time believing people don't regret that much debt. Maybe they don't soon after graduating, but once you want to buy a house or have kids, those doubts will come in. I just don't believe an MPA/MIA/etc are worth as much $$$ to merit that much in loans, contrary to other degrees.

Haha I like your thinking.

Another non-funding email from GW. I'm really disappointed with this school. They know our decisions depend on funding, and yet have taken a very luxurious amount of time on saying anything regarding funding. At this rate I don't think I will be attending even if they gave me a fully funded offer. I went to an undergrad that was slow with everything and I don't wish to repeat the experience.

Yes, it's a standard interview, plus last year we had to give a presentation. Then there's a written exam on the same day, which is really just to show your persuasive writing skills.