RH7

It's out of 100%, but unless you're doing a quant subject, you won't get more than 80% (99% of the time at least). Distinction is usually a 70+, merit a 60+ and a pass 50+ (in most unis). Most people get a merit, which isn't too difficult with enough prep.

The IPP at UCL and CISD at SOAS are actually pretty even imo. The IPP program at UCL doesn't exactly carry the same currency as their law, econ and medicine depts, while the critical theory-based CISD is somewhat of a flagship at SOAS, along with languages and development studies. And I don't understand why RHUL gets so much crap, it's not THAT bad, and the ladies are amazing - SOAS ain't bad either . Honestly, if you're looking to do another masters it makes no difference, zip, nada for Oxbridge or LSE. But if there are absolutely no compelling reasons for you to choose one over the other, just go to UCL for the reasons others have specified.

Sigh, can't believe you all want in while I want out. All I can say is have fun! Anyway, just to add to the discussion, SIPA has has loads of graduates in consulting and seems to have a good presence in McKinsey, BCG, Booz, and Accenture in particular. We also have a consulting club that runs case competitions, last years judges came from Deloitte, McKinsey, DAI, Dalberg, Oliver Wyman and PwC. Our capstone projects also include clients from some of these as well. Pretty good representation in ID consulting globally too.

I suppose a lot more people wouldn't accept their offers without the financial award...

Has anyone fully made up their mind about whether they will be attending SIPA or not this fall?

Not saying this in contempt or anything (I didn't get an offer for the PPM track lol) but the MPA programs at LSE aren't specifically designed very well and you don't nearly take as many classes as other programs in the US. There are so many obscure MScs at LSE now that I doubt most employers would even distinguish the MPA from one of these...

Have you tried external funding options? UK schools are crap with funding, especially now with government cuts. And as above, SIPA is also pretty crap in terms of funding. Why would you only apply to one out of LSE, UCL and Manchester? UCL and Manchester are free to apply to and you can use the exact same PS.

That's probably the WORST school in the UK. Don't bother. It was almost closed down because the school lied about enrollment rates for more government funding. High drop out rate. Low student satisfaction. Poor reputation. Actually, make that appaling reputation. Generally crap area of the city vis-a-vis other London schools. Terrible.... I'd rather go to your local community college than London Met tbh. Have you applied elsewhere?

Oh I see. Have you looked at the approved econ courses that you could take elsewhere at Columbia? And do you know if there's anything we need to do until next summer? But seriously, if the HKS program might be better for you and you don't mind the hassle/cost of submitting another application, just apply anyway and see what happens just so there are no 'what ifs' lingering.... and then decide ex-post what you should do.

I was on the fence about this very same thing (believe me), but decided in the end that personally, I didn't even prefer anything at HKS over SIPA apart from the H. Anyway, to answer your question, of course you can if you/your financiers are okay with losing both deposits. Up to you on whether you want to mention SIPA if you end up applying. Highly doubt it'll greatly help or hurt your application relative to your other merits. Best of luck either way.

Never quite understood it really lol, maybe to increase their profile in North America. Um, I know they have loans available for North American students, but don't know the conditions behind it.

For international students (especially if you're North American) it's definitely much higher than 12%! Can't pinpoint exactly, but it's nowhere close to being as difficult as the MSc in economics or finance.

MScs and MPAs are normally standalones. But we have MPhil and MRes degrees available, which allow you to go straight into a PhD (funds and all that jazz permitting).

Pretty much all MScs in the UK are quite theoretical and don't have a lot of added value, bar more 'knowledge' and some analytical skill. The MPA at LSE is a bit strange because they still hang on to that old British tradition of stuffing the entire term or year into a 2-3 hour exam worth 70-100% of your mark (like the MSc), but adding some practical elements like the capstone and more quantitative classes. You'll probably gain harder skills in analytics and management with the MPA, but if you already have these skill sets, I'm not sure if the extra year would be worth it if you don't have funding. In terms of how employers view these in the ID business, it makes absolutely no difference.

International affairs, security, Southeast Asia... Go to SAIS. Fletcher might also be good in combining these areas too. GWU and GPPI are good schools that often offer decent funding, not sure about Southeast Asia though. SIPA may also suit you, but funding from SIPA itself is a rather meager. My best advice to try and get better funding is to raise that GRE score. I have no idea what you have, so it may not be necessary. Anyways, good luck!