Jota

That's a good point. I did comms/PR work and am still doing it now. I think I'd like to use this as a springboard to do government affairs work with an eye to putting more policymaking in my job. Also, in my work contacts are important which makes me think SAIS would be beneficial...at the same time I'm not bad at making my own contacts myself. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wouldn't mind making my comms/PR work more thoughtful and serious, like adding a level of government relations into the mix and marketing myself as someone capable of operating in both worlds.

I am in a similar situation and was about to take the plunge into SAIS before my UK 1-yr optionb egan to creep back into view. I got into SAIS and also into a regional studies program at Oxford. Aside from the cost, here's how I see my choice, in bulletpoint form: Oxford Pros: 1 year Globally recognized 'brand', lay prestige Excellent experience, albeit very self-driven Great network, although self-created Good name in Europe (where I'll likely end up) Oxford Cons: Academic experience not as relevant/rigorous, lack of quant/generalist IR focus Networking very organic, not a cohesive group of alums for career purposes SAIS Pros: Excellent academic rigor Excellent alumni networking Great student experience (1yr in Bologna) Great name amongst those 'who know' in the policy world SAIS Cons: Not known amongst people who 'don't know' it It is more expensive, although I’m working on that It’s 2 years and 1 yr more than Oxford Good but limited name in Europe, more pull in US/Asia Now the context is that I’m not married to the idea of an elite policy job, although I’d love one if it came my way! I could very easily go back into the field I’m leaving for the masters, although the reason I’m going is to propel me to the next level in the field or slightly change focus. I hate to sound like a name snob, but it’s a consideration with any degree. With that said, is it better to go for SAIS’ really excellent program with excellent prestige in limited areas or Oxford’s good but slightly less engaging program with excellent reputation in wide areas (but not nearly as much in the limited areas where SAIS excels)?

This is really fantastic advice and I appreciate it. I'm looking forward to visiting the school in a few weeks and getting an on the ground perspective, I'm curious to know though if you felt at all at a disadvantage for not having gone to a DC/NY program or a "top tier" program like SAIS/SIPA/Fletcher/HKS? I did my undergraduate in an Ivy League school and after a few years out have a sneaking suspicion that the location of the school doesn't necessarily maketh the man (although I can't lie and say it hasn't given me some advantages). -J

Thanks for the commiseration, all. No, you can never say never but I'm not in the least worried about the solvency of our relationship after my program if I choose to do my program in the US. You have to count gay relationships in dog years (because they don't tend to last very long and there are always lots of dogs in the park), so I'm pretty thrilled with what I have. I think regardless of the outcome this will be an exercise in emotional maturity! -J

That's a really good point, it's the whole kit and caboodle more or less so I would be mainly free from debt at graduation. I have had about 10 HKS grads try and tell me that their experience was worth the car payment (NB: an Audi payment, not a Ford Focus) they have everything month in student loan bills but somehow I don't buy it.

Uff, I'm in a similar situation. Unfortunately due to the laws of our great country my (European) partner of five years and soon to be spouse can't enter the US to accompany me (because we're both men). It's a real bitch when he can't even choose to be with me.

Hello all, I have some tough choices to make (on a personal, academic and professional level), but without getting involved in my choices I thought I might raise a topic that might be useful to more people. I've been accepted to the MGPS program at the LBJ School (UT-Austin) with a very attractive grant offer. I have a good friend who raves about the program and its quality, and it seems to me they spend a good deal of time, money and energy on their students. I also am very impressed with a regional studies department they have which lines up well to my study interests. What do all you grad school gurus think about the reputation of UT-LBJ? More importantly, do you think it will be difficult to leverage an international career after graduation? My goal is to neither work in Texas and very likely not Washington. Is the UT community strong abroad? Do you think that 50% statistic about people staying in Texas is because there's great work there and Austin's so incredible (but not necessarily because opportunities aren't available elsewhere)? Will I forever be associated with President Bush no matter where I go in the world? Any and all thoughts are appreciated!

Aha, thanks. Will take a look.

Hello all, I remember something about Princeton WWS's notification date being something like March 15th, but since that long-ago application deadline the date has mysteriously vanished from their site. Anybody have any privileged information on when we're to find out?

My hysteria hasn't been quite so intense, but I know the feeling. I'm applying to programs this year from Mexico and, while the time difference doesn't have much of an impact, the thought that schools will choose to send notifications via mail for some odd reason terrifies me. US-Mexico mail times range from 3-5 weeks, and that's if it arrives at all. Indeed, agh, March can't come quickly enough.