sadao

I did my undergrad at UCSC, and being that close to Silicon Valley is invaluable.

Well, do you chase your dreams or chase the $? I'm in a similar situation where I'll be leaving many people's dream job to continue my dream at SFS. It's not easy to leave comfort and security, but living with regret and dreams unfulfilled carries a more frightening pricetag.

If you are trying to go the Asian route, absolutely do not do Bologna, you would be wasting your time that could be spent elsewhere. I would also place NYU far down on this list, as their IR curriculum is very broad. Here's how I'd prioritize: 1. Gtown - a very strong #1, Victor Cha is second to none. Also SFS is absolutely legendary. 2. George Washington - toss up between this and American 3. American - see above 4. UCSD - Great program, but isolated and the institution just doesn't have the prestige quite yet, along with its faculty. 5. NYU - no

Agreed, my recommenders and other contacts in DC have said the same thing. It's easy to say State Department, DOD, etc, but in reality there's an incredible amount of career options that can be in line with the same interests.

I agree that a specific and unique focus is valued in the job market. In this scenario, the schools that offer this range of curriculum happen to be the top-tier schools in DC, with the exception of UCSD and maybe Syracuse. NYU and BU offer the generic and broad IR curriculum. Also, I've found it helpful to pull the hiring and job data of recent grads from schools, and the data does support DC graduates working in related departments in the federal government. Ex. Georgetown's SFS has an incredible % amount grads hired by the DOD.

Maybe I should rephrase. Finances are not a make or break for me, but I would also never attend an institution that may hurt future firing chances, less related internships/fellowships, or a less related curriculum to my interests simply because it was cheaper.

Did you not apply to MASIA at Georgetown's SFS? And yes, the vibe in DC values GW over American's SIS

When it comes to IR and goals to work in the government, going to a top tier school (preferably in DC) is extremely crucial. I would seriously advise going to a school that will help you on your dream (whatever that is) rather than choosing $ at risk of not achieving what you're doing all of this for anyway. Do not let the idea of funding and debt sidetrack you.

Was initially in fear of not getting in anywhere, and figured the easy choice would be the one (couldn't have fathomed that more would accept me) that would accept me. As it turns out, I've gotten in to quite a few programs for international affairs, international relations, security or whatever they want to call it. Having extensive Asia-Pacific region and language experience, I'm leaning towards Georgetown, UCSD, Syracuse, or American. My options are as follows (yes I paid a shit ton in all these application fees): Columbia SIPA Johns Hopkins SAIS Johns Hopkins-Nanjing Georgetown School of Foreign Service George Washington American Syracuse NYU Boston University UCSD I suppose at this point Georgetown feels like the most appropriate fit, given their faculty's expertise on modern East Asian politics, but it's all up in the air. I do not factor funding heavily in my decision, as money comes and goes in a lifetime. But where you do your MA, especially in regards to IR, is a once in a lifetime decision that can greatly impact where you spend your career. Thanks for any input.