tammy-san

Thanks for the replies! I guess, in making a decision on which program to attend this upcoming summer/fall, I wanted to weigh all the costs/benefits (har har ) of each program and make sure I wasn't missing out on some integral part of my higher edumucation in choosing programs that were not as "quantitatively rigorous".

Perhaps this question exposes my ignorance and naivety, but after reading through these boards for quite some time, I notice constant debate about this or that's program's quantitative prowess. I do see the importance of knowing statistics and econ for public policy and the like, but why the obsession? Is it due to future career prospects? But then, if you want to work for the World Bank, why not just get a Phd in Economics? Is it for "well-roundedness" purposes? If you were to concentrate in studying international development for example, wouldn't you want to know about geology or anthropology as well as econ and stats? Maybe, coming from a "theory-background" and having suffered through minoring in econ, I have always taken quantitative analysis with a grain of salt and am a bit wary of relying so heavily on it. Why are some of the more "prestigious" schools so hell-bent on having their students become math wizards? Do you really have to be a econ super star to make it big in the policy realm? I know some programs utilize quantitative analysis as the basis of their policy-making, but WHY? What's the rationale?

Me three!! I can't go, but would love some impressions!

Thanks yet again Minerva for the info. I'm still wavering back and forth. I'm also waiting to see if I'm getting a FLAS from Syracuse. If so, I think that would pretty much seal the deal...unless Duke somehow counters with an amazing offer...I highly doubt!

Hi there Minerva! Thanks for pointing that out. Again, one of the "cons" about Syracuse is that I know less about the program overall. Have you looked at the IR handbook? I found it online here (http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/ir_graduate.aspx?id=6442451215) and I find it is a lot more helpful than the MPA handbook that was sent to us. How many electives you can take depends on whether you decide to finish your degree in 6 or 7 semesters. The 7 semester course track is for people who want to do two semesters abroad. In that cause, yes, I think you barely get to take any electives.

will do. again thanks.

Hmmm...interesting. Thanks for the clarification! I always appreciated the fact that Duke had the resources and personnel to help you pursue the course of study you really wanted....if you were convincing and persistent enough of course...

Thanks for the reassurance! On a totally unrelated note, I meant "proceeded to stare" not preceded...spelling and grammar were never my forte!

I know there has been a lot of these threads already, but what the hey. I made a spreadsheet weighing the pros and cons of each school and then preceded to stare at it for a good two hrs. In the interest of not having to chalk it up to whichever bball team makes it deeper into the tournament, any insight or opinions would be highly appreciated. Duke (MPP Sanford): Pros: -Small cohort -excellent career service people and job placement record -familiarity, friends in the area - I like the managerial focus of the program and the emphasis on gaining a practical skill set -strong RPCV presence, a good sign for me -strong interdisciplinary interaction between Law, Fuqua, and Nicolas -the weather (although, I heard it snowed quite a bit this year; at least for North Carolina) -I find Durham charming and quirky. -Honestly, having had a great undergrad experience, I just love Duke Cons: - "been there, done that" factor -More expensive, less funding; I barely make any money now, so I really don't have any savings to go off of. -Options for summer internship for the Global Policy concentration appears to be confined to Geneva -Core requirements may make taking all the electives I really want to somewhat restrictive. *** Syracuse (MPA/IR duel degree at Maxwell) Pros: - graduate assistantship that is hard to turn down; potential to do interesting research with a professor in my field -tuition is lower overall -huge supportive alumni base -many international students, a good sign for me -can spend a semester or two studying/interning in a developing country (exciting and important for me, because I eventually want a career in international development; more experience in the field, the better) -as someone else has mentioned, two degrees for the price of one. -get to live in a new place Cons: -Not being able to visit, I would be going in blind -Similarly, I can't seem to find more people to talk about the program with or someone who is in the program now (not necessarily a bad sign, and may be just a matter of sending the right e-mail) -as someone else mention, internship at own cost -large cohort (??? Not sure about this) -Winters will be really cold -After 4 years of the Cameron experience, everything else may pale in comparison. Other factors: It's been really hard for me to compare the the two programs head to head, because MPAs are different from MPPs. Not sure what the difference may be in terms of career options....

Hi there guys! I too got a GA fellowship for the MPA/IR dual program that is making Syracuse extremely attractive right now. I will not be able to attend the Open House, so any feed back on this board will be highly appreciated!!

Daring, the "Ivy League" is just an athletic conference! And you're telling me Georgetown doesn't come with its own prestige factor?!?!?! Do what YOU want to do! And honestly, while shopping around for good public policy programs to apply to, Brown didn't even register on my radar. Not to discredit the program or anything, but I seriously doubt it is as well known and respected within the policy community as GPPI... Just my 2 cents. Take with grain of salt!

Without knowing any specifics, it's hard to pinpoint what you could do.... Have you had any relevant work/intern/volunteer experience(s)? Did you apply straight out of undergrad? --this may have played a role... Did you apply to any "safety schools"? Have you been rejected outright, or just haven't heard? You could have been wait-listed...

Well. I don't think you can discredit the quality of a program based on the fact that have "rolling admissions". It might just mean that course scheduling is structured so that you can start at any-time... Also another thing to consider: more applicants=more $$ for the school

I got my admission e-mail back on Feb 27th, and I got my admission packet yesterday. However, I'm 99.99% sure that they are on a rolling admission schedule, so I really wouldn't worry about it too much.

Sooooo.....rumor has it you can negotiate for more funding. But looking back at some of the old posts, it seemed that it only applied with the Nick school? Can I be enlightened?