AlphaStep

Yup, nice surprise! Brings down my international flight cost a bit... it's nice to be wooed!

Also deciding between Fletcher and SAIS (DC). I have about 3-4 years' work experience. About the same $$$ offered at both ($20k/year at Fletcher, $22.5k/year at SAIS). Will go to both the Open Houses and check them out in person - only so much you can glean from the website. I'm interested in international development, which seems to be strong at both schools. A little anxious about all the econ at SAIS, but I think it's a good opportunity to gain some quant skills - really avoided quantitative courses in undergrad, which I somewhat regret. If anyone has any insight on their respective advantages/disadvantages, I would appreciate it!

Because it will cover 100% of year one and 0% of year two?

Rejected as expected - congrats to those admitted!

Also accepted to Fletcher and SIPA in the early round and no funding from SIPA Fingers crossed!

Thanks! I will be truly shocked if I get accepted but I was still feeling pretty bummed after reading this thread... based in East Africa, so I'm anxious all day (and night) even though I KNOW nothing will be online until the end of my workday!

Have any early notification acceptances gotten notification of funding? I imagine there's probably no letter forthcoming, but here's hoping... congrats to the new admits!

Early action too... The funding wait is terrible! No updates.

Did everyone get a confirmation email that their application is complete/under review? Did not receive although app was complete, thought I would wait to see if there were any emails from admissions about any missing documents but now am getting a little anxious.

@MH2 Also agree with the responses above... I chose a topic that I was knowledgeable about so just did some fact-checking and pulling relevant statistics. The topic was in the sector i'm interested in but not in my geographic area of interest - ultimately I felt in the short space it was something I could write well on and showed my passion/knowledge of the issue. For me, the key was to not really write a policy paper - as I did for Johns Hopkins/Princeton - but rather sort of write an 'elevator pitch' on why the policy is important and a few supporting reasons for my position. @MPPant I also think if you can shorten that is ideal, 700 words is a lot considering the other prompts. But ultimately no one knows your application better than you - if you really think it adds something vital to your application that's not there otherwise, go for it. I used the optional essay just to give some clarifications on my transcript - explain some course names and why two were pass/fail and not graded - it was under a page. I was admitted to MIA early notification round, 169V, 159Q, 4.0AW.

in congrats, all! now the long wait for other apps and funding news.

14 schools?!?! Phew! Yes I think definitely get some work experience - especially since you've completed undergrad in two years! Most schools want to see that you have some (international) experience to contribute to the classroom, as well as just the maturity and direction you gain from a few years in "the real world." Best of luck... and breathe!