mhallex

Where I'm going: GWU-MA,Security Policy Studies Where I considered: SAIS-MA, International Relations Australian National University- MA, Strategic Affairs Why I'm going: 1-Wanted to head to DC to start my career. I had also applied to SIPA and MIT and while I was dinged by both I think I would have picked DC over them any way. The real choice was between Elliott and SAIS. 2-GWU offered me a good bit of money. SAIS is more expensive to begin with and I would be paying full sticker. 3-I've never felt my language skills we're particularly strong(I'm living in Shanghai and spend my days butchering Mandarin) and I had heard some intimidating things about the language requirement at SAIS. SPS students at GW can get away with quant coursework(which I had planned on doing anyway) and avoid having to pass a language test. This wasn't a huge factor in my decision making but it was a comfort once I had made a choice. 4-I had applied directly from undergrad and while I've taken a year off to work I worry about how competitive I'll be when I finish my grad degree. GW schedules the bulk of its classes after working hours and I'm hoping to be able to find a full time job so I can pay my rent and bolster my resume. Ultimately, while I think the SAIS degree might be a bit more impressive I wasn't comfortable being in heavy debt and without significant work experience when I graduated.

I was admitted last year and deferred until Fall '09. Security Policy Studies at the Elliott School. Now all I need to do is find an apartment and a job...

I wouldn't be too disheartened by the requirements for work experience. I did the application process last year(I've deferred my admittance to GW's security studies program) and did pretty well right out of undergrad. Rejected by MIT and SIPA but admitted to SAIS & GW. Undergrad at CUNY, good but not astonishing GRE scores, and a smattering of internships at a few foreign policy themed places in NYC. If I managed to get into grad programs then you should be able to pull it off too(granted, I was pretty suprised by the positive responses.) If nothing else the GRE isn't a huge burden and application fees aren't that expensive. You might as well take a shot and hope for the best. If it doesn't work out then worry about picking up more work experience or some other credentials.