rrrruoyao

Thanks for your input! If you don't mind, may I ask what you mean by "some more tight-knit" departments? (smaller class size, more RA opportunities?) And what're some examples of these departments? I saw you put up America Foreign Policy as one of them though... Thanks!

Thanks so much @dcdenize! And @coffeeandtravel: I emailed the admission office and they said about 50%-60% second-year students get some funding.

run across the thread. I was in the same boat, shifting from journalism to international relations. I agree that with a Quan score below 150, your chance for top-tier schools is slim. Strive for 160+ if you can. Try to get some international experience if you can. Most importantly, leverage the personal statement to tie everything up, explain why you decide to change gear and show the unique experience/ characters of being in the field of journalism (i.e. open up your statement with a story-telling tactic related to your career motivation).

semi-neurotic exactly the word!

Thanks so much for offering AMA-exactly what I need now! What do you think of SAIS' career service and its reputation in private sectors, which seem to me like two major downsides people here at grad cafe say about the program? Do you have any idea of what % of second-year students get funded at sais? Also, are students close to each other? How's the sense of "community" there? On contraction: I'm interested in China Studies. Do you happen you happen to have some experience with it? I know China Studies has all-star faculty but I'm a little bit concern about their approachability. Also on concentration: could students pick up whatever concentrations they like or some concentrations would set up certain filters like GPA? Sorry for throwing so many questions at a time. Thanks!!!

am waitlisted. I'm going to see this as a "no" though.. can't think of anybody who'd turn down Jackson

i called them yesterday and they said they "are hoping" to wrap up the decisions by the end of next week.

me here! don't think I'll have a shoot but still...really anxious...