gotmusic702

So what were your impressions of Syracuse? Any insights would be appreciated.

Have you thoroughly examined the course offerings? From what I've gathered, Denver definitely has the better Security courses but Syracuse has more of a selection with Middle East courses, plus the opportunity to study abroad in the ME.

Forget GW. Take the money and run.

Wow, what a nice position to be in. I don't have an inside perspective so I'm not going to be much help. But I am also trying to decide b/w these two schools and have the same academic interests as you - Security Studies with a Middle East focus. I'm leaning toward Maxwell but my reasons may not apply to you. One of which is its Global Programs. I have not studied abroad and am eager to get this under my belt and I love that Maxwell has plenty of opportunities already set up for students. If you have plenty of abroad experience this won't be much of a plus for you. I am also attracted to Maxwell's certificate options. While earning my MA I can get a certificate in Middle East Studies and Advanced Security Studies. I also like that Syracuse lets you audit language courses for free. But since you're having everything paid for, that doesn't matter much. Why do you say Korbel has a good Security Studies reputation? I've heard its students say that but have never seen a legitimate source indicating that Korbel has a top program for security. Right now, the only pro on my list for Korbel is that Denver is a better location. But if Korbel is really known for its Security program I'll have to add that to my list. Congratulations on your fellowships! If Georgetown or SAIS throw money at you as well, you're really going to have a tough decision.

US News ranks Syracuse's program as the best in the world. And they offered you funding. Just curious why you're not really considering them.

According to their Web site, SSP only gives notifications by snail mail. http://cpass.georgetown.edu/ssp/prospective/admissions/

No, I'm not going. I didn't think going was worth the money. I can just get all my questions answered by email. I don't know much about UCSD's program but it if you're from Cali and are interested in Pacific studies than the money you'll save by going to UCSD is probably worth it. Syracuse's MA-IR program is ranked #10 and UCSD is #12 so not much difference there. What do these rankings really mean anyway? If I go to Maxwell I'll be taking the Global Security and Foreign Policy tracks. The Middle East is my regional interest. Aside from the Global Programs, some other things that draw me to Maxwell are its certificate options. While earning my MA, I can earn a certificate in advanced security studies and Middle Eastern studies. If you're full-time (9 credits) you can audit language courses for free. I want to continue studying Arabic so this is a great plus for me. Anyway, I don't know what you plan to study but maybe giving you my pros about Syracuse will be of some assistance.

Do you think you'll end up at Maxwell? I'm about 85% sure I'm going to accept their offer for the MAIR program. The global programs are a real plus for me.

I got accepted to both Korbel and Maxwell for International Security. I'm having a difficult time deciding between the two. It sounds as if some of you Korbel students aren't happy with the program. I would be quite upset if I continuously didn't get the classes I wanted (I have a particular interest in terrorism and the Middle East, I don't know if those are popular subjects at Korbel). A couple things that are making me lean toward Maxwell are its Global programs (many study abroad opportunities) and it offers a certificate in ME Studies. If any one can offer any insights, I'd appreciate it.

Accepted for MA in International Security. I also got into Syracuse's Maxwell School and am having great difficultly deciding between the two.