mouraq

Thank you guys for the quick replies. coffeeandtravel this is definitely a good idea, I am actually making a bolder comparison between curricula as of right now. May not be the most decisive factor, but certainly will help clarify some things. Although a full ride at GPS is certainly a very good deal, I also got a decent amount of funding from SIPA. With the scholarship and a couple of TA positions during my second year, I would end up with ~30k on student loans, if my math is slightly correct. Moreover, this aid came in form of a Fellowship which could also open doors both internationally and especially at home (I'm Brazilian). But then again, still not sure if SIPA is worth that much more than GPS. outofspace, thanks for sharing your decisions. If that was what felt right for you at the moment, then you most definitely made the right decision! As far as your take on the schools, It seems like a decent depiction on both of them. UCSD seems pretty helpful, with an extra effort of helping alumni out and making its brand grow. Columbia is more of a stablished place, so maybe not so amicable as SoCal? Plus I have friends currently at GPS which is a plus, at least on the personal, emotional side. I probably won't make my mind about this until last minute (April 15 is the deadline for decision on both schools) so other takes are more than welcome!

Hi outofspace, Right now I am in the exact same place you were a year ago, between SIPA and GPS. Could you share your final decision and how things are working out for you after a year? Thanks a lot!