biglawl1l

Thank you for the update. I was getting worried that they were going to miss their self-imposed deadline.

Not sure about the rest, but you would have heard if you were a finalist for the Dubin already.

Anybody hear anything yet? It is now 5PM Eastern :/

Poll Update: HKS is in the lead at a ratio of about 2 to 1. Would some of you who chose HKS mind sharing your reasoning? Thanks!

Thank you for your contribution. Username aside, I really have absolutely desire to pursue big law. I'd only pursue it as a last resort if I am crushed with debt. Also, the legal market is in turmoil and it is no longer raining $$$. The most recent NLJ 250 numbers (the biggest firms that pay $160,000 + bonus) have the top schools placing about 50% of their class in those jobs--it was 70%+ just a couple years ago. These numbers are also lagged because 2009 graduates had OCI in 2007...it has gotten much worse.

I actually thought about applying to the MPhil in IR. If I wasn't interested in law as well, I think that would have been my Oxford program of choice. The MSc. allows me to get relevant training comparatively cheaply--thus saving some $ for law school. I think the MPhil is better--and stronger--as a stand alone degree than a MSc. Where are your thoughts now re: Oxford and HKS?

FP, that's a good question. I touched upon this a bit above, but in a nutshell, it boils down to the following: 1) I like the idea of being able to work on human rights issues + various advocacy issues through the legal system and the courts. A JD is necessary if I really want to go that route. 2) A JD degree is generally not sufficient to open up non-legal work in IR; UN, Mulit-lateral NGO's, and a lot of other human rights work. Basically, I have a deep interest in both IR + the legal system. I would like to have career flexibility to criss-cross these fields throughout my professional career.

Thanks Peregin. I actually have applied to most law schools which do the joint degree program with HKS. A couple look like a possibility, but again, I need to see the financial breakdown. Your point about money saved with room & board is well taken, but what about tuition? I was under the impression that each school still charges you the full tuition a solo degree candidate would have to pay. Either way, this is a good question for me to ask relevant administrators. Thank you. Depending on the answer, the joint degree may negate the cost differential currently favoring Oxford. If not, Oxford's one year program may let me get my foot in the door to the IR field relatively cheaply before pursuing law. Those are my thoughts right now anyway.

A couple of reasons. A law degree is great for opening up the legal system and court room as a method of advocacy--not great for cracking IR related gigs. I have a passion for both and would like the flexibility to traverse both fields over a 30 year+ career...finances permitting.

Bump! Please keep them coming, they have been great!

Minerva + RH7--thank you. You both brought up great points. To answer some of the questions: diplomacy was taught by a practitioner(british diplomat) with close to 40 years experience in diplomacy including ambassadorial posts. However, they are bringing in a new prof/practitioner who I know nothing about--and am trying to get information on. RH7--I would be taking a course on quantitative methods and qualitative research, but I agree the Harvard offers many more pragmatic "skill" courses--leadership, management, analysis, etc--than I would be getting at Oxford. Here is the rub: Harvard seems to have the better curriculum--and exit options--for those wishing to be a practitioner. However, there is currently a $80,000 difference between the two programs. Is the difference worth $80,000? That's a hard question to answer. Oxford would give me a credential that should give me access to the IR professional arena---especially in tandem with a law degree. However, it looks like Harvard may very well prepare me better for my professional life. With a public servant salary, however, is it worth that much more extra debt?

Thank you for the response. As far as "doors" opening upon graduation, they have quite an impressive alumni network: wikipedia Kennedy School and scroll down at the bottom to see the list. I think your comment is spot on about the networking opportunities.

Thank you for the response! $135,000 is the expected total cost for the MPP at Harvard. $50,000 is the expected total for the MSc. at Oxford. Both these figures include tuition, accommodation, etc. I am far from set on working in the UK, but having it as an option would be nice. Thanks again, please keep them coming!

Dear OP: You are in a great position here. I attended a HYS and had the same dilemma you did; work or go straight to school? I chose to work for two years and am now heading back to school next year. You are a strong candidate having gotten into Stanford's IPS and other related programs. Given that you already have diplomacy work lined up, I would personally choose to get some work experience under your belt. It was assuredly make you a more competitive candidate for fellowships (you have the numbers with those acceptance--just not the we) and allow you to put some money aside for school. In addition, even a few years of work experience can do wonders in adding perspective to the application process and what you want to do. You will also have a much stronger chance at Gtown, Kennedy School, WWS, etc.

Hey Guys and Gals, Thank you for taking the time to stop by and offer your advice. I have a dilemma here (and I know it is a good dilemma) but a dilemma nonetheless. I have been accepted into the MPP (with a concentration in International and Global Affairs) at HKS, but also have been accepted into Oxford's Master in Science for Global Governance & Diplomacy. Let me tell you a little bit about my background: I am really interested in international affairs and will most likely pursue public work (so will not make a lot of money). In addition, there is a strong possibility that I will pursue law school after either degree (meaning three more years of school...and loans..eek). I will be paying my whole way through school and given my interest in Public Interest work, am loathe to take on too much debt....here are the school options in more detail: Harvard--2 year program, expected total cost (tuition, COA, etc) of $135,000 Oxford--1 year program, expected total cost $50,000 Does this seem like a no-brainer--Oxford? The cost difference is huge between the two programs. That said, I've heard that HKS can open a TON of doors and may be worth the extra debt. I am still waiting on funding info from both. If I went to Harvard and had to take out that much debt (or close to it) I definitely would not go to law school for a while. Which school would you choose if cost was the same for both? Which school would you choose if you were faced with the expenses above? Why? I am just as interested in your logic and thought process as I am in your final choice---please share! Many, many thanks for both your time and assistance!! EDIT: I am a US student, and went to school at HYS in the states..would most likely like to get involved in US gov't work but am open to working abroad (read: UK) as well. I deeply value flexibility.