BoSoxFanatic245

Yes, but I haven't spend any time thinking about it since I just committed. All I know is I want to live in Arlington to cut down on costs. PM me with your e-mail address and we'll talk.

I just called GW to let them know that I will be attending. In the end, I decided that the advantages that Maxwell has over GW in reputation, ranking, etc. will be entirely (or almost) eliminated due to several factors: 1) financial package from GW 2) location in DC 3) 2-year program will allow me to intern during summer between first and second year and during second year, which will give me a leg up when looking for a job

The most important thing is that I really prefer the Maxwell program. But taking out $47,000 in loans is not easy. Do any current students or prospective students know about internship or job opportunities, research positions, etc. that students do at Maxwell to earn money as a student?

I'm deciding between GW with 80% of tuition funded plus a $16,000 stipend for 20/hours of work per week during the first year and Maxwell at Syracuse (with no funding). I just visited Maxwell and really liked the program and I wasn't wild about GW but is the deal too good to turn down? Is Maxwell's reputation really so much better than GW's? Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Here's what I'm thinking about the two programs. Pros of GW: -financial package! -location in DC -opportunities to intern before work experience -2-year program will most likely be less intense each year compared to 12 months straight through at Maxwell Pros of Maxwell: -reputation -interested in the Social Policy concentration -can finish program in 12 months -alumni network in DC -close knit group of students -cheap city Does anyone have an idea of living costs for a year in DC? Maxwell estimated that it would be about $15,000 in Syracuse so does $20,000 for DC seem right?

Here's my update Will most likely be attending Syracuse Maxwell School for the MPA program next year.

Seems like there's a lot of IR people on this forum planning on going to Maxwell. Any information on a more domestic-based track, particularly the Social Policy concentration?

Out of curiosity, what are the 2 other programs you're considering?

Hey everyone, I'm wondering if you can provide me with some thoughts on the Syracuse Maxwell School MPA program. I just received an e-mail from them saying I was admitted. I know that it's been rated as the best public affairs program in the nation by U.S. News since they started doing ratings, but any other knowledge of it would be helpful. It's a one-year program (July to July) instead of the traditional 2-year masters program, right? I'm particularly interested in domestic policy matters. Would the school fit in with my interests? Thanks for your help.

I was admitted to the MPA program way way back (mid-November) and just received my financial package (half tuition plus $3k stipend) about a week ago via e-mail.

GW's process is pretty ridiculous. I've already been admitted, so at least I have that stress out of the way. But I was told I got in 6 WEEKS ago and still have yet to receive my financial package! I'd like to go there, but until I receive the financial information I won't know if I'll be able to afford it.

I don't know anything about the master's program, but I studied abroad in Paris for a full year last year and took half my classes at Sciences Po. The student body is very driven and hard-working. The classes are definitely difficult and there's a big emphasis placed on the exposé to teach students to become good public speakers. I'm assuming you're fluent in French? You definitely need to be.

Haha I'll keep that in mind.

I'm pretty sure I remember when I met with someone from admissions last summer they told me that students are free to change from the MPA to the MPP program or vice versa. I'm not sure if you can do it immediately after you enroll, or if you have to wait a semester or something, but I'm almost positive it can be done. I would recommend calling the school and asking the question. It's not like they can rescind your offer now anyway. If you're nervous, just don't give your name and say that you're just a curious student.

I have a friend who graduated from WWS last year and she told me that she was the only student to be admitted straight out of undergrad who wasn't a WWS Pickering Fellow. Seems to me that unless you are entering the foreign service, you don't have much of a shot getting in without working experience (bad news for people like me!)

Still haven't heard anything back from UNC. I was told to expect something the first week of March, but nothing yet.