brittanyandrea

I honestly cannot give you a reason why I didn't pick Northeastern. They were generous with their financial aid offer, it's a great school and has a phenomenal alumni network. I will say that for me, it just didn't feel right for me. I would recommend visiting all of the schools you plan on applying to. I wish I had done that as I would have felt more confident in my decision.

I'm leaning towards the Masters of Public Affairs program at Brown, but I found out that it isn't yet accredited by NASPAA because the program is so new. (My class would be the 3rd to go through program). The program is appealing to me because it is only 1 year, has a dedicated career counselor, has a global policy experience, and a 12 week long consultancy that allows for real life work experience. The only cons I've found to attending Brown is the expense and the fact that it has yet to be accredited. Based on the research I've done, I firmly believe that it will be but of course there is no guarantee. The other program I've narrowed my choices down to is the Masters of Public Administration at University of Connecticut. This program is accredited, and I have a GA that covers the entirety of my tuition covered. However, the financial aspect is sort of wiped away because I would incur a large expense by having to move or commuting an hour and a half each way, and I would have to quit my job. UConn also doesn't appear to have the connections in RI (where I would like to work) that Brown has. The other issue is that most of the graduates from UConn work in non profits, and I'd like to have a career in a state agency. While it may seem like I've already made up my mind, I'm wondering how much of an impact does the accreditation aspect have on finding a job, specifically for the state.

Well I just got an email stating that due to the extremely large applicant pool I will not be receiving any funding. Guess I'm crossing Syracuse off my list.

I haven't fully decided. I'm visiting UConn next week to hopefully help decide. I'm leaning towards Brown due to it being a 1 year program vs. 2 at UConn and because I feel like it has stronger connections in RI which is where I would like to live long-term.

THANK YOU!! now back to obsessively refreshing my email. Also: how did they communicate your award to you?

Just got this same email too, it does say "$10,250 per semester (this number is based on your Cost of Attendance and will be reduced by any other awards you receive for the term e.g. scholarship, assistantships, etc.)" so I'm assuming this doesn't rule that we aren't getting any. hoping so far anyway

I have to say I'm stuck in a similar situation right now. I've been accepted into UConn with a GA that covers my entire tuition and provides a living stipend, but I've also been accepted into Brown (my dream school) that would leave me $60,000 in debt. I have also been accepted into Syracuse, but no word on funding yet. I keep telling myself its not all about money. Brown gives me more of what I want out of a program. I would talk to American, and plead with them. Tell them you want to go to American, but you're trying to be fiscally responsible and Syracuse provided you with a very generous offer. I would recommend making a spreadsheet of what each school would cost you overall after graduating. Ask each school their graduation rates for IR, because it doesn't matter if have to take out very little loans if you can't get a job after graduation.

I'm not really shocked because they said by April 1, but it's really killing me not knowing. Maybe today will be our day!

Thank you so much!! Ordering it now.

Anyone hear about funding today? im still obsessively checking my email

I emailed, Northeastern didn't ask for other offers, Brown did. I didn't go into it stating I had received other offers, I stated I was weighing my options and trying to be as fiscally responsible as possible and that I was trying to figure out how to get through grad school with as little debt as possible.

I got more from Northeastern, but I declined their offer. Still working with Brown but it isn't looking good

I'm torn between three schools, all of which are very quant-heavy. Does anyone have any tips on preparing?

I made this as a away for those who KNOW they want to get a masters and have not yet gone to undergrad. This was the case with me a few years ago and I just kinda guessed. Thankfully, masters programs are super flexible about undergrad so it doesn't truly matter, I just thought it would be interesting to see.

I'm a firm believer in not everything has to do with money, so I would go with your gut. If your gut isn't telling you something either way, go with Syracuse. Not only is it a highly recognized program, but the 1 year aspect of it will allow you to enter the workforce quicker.