margota

Avoid debt at any cost. I work in DC. A prestigious degree is not the ticket to success that you expect. Most of the important people I meet do not have prestigious degrees: they served in the army or Peace Corps, or worked for a campaign. Later in their career they earned a master's from some random school. Does a great degree help? Sure. But find a way to get it for an affordable price, or don't bother. It's better to spend a year or two working and improving your application than committing yourself to decades of debt because you think it'll get you somewhere. I have friends who are drowning in debt. It really negatively affects their quality of life, and limits their career choices. Don't do it. edit: to answer the question about how to make this happen. I only applied to schools that I knew I could afford (state schools), or which had a reputation for generous funding, or which would allow me to go to school part time while working. Between those I was able to cobble together some good options that would mean graduating without debt.

Fellow district resident, I'm considering it. If you're interested in staying in DC, the employment outcomes are stellar. Relatedly, they make it easy to work/intern and go to school at the same time. My impression of the school went way up after paying a visit, you should go check it out.

Accepted, no funding or scholarships. Congrats to everyone who received some!

Same details as the others - notified via e-mail on 2/17 to check admission status online. I received a physical package with an award letter the same day. The package also had a general admissions letter and a brochure, so I imagine all accepted people will receive something. If you haven't received anything but see online that you're accepted, I imagine you might still have a letter in the mail. Full funding with the dean's merit scholarship. Very generous, I haven't gotten a similar offer from anywhere else. Hope that bodes well for everyone.