striveto_!

1. It's hard to say which one is better. SIPA has a stronger network in NY and DC than Harris. But more opportunities may mean more competition. I have no idea what your career plan is, but if it is about some position at UNICEF, a friend of mine called them before and they said too many SIPA students are working there so they won't offer any position to students from SIPA. (sigh) 2. I have compared the course design of the two, and personally I prefer that of Harris as it includes programming and is more data-driven. (I am really interested in data analysis.) But there is also a saying that Harris focuses too much on theory rather than practice. Hard to know whether it is the real situation. I was on the waitlist of Duke, so can't help you with this part. I guess the location of Duke would be the most disadvantage compared with the other two.

@Tk2356 I do agree with your first point. The quarter semester seems really unfriendly to internships. The biggest concern I have over SIPA is that it is more designed for professionals with work experience, but I am graduating this year with only internships. I am not sure whether the course design of SIPA would suit me or not. I guess people with work experience would return to their work after graduation from SIPA, but for me, I have to explore more. Do you think this would be a disadvantage for me? Thx!

@lackey I went to a recent meet-up held by Harris. They said approximately 300 students are enrolled including all four programs this year, but before, that was only 150. For SIPA, I saw the student profile on its website, saying 300 students were in the class of 2017. So maybe the class size ends in a draw? BTW, do you think the dilemma like this would be different for a student with no work experience? (I am in my fourth year in the college)

@heyitsme Thank you so much for telling me this ! I've been to Columbia before but never been to Chicago so I worried a lot about the safety issue after hearing some rumors. I guess it was some stereotype from the outsiders' view. Now cons of Harris -1 Please do tell me your choice when you make your final decision ! Thanks again !

Hi all ! Need your suggestions. I've been accepted to Harris MPP and SIPA MPA (International finance and economic policy concentration). Both are my dream programs, so I 'm totally at loss. Harris: pros: quantitative training & programming courses (would be useful in job hunting) cons: not enough internship opportunities & safety problem & cold weather SIPA: pros: perfect location & strong network & more international (maybe) cons: too many students with limited career service & not so solid course design BTW: I am an international student with an undergraduate major in language learning. I prefer to go to finance or consulting industry after graduation. If staying in the U.S. is not possible, I would go back to my country. Which school would you recommend? Please list your reasons if possible. Thank you in advance for those who reply !