weimala

I'm gonna be at all the math and econ prep. Little bit worried about it since I haven't taken any math besides micro economics since college... Not sure what to do for preparation.

I'm not familiar with this program but generally if you contact the admissions staff they can usually connect you with recent alumni or current students to answer your questions.

From what I understand the masters programs at GPS are not intended to lead into PhDs. Almost all graduates go straight into professional work and relatively few go on to get PhDs. For example, the stats here: https://gps.ucsd.edu/careers-internships/employment.html indicate that only 2% of recent GPS students go on to further study. I've talked to some current students at GPS and they indicated that the relatively low number of PhD students was a strength of the program. They said that since the professors did not have as many PhD students to manage they could focus their attention more clearly on the masters degree students.

Thanks Mapiau for advice and input so far. Does anyone know if there is a Facebook group for admitted students? I couldn't find one.

Can anyone tell me what the prep program is like?

I haven't yet been to graduate school but it seems like to me that most people going to any specific grad school will be from all over and will likely not already have a "clique" of people they are friends with. I'm sure you'll have plenty of chances to make friends.

I'm in a similar boat choosing between UCSD and SAIS. I've more or less decided on UCSD because of their generous funding offer versus SAIS offering nothing. If money isn't a problem I would go with SAIS if I were you. It's the most elite institution of the four with the best networks. Although I'm not as familiar with these schools' one year programs as I am with the two MA programs. It might depend on what you want to end up doing after graduating. They all have different reputations for what their alumni focus on.

Program Applied To: MIA Schools Applied To: American University, George Washington, JHU-SAIS, UCSD-GPS Schools Admitted To: American (no funding) GW (10k a year), JHU (no funding), UCSD-GPS (full scholarship including fees) Schools Waitlisted: none Schools Rejected From: none Still Waiting: none Undergraduate institution: Tulane University Undergraduate GPA: ~3.3 Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): ~3.5 Undergraduate Major: History and Asian Studies GRE Quantitative Score: 156 GRE Verbal Score: 167 GRE AW Score: 4.5 Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3 Years of Work Experience: 3 Describe Relevant Work Experience: Teaching in China, Internship for education non-profit, various cross-cultural and ESL volunteer groups Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Fairly strong I think. Spent a lot of time on it, had lots of people look over it and give advice. I didn't have that much relevant work experience to draw on but I have a ton of international experience and I think I showed my knowledge and interest in the field effectively. Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): Honestly not really sure. I didn't get to read them but one of them was written by a professor I stayed in touch with frequently since undergrad and I believe he wrote a very personal recommendation. Another was written by a professor I wasn't very close to but whom I think still wrote a strong rec. The last one was written by my teaching coordinator and I think it was fairly generic but he could testify to my unique experiences in China. Other: Solid Chinese language skills In the end I think I'm going to end up at UCSD. Johns Hopkins was my top choice but just don't think I can swing it financially without any help.

I'm in for the MA in China Studies but with zero funding. It's basically my top choice but I just don't think I can make that sort of financial sacrifice. Over $100,000 in tuition and fees, not even including rent, food, books etc. Anyone else in a similar situation? I got a lot more support at a few other schools. I'll most likely end up at UCSD-GPS. How much am I gonna be missing out?

I got an email about it yesterday. I applied over a week before the Jan 15 deadline. Not sure if that makes a difference.

I'm in for MIA with a generous scholarship. It's likely my final choice as I got into JHU, American-SIS, and GW but received little to no funding at each. I've heard it's a great program but I'll miss out on being in DC.