Kelly1015

I just received word that my funding went up from 0 to 16k/year. I received 18k/year from Fletcher and committed to them, but now I am seriously SERIOUSLY rethinking my decision. Anyone deciding between the two programs?

Thanks!

Interested in this take --- I am in the midst of making a similar decision, I see you are located in MA -- I am deciding between SIPA and Fletcher and I noticed you didn't mention Fletcher in the WWS/HKS/SIPA/SAIS, any light to shed on why? I keep hearing they are up the MALD program is up there with the ones you list, have I been lead astray? Thanks in advance

@DHK called today but they explained they are overcommited on their funding already so I had no luck

@DHK seriously considering accepting the Fletcher offer. I have been stressing out about potentially starting the MIA program at SIPA because of Columbia's distinction, however the more I read about Fletcher, the more great things I hear. I got a fair amount of funding, and combined with the lower cost of living in Boston vs. NY, it feels like a great fit (despite eventually wanting to work in NYC or DC). Also going to follow this post bc I'd like to negotiate more funding too Applied: Tufts Fletcher MALD, Columbia SIPA MIA, NYU GSAS, LSE Msc IR Accepted (3/4): Fletcher ($$), SIPA ($0), NYU ($0), LSE (havent heard) Waitlisted (0/4): Rejected (0/4): Haven't heard from LSE Final Decision:

@Vic88 uh yeah I was sharing “real stories” I had heard. I also talked to a professor of IR who was an expert in the industry. Best of luck with that one.

@Vic88 in a similar predicament except between fletcher and Sipa. Did you get $$ from anywhere? The advice I’ve been given is that a masters program in IR is not worth taking on a ton of debt for.

JRS218 and M. Awinsong -- thanks much for your advice. I think you made some great points and more and more Fletcher seems like a great fit. I plan to visit each campus before making a final decision but you've gotten me thinking about the right things. Thanks.

JRS218 - thanks for your thoughts. They seem to be in line with the advice I’m getting. It would just be incredibly tough to turn down an Ivy League. If I am able to get into the London school of economics, that program may win over both since it’s only one year. Thanks much for the help

I couldn't find a good decisions thread for International Relations masters so I figured I'd start my own -- currently over analyzing every minute of every day which program I should accept for my masters degree. I am an older student and would like to end up at the United Nations (either US or abroad). I am currently deciding between: SIPA - accepted with no aid Fletcher - accepted with significant scholarship I keep going back and forth between the financial benefit of attending Fletcher (and the focus on law and diplomacy); and the proximity to the UN of SIPA and of course my dream of attending Columbia. I am also still waiting to hear back from London School of Economics, which is a one year program (vs. two for Fletcher/SIPA). SIPA and LSE appear to be more well known than Fletcher globally, but I really don't have a good grasp on what the best decision is. Sorry for rambling, thoughts and guidance is much appreciated