[Fletcher vs SAIS vs UCSD vs LSE]

On 2018/3/21 at 1:06 PM, Dan_H said:

It's a difficult decision, Kitkat!  I was also accepted to Fletcher and GPS, as well as Georgetown.  I live in San Diego and I did my undergrad at UCSD.  I also interned with the Department of State, so I know that UCSD has a strong reputation both locally and in the IR world.  I just accepted UCSD's offer.  Though I would have loved to live in DC, or in the Boston area near my family, I couldn't justify borrowing the enormous amount of money which would have been required.

I have strong professional and personal networks here in San Diego, and I would have to sacrifice those AND incur major debt if I were to accept either of the other programs.  I also found out yesterday that I'm a finalist for Pickering this year, so there's a 50% chance that I won't even have to worry about the job hunt upon graduation!

Best of luck with your decision-making process.  You've got some great options.

Hi Dan_H! 

Thanks and Congratulations to you too!! 

GPS seems like a great school! and the reason for your decision was very helpful. 

 

[Fletcher vs SAIS vs UCSD vs LSE]

On 2018/3/20 at 2:37 PM, Consistent Email Refresher said:

I can’t speak to your specific program but I did go to UCSD for undergrad and can confirm the location is amazing, if you have any questions about the school in general I’d be happy to answer them!

Hi and thank you for your comment!

From your experience in San Diego, is it possible to live without cars? 

I'm a bit worried because I will only be studying for one year and I'm not sure if I can buy a car for that short of a period  

[Fletcher vs SAIS vs UCSD vs LSE]

On 2018/3/18 at 6:32 PM, weimala said:

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. 

weimala, 

Congrats! and thank you for the advice! 

I work in the public sector and I will go back after I graduate. Most of the people I work with are Fletcher or SAIS alumni. What are UCSD alumni focused on? 

[Fletcher vs SAIS vs UCSD vs LSE]

Hi! I got accepted to the following programs (all one year) and I can't decide! 

1. Master of Arts (MA), The Fletcher School, Tufts University 

2. Master of International Public Policy (MIPP), SAIS, Johns Hopkins University

3. Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs (MAS-IA), GPS, UCSD

4. MSc International Strategy and Diplomacy,  LSE

 My interests are IR, strategy, and security. When I consider location, I think UCSD is attractive but Fletcher and SAIS network are strong! LSE also has a very good program.

I don't have to worry about scholarships because my workplace is going to pay for them.  I would appreciate if I could get some advice!