wow, I searched google this morning for this topic and was surprised to see that my post had actually been responded to.. thanks for the insights! I definitely appreciate your stream of conscious, as it's almost completely in line with my own interpretations of the programs and reinforces what I'm thinking (a godsend when you're trying to navigate these decisions on limited information). I, like you, am abroad, working on healthcare development in Haiti, so I just don't have the time or means to do things like go to open house, etc. And I really agree with you that in the end, it comes down to a gut response to the programs.
Here's some followup to your thoughts:
SAIS - I have looked for ways to neg this program, but the reality is that I really liked it the most ever since I looked through schools during the app phase - i just thought it was a little out of reach. turns out it wasn't, and I was super excited to see that letter in my inbox. that being said, my hangups continue over the "campus" and the nature of the students - who seem to be very cookie-cutter to some extent and a little too career-ist if that makes sense. i just felt like many people i spoke with were afraid to say something wrong or to have a personal opinion. This feeds into what ive heard about the school being rigid and conservative, but part of me thinks this puts me at an advantage, since I could "bring something to the table" at sais. Compared to SIPA, SAIS is also cheap, with some potential for 2nd year fellowships and the likelihood of working down the st for a thinktank, etc. to offset cost. Finally, DC is a pretty sweet place to be studying intl relations.
SIPA - I did a quick search of my inbox and found that sipa's been bombarding me with notes and information from current students, professors and others, which I really like. I think I counted 10 msgs to fletcher's 6 and sais' 4. that being said, it's all marketing, but I hear your pt on wanting to feel valued by the admissions committee. I think sipa does a pretty good job of that, or at least has great systems in place to keep us engaged. major hangups here continue to be "prestige" or selectivity of the program, although it looks like sipa admitted fewer this yr (300) than in the past (usually 350+). What I do love about the school is that everything is centrally-located - i can take PH classes, law classes... whatever i choose, all in the same place. Not entirely convinced the other schools have that, especially sais. Finally, people seem to be pretty comfortable in their own skin at sipa - none of that say-the-right-thing bullshit.
MSFS - contrary to you, i felt the most comfortable at gtown. maybe it was the jesuit thing, maybe the front lawn, maybe the cute girls (everywhere). I think it really came down to the central part of campus where there are all these nooks and crannies to sit under trees and relax - definitely not the case at any of the other schools in contention. I'm from CA and while not an EPA activist, I value seeing a tree, some grass or the horizon every once in a while - too much to ask? The program for idev is definitely not as prestigious, large or recognized. I've had people at my former employer, clinton foundation and from the UN say they have never met a person from MSFS - not a good sign. But the grass...!
Fletcher - gotta tell them in three days, and although its cheap, i don't think i should pick a school mainly for $$$. We are still paying a lot to do this, and that investment should be well directed. I don't think fletcher offers the organization, structure, or depth i'm looking for and so i think they are out. Boston is another big neg, professionally. while i love the place (i'm a BC alum), no orgs are based there outside of consulting and i don't buy into that Fletcher theory that by being outside the box, you are somehow better off? Bottom line though - i don't think i want to spend 2 years sipping miller lite in medford, wondering whats going on in NY/DC.
We're coming down to the wire peeps.. Great job on the research - lets keep swapping perspectives. I think we are honing in on the right understandings and this decision is starting to get clearer!
If we end up at the same schools (SIPA..), we should def keep in touch.
