Pj2401

No to me too

Same! Still waiting to hear back

I will be at at SIPA, Columbia. It was a tough decision but felt that the curriculum and network was unmatched. Super excited!

Hello to all, I am beyond confused about the choice to be made and would love for you to weigh in with your opinions and any kind of guidance you could provide me. This is going to be a long one. Background - I am international student from India with a strong background in Business and Finance. I have a work experience of 3 years, of running my own social enterprise which tackles the issue of equal education in India through building skills. It is now extremely self-sustainable and the main reason for me to pursue an MPA is to be able to tackle social issues at a larger scale. I want to work with Governments, Think tanks, foundations etc. I want to potentially work in the field of International Finance as well as Economic & Social Policy. Admits: 1. Heinz, CMU - 30% Funding 2. Syracuse Maxwell - 50% Funding 3. UW Evans - No funding 4. Columbia SIPA - No Funding My Queries: (Please excuse if they sound really dumb. But, I truly believe, I won't learn until I don't ask.) 1. As per the U.S News Rankings, Syracuse Maxwell is the highest ranked university for the said program. But, I don't see many applicants excited about this program or school. Why so? And do rankings matter? 2. Columbia is an Ivy League, so does the brand carry you forward for good job opportunities which will warrant the high price? Is this only because of the alumni network? 3. Can International students work in the U.S Government? Are there positions available with visas funded? 4. I see many admitted students backing out from SIPA because they believe the public sector won't be able to give high returns. But, here is my logic. Let's say I take a loan of $150,000 at interest of 7%. I can pay back the loan in 10 years with EMI of $1600 per month. Let's say I only earn 70k per year, is it not possible to live a comfortable life, and do what you love? Why are so many apprehensive? Please do let me know if I can help you in any way. Thanks

Ah. Yes, definitely email them. Also, let them know of your predicament and maybe they will give you an answer earlier to help with your decision.

Hey, If I am right, their priority deadline was 1st Feb. Do check whether your application is being considered in the second round for which results will be out in late April. I received my admission notice on March 7th and I had applied on 1st Feb. Hope that helps

Hey! Received 50% funding. Still contemplating!

Could somebody help me out with an average cost of attendance for the 21 months MPA at SIPA? I am super confused in terms of the online info as it showcases 87k for 2019-20. So will the double of the same amount be for 20-21? How does it work?

Does SIPA allow you to change your concentration and specialisation?

I also got in! Super excited. No funding though. But, I did apply in the last deadline. Though in my letter they have specifically mentioned the concentration and specialisation. Is that for everybody? And if so, could I change it if I change my mind? Thanks

My nerves are on fire! I feel like maybe today is the day

Hey! Even I applied during the same time and faced the same issue. Hope we both get in

Did not come across a thread for this school for 2019. Haven't seen many applying to this school. Would like to know your thoughts and opinions. Thanks

Hey! I just received the acceptance mail. Extremely stoked. Maxwell has a very competitive program but I am not sure how it compares against other programs in terms of job placements, opportunities, research etc.

Got into Evans, but waiting for other admits currently. I would like to study Social Policy. Would love to know your respective opinions on how Evans compares to other programs such as SIPA, SPEA or Maxwell. Thanks