ajc777

If its the private sector that you're interested in, I'm not sure how much of a bump the AU MBA would give you over an MA from SAIS. For a non-MBA program, SAIS still pulls in some big names like McKinsey, Bain, BCG, etc. and I'm not sure if those firms recruit at AU. That is not a knock on AU, but it just seems that premier private sector firms are more concerned with the "name" of a school. My impression is that public sector jobs are not really concerned about prestige. You wanted to hear an alternate opinion, so there it is, but congrats on your offer! AU is a great school and graduating debt free is huge. **Just re-read that you are interested in economic development work so my point is probably irrelevant!

Everything I've heard is that taking both Econ classes in one pre-term is borderline impossible/ extremely stressful. If I go I'll probably try to knock out one econ in DC, but haven't decided if I'd rather take the other econ in Bologna or do the intensive Italian. Seems like the intensive italian would be pretty valuable for the year, especially if you're not taking italian in the regular language classes.

Hmm, I'm concerned now... I have a "bologna fellowship" which I thought was a the same as a scholarship, as well as two federal loans. Are you saying the fellowship is really just another loan?

Also accepted to both schools... SAIS also places very well in the private sector if you take a look at the employment outcomes from 2010--particularly in consulting and finance. Outside of IR, the Columbia name might be a bit more recognizable than Johns Hopkins, but within the field SAIS is generally regarded as the #1 or #2 program I believe. Both schools are great and I plan on attending the admitted student days before making a final decision. On the one hand, it would be great to live in NYC for two years and take advantage of everything that has to offer. With SAIS, the Bologna program is appealing because of the networking and camaraderie among the students. Can't go wrong either way.