PupCakes

Not yet. Haven't heard anything. Just really blessed that I made it this far. Hopefully I can bring this home, but we'll see. The COVID pandemic re-sparked desire to pursue a career in national security (infectious disease), being an Asian-American, and seeing the events in our country in recent weeks; I felt like I have something to fight for... for my family and community. 
I would've had made this far without SSP's support during the application process. There's something special about this program and community. 

So, acknowledging the fact that I'm definitely biased as an enrolled student, I will say that when I was making my decisions between other DC schools (SAIS, GWU, American), I was advised by several people in the field, some of whom had attended some of the other schools, that GU was hands down the best choice and is often seen as the 'top dog'. That's not to say that the other programs aren't fantastic, but MSFS is very well respected and has a wonderful and far reaching network. It is expensive, but I will say, people pay attention when they see MSFS on, say, an internship application or resumé.
As far as Yale Jackson and the weight of the name, in the sphere of international affairs, I would actually hazard that GU's name, and specifically MSFS, carries more. Grad Report has us currently ranked as the #1 Master's program in international affairs. I do understand the allure of an Ivy, but don't discount that the people hiring you will be looking at the program and not just the school.
https://www.gradreports.com/best-graduate-schools/international-relations

Please don't let this sway you too strongly, because I am not an expert. But as I an international applicant, I can provide a (subjective) comment on the reputation of these outside of the US...
From where I stand, the only program you listed that would be viewed with "equal prestige" (although the idea of prestige is subjective and somewhat petty) as MSFS is SAIS. If you are not bothered by the heavier focus on economics at SAIS, then I personally don't think you should view the degree as any less valuable than MSFS. However, Fletcher isn't too far behind either.
But the relative weight of these programs might seem more balanced in the US.
However, if finances are a big factor in your decision making, I don't think the minor difference in prestige is worth paying significantly more for MSFS vs Fletcher (for example). 
 
 
 
 

It couldn't hurt to reach out to touch base at some point this week since I'm sure they know word spreads when decisions are released.

It couldn't hurt to reach out to touch base at some point this week since I'm sure they know word spreads when decisions are released.

Thanks, this makes me feel much, much better. At what point do you think I should reach out to them in case I do not hear from them? 

Honestly, I love it. The cohort is amazing and even with these past two semesters being virtual, we've found ways to connect and bond. The faculty and staff are unparalleled. Tons of opportunities. I'm still just as excited to be a part of it as I was the day I got my decision letter.

My official letter was like that last year, too. I think it's because the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences sends out the same form letter to every program under their umbrella. I'm guessing you guys didn't get an informal email notification of decision this year? If they run things similarly to last year, within the next week or two, you'll probably get an invitation to a virtual info session for admitted students.

I thought I got rejected at first because every other school says congrats before anything else and they didnt lol

I did get a bit of a scholarship and mine does renew so long as I maintain a 3.0 GPA, and I imagine most funding offers have similar criteria. That being said, depending on where the funding is coming from (general scholarship fund, third party donors, etc.), there may be different considerations. I would contact Julie or Ja'net in admissions and they can probably confirm for sure. ?

Hi all, current MSFS student here. Just wanted to say congratulations to all the new admits! Looking forward to meeting all of you who decide to to come to hilltop!

Hi all, current MSFS student here. Just wanted to say congratulations to all the new admits! Looking forward to meeting all of you who decide to to come to hilltop!

In at MSFS! No word on funding tho...

Im in to MSFS (congrats to all the other admits!) -- but no mention of funding. Does anyone have any details on how we get funding notifications?

In too! 

In to MSFS!

Hey guys, funding details are on the portal as well, at the bottom of the page (there should be a separate link)  
International student, got into MSFS with a $20K scholarship!  

Hey everyone! For my own sanity I've been trying to not follow this page for the last two weeks; however, that has been a miserable failure haha. 
Figured I might as well add another data point for others: I was accepted to the MSFS program approximately 30 minutes ago, but I received no information about funding...

Got in as well! Can't seem to find the link to the funding notice. Anyone else have this issue, or am I out of luck?

I got into the MSFS program with a 16,400 scholarship per semester. No mention if that funding rolls over to the next academic year...

You might want to try asking for an extension of the enrollment deadline first (and make sure they promise that an extension would still let you keep any scholarship of course). That way you might not have to lose the $500. None of mine should even overlap but that's what I plan to do for both SAIS and Fletcher because I don't want 2 days to decide in case the three schools I've been accepted to turn out to be roughly the same price. I can report back on their responses if that's helpful. 

A few hours ago I got official notice of my acceptance. I guess it was just a formality, but it was exciting for me, so I figured I'd share. Notification was an email telling me that my application portal had been updated.

So I actually hear that question a lot. I'm going to answer this from two perspectives.
1. Program Qualities: With area studies, you don't have to go through the pain of some of the annoying core course that you would have to in MSFS and get straight to what matters for the area. Generally speaking, I find the area studies people to have thinner resumes and to be younger. Interestingly, I also find a lot of them competing for the same jobs as MSFS people (granted they can market their area speak skills and languages). Obviously from a prestige factor, MSFS takes the cake. 
2. Personal Perspective:
Ultimately it comes down to personal preference. If you really really really love a region and want to dedicate your life it, area studies is the way to go. My personal preference is to go broad because:
A: I personally like to compare and contrast and believe a lot could be learned by comparative analysis. For example, I think there is a lot to be said about comparing China's coronavirus response vs. Italy's.

B: The world is getting more multi-disciplinary period. I think there is a lot be said about functional knowledge 
C : Broaden our network!!!! 
Also just something random to throw out there. You don't know what you want to do for the rest of your life. Most don't, even those in their 50s. I met a lady at conference who was really interested in Asian foreign affairs and been in the area for 7 years. This was 3 years ago. What is she doing now? Local governance issues in Portland, Oregon. She made the life switch for personal reasons. A broader education gives you more flexibility in the long run.

Admissions update: I'm in at Georgetown MSFS and JHU SAIS!! I can't believe I went 4/4!!!!!

I agree that work can be a tricky situation and having other people still waiting might make them jealous, but I would think at least your recommenders would be happy for you! They helped you to get in and should be rooting for you! I hope that you're at least proud of your accomplishment, congrats!