Thanks for the all helpful info @darkroastgopher! As a prospective international student with a strong fear of compound interest, I'm really anxious about taking on two years of out-of-state tuition and the Bay Area cost of living. I'm currently trying to negotiate for at least some funding (I'd be happy even if they threw $5k at me) but I'm not holding my breath. How's the availability of GSI / 25% GSR / 50% GSR appointments? I feel like the 50% GSR appointments would be few and far between, and highly competitive due to the full fee remission.
One other question, too -- is your cohort balanced in terms of educational/professional background? I'm coming into policy from a science background so I hope it's not just 79 poli sci/econ people and then me!