academiaenthusiast

I'm deciding between MPA programs at American SPA ($$$), GWU Trachtenberg (no word on funding yet), and Columbia SIPA ($$). I've been in DC for the past four years and feel I have already built a strong network, so a huge part of my decision will be do I want to stay in DC and continue working while in school or move to NYC? I want to work in the federal government, so I know the SIPA "brand" doesn't really matter for my career goals by the Ivy League allure is strong. 
Pre-pandemic, I probably would have opted to stay in DC. But now, after a year working from inside my tiny apartment and generally struggling with the isolation of it all, moving to NYC as the world opens back up is really enticing to me. I do see myself moving back to DC and staying for the long-term. 
Cost is certainly also a factor and the price tag on American is looking really nice! I think I can make SIPA work with a combination of savings, loans, and at least a part-time gig while I am there. Curious to see what my aid from GWU looks like. I'm planning to start setting up informational interviews with current students/alumni of these programs and attending the various admitted student events. 
Congrats to everyone for making it to this part of the process! Curious to hear what other folks are thinking about right now. 

I used to wonder how people fall into Qanon traps on the internet until I started reading this forum. Now I am putting all my faith into a guy named "MPPapplicant69" and his unverified sources. 

It's been interesting so far!

Anyone on this morning's Fletcher info session? Deans Kyte and Sims Gallagher are rockstars in energy/climate (my field), so it's awesome to hear from them.

Have any of you heard back from the International Fellows Program, the Dasturdaza Doctor Jal Pavry Award for International Peace and Understanding, and the Most Honorable Bapsy Marchioness of Winchester Award in Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms?  

I'm in the same boat too. Not 75K in loans but still significant. I'm probably going to take the plunge only because I'm doing a career pivot and I feel like getting good connections from a school with a better program will be a must. I'd rather take out loans and have more of a sure thing than be debt free but few post grad opportunities. Should also mention I'm part time so I plan on working to pay down loans while I attend. 

And yes, does anyone have any information on the result of International Fellows Program? I applied to this program, but no news on the decision so far (also got no information on the funding ?). Is that possible that they will release the IFP decision separately? I'm pretty curious on this and planning to email the IFP coordinator if there is no update within these two days ✌️

Accepted with full living assistance and half tuition reduction! Stoked to move to Geneva!

Accepted with full living assistance and half tuition reduction! Stoked to move to Geneva!

Accepted with full living assistance and half tuition reduction! Stoked to move to Geneva!

Depends on the multilateral org that you want. IHEID and SIPA would probably be best for the UN due to their locations, while SAIS has a better network with the development banks. Try to look at the placement info for each of the schools and think about which one's median placement you'd feel most comfortable with. 

Currently debating between Columbia SIPA ($$), Johns Hopkins SAIS ($$), Tufts Fletcher (&&), and IHEID Geneva ($$$$). I am hoping to work in international conflict resolution either at the UN or any multilateral org. Any recs?

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

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

Can't see anything on my end either. Where exactly should it be? Also, congratulations!!

I just called the admissions office and they said that they’re not done sending emails to MPA applicants...

I knew the inverse of a 15% acceptance rate was an 85% rejection rate but I was still holding out some hope... CONGRATS to those who made it this round, celebrate rightly this weekend! On to other things for the rest of us - still great opportunities to do good. 

Hi! Also waiting on Harvard! Got offers to Fletcher (no word on funding yet), GWU (30%), SAIS (50%), American (50%), and Columbia (50%) but Harvard/Princeton are definitely my top choices!

Got into DC MAIR with 30k/year!

Got into DC MAIR with 30k/year!

Got into DC MAIR with 30k/year!