
understatement700
Members-
Posts
119 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Everything posted by understatement700
-
It depends exactly what you want. I'd prefer IR/PS over GW because I have a specific focus on Asia and they have top scholars there and also a very practical professional curriculum. Obviously GW has more of a network in DC since it's in DC, but there are also a good number of IR/PS grads in DC as well. Also, would you prefer to intern in the day and take classes at night or have a two year basically just studying kind of experience? Personally, I'd prefer the latter and I feel that IR/PS does a great job of blending high caliber academics/research on Asia/the Pacific Rim, with a professional curriculum. But you really could go either way depending on what is most important to you.
-
Good find, thanks Oregongal.
-
Most of the information about the program I had known one way or the other through looking at their website and other information they sent me. One thing I did get a feel for though was the alumni's interactions with each other and just their opinions and feelings of the program. Even in DC the vibe seemed a little more laid back than other receptions I've attended. Also the food there was the best out of all the receptions I went to because it was actual dinner. But I think this has more to do with the fact that the recruiting event and alumni gathering were joined together. Generally people move to SD just to attend IR/PS so I think the community is naturally strong. They seemed to make great relationships during their time there. Another thing that stood out was how intense the coursework is. They teach you a lot of hard skills especially during the first year and it's no joke. In your second year you get to focus more on your specialty area. This might not be best for everyone and there are more quant requirements than some other programs. Personally, I like this quant-based curriculum because it's something that I feel will be really useful. If I wanted a liberal arts degree I would have just applied for an MA in East Asian studies program. Talking with others there, there were current and admitted students who had been admitted to the "name" schools that everyone on these boards loves so much. In terms of admissions rate it seems IR/PS is generally easier to get into than the "name" schools but at the same time, I feel like it definitely has a certain niche that I think might make it hard to rank as it is a bit different in that its focus is specifically on the pacific rim. And the faculty and research going on in this field are really top notch. They mentioned that there is definitely a disadvantage about not being in DC in terms of networking. On the other had they seemed to have really enjoyed their two years in SD. I spoke with another current student on the phone last night and got a similar impression. Also, as you mentioned before, the relationship between students and career services seems to be pretty positive.
-
Does IR/PS have a strong network in Europe? I wouldn't have thought so considering their focus is on the pacific rim. Also, like Oregongal said, I'd be interested to hear any insights you have about your visit. Although I have visited the campus before it was a long time ago and not specifically IR/PS.
-
Georgetown MSFS decisions starts
understatement700 replied to grad_cafe_101's topic in Government Affairs Forum
Yes, I got the email saying to view the official letter the day after my initial acceptance email. Then for some reason a few days later they sent me the same email again telling me to check the official letter again. I was hoping that just maybe they'd decided to give me some money but it was just the same letter again, ha! -
I'd like to but am too far away it's not really worth it even with the $300. I have been to the UCSD campus before though.
-
Yup, I got told that too. I'd be OK with jumping through their hoops but funding's the kicker here.
-
Georgetown MSFS decisions starts
understatement700 replied to grad_cafe_101's topic in Government Affairs Forum
Yeah not sure why the school has such a low priority in funding MSFS students, maybe cause they know they don't have to and people will still sign up? I don't like the fact that you MIGHT get funding for the second year but you can't know until then, and average amounts are only $10-11k. Doesn't seem like a very student-friendly policy. -
I'm still waiting...do you have an idea when they might be released? They didn't promise a certain time or even week did they?
-
Nope, still waiting.
-
SAIS decisions are out, apparently:
understatement700 replied to avr2012's topic in Government Affairs Forum
I got 2,000 in Work Study and 1,500 in Perkins loans, yay. -
Georgetown MSFS decisions starts
understatement700 replied to grad_cafe_101's topic in Government Affairs Forum
Here, here! -
Georgetown MSFS decisions starts
understatement700 replied to grad_cafe_101's topic in Government Affairs Forum
Yeah, I read it a couple times just to make sure. I guess they don't want to focus on anything negative. Unless an external fellowship miraculously comes through then I would say MSFS is unlikely for me- not with some money on the table from Fletcher, a loan assistance repayment program at Fletcher (nice to know there's at least SOME support there from your school...), and I'm still in the discovery phase here, but all else equal anyways I'm not sure I'd pick MSFS over Fletcher regardless. Now waiting on all my other schools to see who can't make me a sweet deal. Woo me, I'm wooable! -
Georgetown MSFS decisions starts
understatement700 replied to grad_cafe_101's topic in Government Affairs Forum
Just got an email saying to check my official admissions letter sent by Georgetown Grad School. No mention of merit scholarships in the letter and according to the email yesterday if they were offering, it would have been in the official letter. So looks like no money for me -
One thing I specifically like about Fletcher is that they do tend to give out more money to students right up front. I received some funding from Fletcher, of course I wish they'd give me more, but I'm for now happy to know I at least don't have to pay full sticker price to attend a great school. Fletcher also has a loan-assistance repayment option for students who do have debt but choose to take careers that might not be so lucrative. That I'm aware of, none of the other IR schools have a program like this, and whatever my financial situation or future career, this makes me respect them that much more. Of course I'm waiting on funding decisions from all schools except Fletcher so we'll have to see. I'm waiting for someone to make me an offer I can't refuse.
-
Georgetown MSFS decisions starts
understatement700 replied to grad_cafe_101's topic in Government Affairs Forum
It said our official letter will be emailed in a few days and that will have any information about funding. -
Georgetown MSFS decisions starts
understatement700 replied to grad_cafe_101's topic in Government Affairs Forum
Just got the email, in! -
The Fletcher MALD Thread Spring/Fall 2012
understatement700 replied to Clay Made's topic in Government Affairs Forum
Is anyone going to the admit day April 8-9? I'm not sure if I can make that yet but will definitely be attending the admit/alumni get-together in DC on March 26. Anyone else attending that? -
University of Maryland (MPP) 2012
understatement700 replied to Crippling Anxiety's topic in Government Affairs Forum
Just got a mass email inviting me to the admitted students open house on March 29, I guess that means I was accepted?? -
University of Maryland (MPP) 2012
understatement700 replied to Crippling Anxiety's topic in Government Affairs Forum
Was it for the Robertson Fellowship or a different one? -
University of Maryland (MPP) 2012
understatement700 replied to Crippling Anxiety's topic in Government Affairs Forum
So the longer we hear nothing, the better? I'll take that! -
SAIS decisions are out, apparently:
understatement700 replied to avr2012's topic in Government Affairs Forum
Not from MSFS though, everyone's still waiting on that. -
Didn't make the cut myself, but congrats guys!!
-
SAIS decisions are out, apparently:
understatement700 replied to avr2012's topic in Government Affairs Forum
That's true, I guess I was just trying to give a more realistic number and keep everyone's hopes up! In some cases if the yield rate isn't that high the admitted to the program rate vs. the matriculation rate could easily be three times as high. But anyways, if the program is a good fit and everything else, I don't see why the admit rate should make a big deal to me personally anyway, unless I just wanted to feel that much more special about myself. Of course maybe the programs that we think are the "best fit" for us naturally have lower admit rates, ha!