raspberry

You wouldn't be starting a program until Fall 2012 at the earliest, giving you (nearly) two years of experience in Jordan, which is significant international experience. Having the UN on your CV is also very helpful, especially for a school like SIPA, that is so connected with the UN. I think you have a great chance of being accepted there (can't speak to the other universities really, but you seem competitive to me).. Are there any relevant organizations in your current city that you could volunteer with, in addition to your job, or is your schedule too full now? That would certainly help, though I would apply in any case if I were you - ultimately, if it doesn't work out, you can always apply again after waiting a year or two.. Good luck!

I am in a similar situation, though I only applied to one school last year and I was offered a bit of funding.. I too pulled out of the program very late (August) but I was in contact with the administrators and they were very supportive. I do not yet know if I will be accepted this year, or offered funding again, but my impression after my communication with them is that it won't be a problem. I guess ultimately it depends on the individual programs as well as how you approached them regarding the situation, but I imagine you will be fine.. Good luck!

I am worried about the timing of my GRE and would greatly appreciate any advice I took the GRE on December 31st and one of the programs I am applying to has a “hard deadline” of January 15th. (The “soft deadline” was in December, and I submitted the rest of my application materials prior to it..) I know I should have taken the GRE earlier – I had it scheduled for a different time but life intervened – but I am nevertheless concerned the scores will not arrive on time. I know people who have taken it who received their official scores after the 10-15 day window. I am curious what you guys think – should I contact the university? What should I say? Thanks!