kleisthenes

I submitted applications to GPPI and AU on 18th Jan and 1st Feb respectively (the deadlines for priority admissions). I've been in touch with both who have assured me I'd hear before mid-March. It's now mid-March. My question - if I'm waiting this late, after most tuition offers and scholarship deadlines are over, does that mean that: 1) I'm not in? 2) I have no chance of an award? I'm going crazy waiting, really crazy. The first thing I do every morning (usually at 5am) is check my gmail for an update (I'm 10hrs ahead of east coast).

I haven't received mine, but I assumed that was because I'm in India right now, good to see others are waiting too.

I'm still waiting for an admissions/rejection email - same from AU. Both submitted before the priority deadline. Was told by both that I'd hear by mid-March. I find it hard to believe they'd make all funding decisions before reviewing all the applications submitted by the deadline, so you may still hear.

Ugh, I'm sorry CyberC1. I guess I'm still in the no news is good news boat, then...

This is a great thread from two years ago, so I wanted to give it some air time on this year's forum. Does anyone have any updated info on the relative comparisons between the two schools, course content and fee price (as well as awards...)? Cheers

Congratulations to those who have been accepted to AU SPA so far! For those who have received responses from AU, how are they issuing awards? Is this sent with the email response or later? And is it judged by a separate scholarship essay? I can't hack this waiting!

Micro and Macro are 100% required at SAIS and SFS, but you can still be admitted with the provision that you take either course(s) before you start. I received an email from the Elliot School that basically said I could still be admitted if I showed proficiency in math ability elsewhere - so it's not 100% required for admission to Elliot. I ended up choosing MPP programs over IR/IP because I thought the econ requirements would damage my hopes for IR/IP courses. I had limited money with which to apply so I had to be quite selective in my degree choices. Your math scores don't look incredible though, so you may have to provide further evidence or retake/take courses in micro and macro econ. I would guess conditional offers to most schools and then for SIPA - probably a straight admit given your experience. They don't seem to be so picky over particular qualifications and give merit to an application as a whole. SAIS is very econ-centric so you may have trouble there....

I have applied to three DC area schools as an international student. I previously worked in the district and want to return because I love the vibe, the atmosphere, and the opportunities, not to mention the international mix. I applied to GWU, GPPI and AU SPA, all for the MPP programme. So here's my question: Is there a general consensus on the strengths of each particular school and their programmes? I seem to be leaning towards GWU because of my service background, but I'm really dependent on wherever gives me the most funding. That being said, on the chance I do have some choice, I want to know I'm making the right decision. I've come from a fairly modest academic background (equiv 3.5gpa from a mid-ranked UK institution), GRE scores 750 Q, 560 V and 5.0 A. My strongest qualification is my four years in equality lobby in the US and the UK and now my one year working in grassroots development as an Indicorps Fellow in India. I suppose, more than anything, I want this degree to have more practical application than academic quotient, although I'm very happy with the latter too. What are the relative merits of each programme and if you were to rank them, how would they go? This might be an obvious question (Georgetown > GWU > AU). The thing is, they're all joint ranked on the US News rankings, so it falls to other merits for each campus and degree. While I'm put off by the distance of AU from downtown DC (although very close by metro), I consider this my most likely option for funding, and it's cheaper.... Oh, I've added a little poll to so we can measure school popularity, and I've thrown George Mason in there too...

I think the cut-off date for funding consideration was Jan 18th. That being said, I still haven't heard (I applied on Jan 18th) about being accepted or rejected, nor have I received any information about scholarships (dur) and the majority of scholarship decisions seem to be being decided on the 25th (two days ago) and the 28th (tomorrow). I really, really hope that scholarships are being done in batches along with reviews, and IF I'm accepted that I have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and funding in the next two weeks by another deadline (I suppose 15th or 30th March).

I am in a similar predicament to the original poster here. I'm actually British and working abroad in Asia at the moment so relocation is going to be a factor, but I applied to LSE purely as a last resort in case funding didn't come through for US universities (I have access to loans to study in the UK, I don't in the US). Compared to UK schools, LSE is golden, but perhaps only for it's access to international work. It's a quick-access option for the rich kid, IMO. Here's why: Pro's to LSE: Amazing alumni network of world leaders, royalty, and those with 'status'. Great job opportunities across Europe because of position in London, UK and Europe as number #1 ranked school for social sciences One year course Based in - literally - the heart of London Great international guest lectures because it is literally the top destination for influential lecturers outside of the US, if not including those in the US. Great international student population, faculty and alumni. Great for other international opportunities. Con's to LSE: One year course means limited study options, despite alleged 'named' degrees offering specialisation. Incredibly expensive for the UK, and living costs in London are, quite simply, ridiculous (from someone who struggled to get by working for a non-profit on £20k ~ $32k) Complicated, small campus in the heart of London has limited facilities compared to US schools. Pro's to US schools: Most US schools also have an amazing alumni network of *qualified alum* rather than those who are rich and have status, as appears to be the case with LSE US schools (especially those on the eastern seaboard) have better opportunities with international orgs, especially those you mentioned. UN, World Bank, IMF, etc, because of their proximity Huge range of study options and specialisations that you won't find at LSE. LSE appears to mislead candidates because it has dozens of *named* MPP's/MPA's/IR degrees. In reality, the option to specialise is far greater at US universities. US universities, especially campus based universities, have a much, much larger range of facilities than those available at UK institutions. LSE is no exception. Con's to US schools: Perhaps a saturation in the job market and in future opportunities. As an LSE graduate from a smaller pool you have a much greater opportunity to stand out compared to a graduate from literally dozens of US social science institutions. Expensive - although you do have access to loans as an American. Two-year. This is a pro and a con, greater time invested but greater number of study options and definitely a greater opportunity to specialise. Alumni network is also, I suppose, saturated across universities. From my experience with alumni - those graduating from LSE have had a tough time finding work post-graduation. Admittedly, the people I know who graduated had little previous work experience which really hurt them (both in finding a path in study and finding a field for work). One from the last batch of graduates is still seeking work, another is interning at US senate, one found a job at the Federal Reserve in DC and another is working for a European think tank. (The two US based-graduates are actually American. I think LSE definitely provides better links to international opportunities, I'm just not sure if the depth of study comes close to that at US universities. Oh, also, Europe is slashing public budgets while the US and US-states are feeding theirs. Hope that helps. I'm definitely open to any other pro's and con's from other posters on this board to help me make a better decision. I'm currently stuck in a difficult place of being in a remote location, applying to universities in the US and the UK and trying to get funding for both. If someone can make the coming decisions easier for me, that'd be great!

I love this thread, andI wanted to offer some encouragement for those who do feel like they face a harder struggle because they've come from a different background with less opportunity and less support. I'm mixed race, first generation, from a low income family with three siblings and I'm deaf and I'm gay - not that the latter should be a detriment, but living before the repeal of section 28 (prohibited conversation about homosexuality in schools and colleges) in the UK I definitely felt isolated. I'm 28 now. At 23 I was a complete flop, I was three years behind my university peers, grades were grating the ground and I had resigned myself to a life making coffee. I blamed those around me - my parents for not giving me opportunity, for not showing me what was possible, my teachers for giving up on me and not inspiring me, and my friends for ridiculing the concept of university education or any of my far-fetched dreams. I am deaf in both ears too, and repeated setbacks and problems with hearing aids and medical complications have meant there is never any stability for my hearing. Around that time, a friend recommended an internship abroad. On first impression it seemed ridiculous. I could never afford it, let alone the fact that no one would accept me. Such was my rooted misery. But it was my only opportunity, so I worked my ass off in my final year and achieved great grades. I'd worked p/t throughout university and when I graduated was promoted to a management position at my coffee bar, not great but good enough to save money, and a year later, at 25, I moved to Washington to take a three month internship. Around this point I stopped blaming others for my problems and that's when things started to change. By accepting my limitations I was able to take control over them and take responsibility for them. I decided to let my ambitions run riot. Things kind of bloomed from there. I stopped blaming others and realised my limitations and worked to them. I was lucky to be offered a fellowship at the NGO I worked for, I was able to take advantage of networking opportunities in Washington and volunteered widely. I moved back to the UK and to London - that holy grail - and took a lowly position at an incredible NGO which gave me great experience. Now I'm working in rural India on a one year leadership programme. I'm applying to universities in the US where I don't have access to loans, but I'm trying to make that work. Fellowships, stipends, grants, etc. Like others here, I'm hopeful that I'll get funding, but at the same time, I'm weighing my alternative options on the off-chance that I don't. If you accept your limitations and don't aspire to what others have, but make the most of what you have; and if you find your own direction rather than trying to replicate the direction of others and ultimately failing because you don't have access to the same resources; and if you try to make your own path rather than follow in the footsteps of others; you can really achieve wonderful things. I know this isn't applicable to everyone, but as someone who has worked solely in the charity and public sector (with the except of my coffee shop days), finance can be the biggest hurdle. You just have to persevere and persist and opportunities will become available!

I just had an email back from GPPI saying that everyone who applied by the priority deadline should hear back by mid-March. Argh, the wait is agonizing. My application status isn't even 'under review' yet... This makes me tearful.

I applied to four MPP degrees but I've only heard back from one - GWU. I heard back from them two weeks ago, but I'm still waiting on the others: GWU - applied 15 Jan and heard back on 7 February (accepted). GPPI - applied 18 Jan LSE - appled 8 Jan AU SPA - applied 1 Feb When should I start worrying about not hearing back? Particularly as I'm reliant on funding....

I applied Jan 18 and I'm still waiting to hear back. I'm a little worried, actually... so many people seem to have heard. And the weekend is coming up. I hate the weekend. Two extra days to twiddle my thumbs....

Congratulations. For those who got into GPPI (and those who have been asked to submit a scholarship statement) would you mind sharing your stats? I'm still in the waiting game....