saa88

True, I wouldn't even be considering grad school if I didn't expect a leg up with job placement. I think I'm going to have to check out American's admit day to get a better feel for the program. I've been to the campus a few times already but don't seem to get that feeling of "I can see myself here." I suppose it's silly to base my choice on a feeling but I'm generally more productive if I'm happy where I am. Is networking and placement such a big factor with the major gov. agencies? I did my undergrad in the middle of nowhere in CA and I was able to get my foot in the door and an official (not just career fair) interview w/ a government agency. Unfortunately they told me to come back with a masters and a bit more experience but that's understandable. As long as you have representatives or recruiters coming out a few times a year I can't see being outside DC as a huge disadvantage. I feel like I read somewhere that Denver's real lack of networking is with the think tanks and NGOs rather than the federal gov. Do you see that break down at all or is it weak across the board? Part of what's drawing me to Denver more is all the outdoors activities and lifestyle (I LOVE the mountains and they don't exist on the east coast). I wonder if this even matters though as I'm sure I'll be swamped with work much of the time.

Thanks for the feedback! Good points from all! I am still struggling between Denver and American and have been attacking their websites endlessly trying to decide on what is going to be the best program for me. I declined Monterey today, my professors seem to agree that with my career goals and Denver and American in the mix it's #3. Also, similar opinion of LSE - if my goal is to work in the US it's best to stay here. I'm not too concerned about the quarter system at Denver as I did it as an undergrad - as an insane procrastinator I find that it actually helps motivate me to get everything done. I think my best quarterly GPAs were when I took 17 units and worked. Unfortunately graduate coursework is more difficult and more work... Also turns out that, in the end, American will be cheaper by about $6K overall b/c of costs outside tuition. Negligible?? Not sure... It's honestly come down to whether or not I want to stay in DC. I do think American has the advantage with location but Denver's DC program looks like it affords a great opportunity to make up for being outside the Beltway. That being said, I almost feel as if American's DC location would be more overwhelming and stressful because of looming competition for jobs/internships (perhaps this is counterintuitive as you would be aware of more opportunities). Thus, Denver becomes more appealing b/c of location and beyond the Beltway perspective. Also, I am pretty shy so I don't get much out of going to DC events and such other than free drinks and appetizers. As far as language goes I think it's about equal between the two. It's good to know that Denver requires high foreign language proficiency. American does not, but the semester study abroad program at Sciences Po requires proficiency in French as most classes will be taught in French (obviously my foreign language of choice is French...). I think a language component will be very important for me as it seems to be a very desirable qualification w/in my field. I did list the coursework for each program and I can get more excited about the classes offered at Denver than those offered at American. This is because the Denver program is an MA in International Security vs American's MA in US Foreign Policy. I can't help but be drawn to classes about weapons proliferation and defense analysis. Based on curriculum alone I would choose Denver but I can't decide how to weight all other factors. Thank god I can only stress out over this for two more weeks! (Sorry this is SO long - I'm trying to make it helpful for others just reading the posts).

I have until March 30th to choose a MA program and I would love some input! I've been accepted to the Monterey Institute of International Studies, University of Denver - Josef Korbel School of IS, and American University - SIS: these are my top 3 choices. Scholarship offers from MIIS and Denver make them equal as far as tuition and about $12K/year cheaper than American. The Denver program is the best fit for my interests but I'm also drawn to the language component at Monterey and the D.C. location/reputation of American. I'm hoping to go into international affairs or foreign policy upon graduation. Which offer should I accept? Any feedback will be very helpful! I've also been accepted to a MSc (taught masters, 1yr) Conflict Studies at the London School of Economics/Political Sci. but have decided to decline because I feel the 1 year program could put me at a disadvantage compared to U.S. graduates. Should I give LSE more consideration? It does seem to be geared more towards academia though... tough decisions!