SportsFan

Hey, madoublet98, I'm a first-year SAIS student in a similar position in terms of language. I took two evening Chinese courses before the fall semester, and started SAIS at the Novice High level. I'm in Intermediate Low now, and I will be taking Intermediate Mid this summer. The program is pretty intense, especially on top of the rest of your academic workload, but it's by no means impossible. I am always nervous about language proficiency in the back of my mind, but the Chinese instructors do a great job preparing you for it. With your time in China, you would likely start out ahead of where I did, so I think you would be fine. Overall, I can't recommend SAIS enough - I have loved my experience so far!

I'm actually former military myself, but it's by no means most of the students. It's a diverse group that represents all kinds of international experience (security issues, economic issues, think tanks, journalists, you name it.) I haven't taken any of Professor Cohen's courses, but I have heard nothing but good things from those who are concentrating in Strategic Studies. From what I can tell, he takes his profession seriously and his courses are not impacted by his own ideological orientation. The same goes for all the courses I have taken thus far.

Haha, quite to the contrary, I am thankful everyday that I chose SAIS, so I'm definitely biased in favor it!

Hey erry3779, the SAIS fellowships are discounted from tuition, not given directly in cash. That being said, I can't recommend SAIS enough!

I'm starting at SAIS this Fall, and I would say that you're fine. Yes, the GRE quant score might be a little low, but mid-600s is still a great score. The rest of your resume more than makes up for it, notably your econ and stats coursework and your China background. Focus on your rec letters and statement of purpose, and you'll be fine.

I just sent in the hard copy form, stating that I would not be accepting the offer.

I live in Rosslyn (across the Potomac in Arlington) and definitely recommend it. Virginia is a little bit cheaper and you can easily ride the metro to Dupont. Also, I'm planning on doing Micro in Pre-Term...can't wait to meet some of you guys then!

I'm planning on going. Looking forward to it!

Hey guys, I really appreciate your feedback. It's funny that you mentioned USDA, because that's exactly what I plan to do for language studies if I go to SSP. You can't beat the $375 price tag when a Georgetown language course is $4700 and even the SAIS Summer Language Institute is $2100. Of course, the quality of instruction will likely not be as good, but still probably worthwhile. As far as the US National Security concentration at SSP vs. American Foreign Policy at SAIS, the curriculum and electives I would want to take are actually very similar. SFS has some excellent electives on China that mirror the offerings at SAIS. My ONLY concern with SSP is that it seems very military-oriented. I am just wrapping up 6.5 years as a US Army officer, so I am concerned about retreading old ground when I could really expand my horizons at SAIS. At the end of the day, I think the concentrations would really not differ all that much, but it's still a concern in the back of my head. I don't really want to switch careers per se, but I would like to eventually work in the broader foreign policymaking community (ideally NSC or State), rather than be pegged to my current strengths of the Middle East and South Asia (hence the interest in China electives and Mandarin). I think both options would provide the background I need; SSP is the safer route (keep the job), while SAIS is the more appealing academic route (study full time, learn additional skill sets). Thanks again for your thoughts!

Yeah, I don't think this is anything to worry about. I will also be 29 by the time I start, and I don't think it will be an issue at all.

Those are great scores. I wouldn't be too concerned about retaking it. Focus instead on your resume, SOP, LORs, etc.

Thanks for the feedback, yabanci! I'm currently in the national security realm, so SSP would just be reinforcing my strengths and/or helping with promotions. SAIS would allow me to gain a much wider range of skills and understanding of the world, but at the risk of leaving work for a few years. To answer your last question, I could get a little tuition assistance from my employer, so that's definitely a plus for SSP. Tough call! Anyway, thanks again for responding, and good luck to you as well!

I figured the one thing we all needed was another "either/or" thread, so here goes! I am having a hard time deciding between Georgetown Security Studies part-time, while working at a government agency, or going to SAIS full-time. Financially, SSP is better because I can keep my job, but a fellowship at SAIS has made it more competitive. Professionally, it makes more sense to do SSP in the short-term, but SAIS could pay off more in the long run with its strong econ and language focus. My focus would be in US National Security / American Foreign Policy, with electives in Chinese History and Foreign Policy (and Mandarin at SAIS). Is there a case to be made for SAIS in this situation? I would love to hear any thoughts!

I had 670 V, 740 Q, and 5.0 AW. It sounds like your graduate degree will definitely help offset your undergrad GPA. Good luck!

I am leaning towards SSP as well!

I'm going through the same analysis, as I applied to Georgetown SSP as well as MSFS/SAIS. There's definitely something to be said for the broader education, but with SSP you get everything you need if you want to stay in the national security/foreign policy realm. The fact that you can keep your full-time job and do the SSP part-time is even more motivation for the SSP side of the house.

Remember that HKS will be two full years at that price, while Maxwell is just one year (plus summers). I think that's where the cheaper price tag comes from...and living expenses will be cheaper than Cambridge.

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPP, IR, Security Studies Schools Applied To: HKS, Georgetown (MPP/MSFS and Security Studies), Elliott, SAIS Schools Admitted To: Georgetown (MPP - $10k/year, MSFS, Security Studies), Elliott ($7.5k/year), SAIS ($20k/year) Schools Rejected From: None Waitlisted: HKS (MPP) Undergraduate institution: West Point Undergraduate GPA: 3.3 Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.7 Undergraduate Major: Political Science GRE Quantitative Score: 740 GRE Verbal Score: 670 GRE AW Score: 5.0 Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 6.5 Years of Work Experience: 6.5 Describe Relevant Work Experience: Army intelligence officer, experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and at the Pentagon Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Who knows, but I thought it was solid; I described seeing foreign policy failures firsthand, and how that inspired me to study the US national security policymaking process and how one could reform it to lead to better foreign policy outcomes Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): I saw 2 of 3, which were good, I'm sure the third was good as well

I just received my acceptance. Does anyone have any thoughts on the value of doing MSFS vs. working full-time and doing the Security Studies program in the evening? I applied to both, and this choice has taken on more importance after being waitlisted at HKS. My initial thoughts are that it makes more sense to continue working full-time and doing the SSP, but I'm curious to hear any opinions either way. Congrats to all who got in, and best of luck to those who didn't - don't let this crapshoot of a process get you down!

I was waitlisted as well, and HKS was my first choice. I was down a little yesterday, but now I'm really excited about my other options. If it works out great, if not, no biggie. Best of luck to all HKS applicants, whether admitted, waitlisted, or not admitted!

I got my snail mail acceptance on Friday, 3/11, but I'm close to DC. I'm sure you guys will hear soon...good luck!

Waitlisted. Congrats to everyone who got in...you guys are all obviously well-deserving! Of course, I would really appreciate it if you decide to attend grad school elsewhere.