saisonsaparis

A few things: I definitely agree that CIPA is a program on the rise and that of any program I've encountered CIPA has the most potential to grow and become a top program. The Director is an amazingly accomplished man and incredibly dedicated to CIPA and harnessing the potential that its situation within Cornell University gives it. I don't know if I am correct in saying this but I think the "Institute" rather than "School" of public affairs is due in part to the program's relative youth. From what I gathered this has not at all impacted career placement of alumni. The students I talked to indicated that if you express an interest in spending a semester away from Ithaca on one of their programs that it is easy and encouraged. They also said that summer internships in DC can be extended through the fall or spring internships extended through the summer which is a plus. They mentioned that there are opportunities for funding to travel to Nepal or Rome should you elect to participate in the program. As far as housing, most grad students said they live off campus and there are many furnished apartments throughout the area and a pretty good (?) bus system. Look into this website: http://www.dos.cornell.edu/dos/ocho/

I visited CIPA before I applied and I am considering attending, so maybe I can help with some pros/cons? Pros: *Being part of Cornell-- "brand name" recognition, amazing and accomplished alumni network, professors at the top of their fields *CIPA is wholly interdisciplinary. Beyond the core classes, you can take classes throughout the university in any of the schools (Engineering, Industrial & Labor Relations, etc.) and with professors who will work to integrate their interests with yours *Opportunity to spend a semester in DC or abroad *I met with their Professional Development person and he seemed to be on his game at getting students internships and jobs. The places CIPA alum are hired are impressive *Opportunities to gain practical experience with a class that does real consulting work. The woman who ran this talked a lot about how local organizations seek them out. Cons: *Ithaca. Could be a pro in some ways as it seemed a very progressive, academically-focused community. But it's not DC. *Program isn't ranked as highly as others (Upon visiting and speaking with professors/staff/students I realized just how arbitrary these rankings can be) *Not part of a "School of Public Affairs" but rather an "Institute" I hope that helps. I guess what it boils down to for me is that Cornell a) gave me quite generous funding; i really like the TRUE flexibility/interdisciplinary approach; c) High quality faculty and general feel of the student body on campus was very positive. The people at CIPA were incredibly nice and really willing to chat. I'd recommend calling them if you have more specific questions.

GRRRR!!! Totally expected but still.. GRRRRR!!! Got this email today: "We have given your request for a graduate financial award strong consideration. Unfortunately, the size of the applicant pool and its academic competitiveness were extremely high this year, making the competition very keen for the awards that we can make. We regret that the Department of Public Administration and Syracuse University are not able to provide any institutional support for your studies in the MPA program. While we were not able to make you an award at this time, should we either be able to make you an award from the Department of Public Administration or recommend you for an award in another University department, we will notify you immediately. It is not likely that this will occur prior to our deadline of April 15. Very often, opportunities occur over the summer that we are not aware of at this time, although there are no guarantees at funding beyond this point. Should you chose to accept our offer of admission without aid at this time, we ask that you are prepared for the full costs of attendance." Question now is... when/how will I find out about loans? I have submitted my FAFSA already.

just another piece of food for thought... my university offered gap coverage for graduating seniors who were unsure of what was next. You said you're currently a student, so you should check with your university's financial services. I was given the option to buy the plan from May-August (covers people over the summer before starting grad school) and the plan can be renewed as many times as needed for 6 months at a time. it was cheaper than COBRA, though it only covers illness/injury (that's all i need anyway). It also covered my pre-existing prescription!

It's a big deal for me, especially considering I'm fresh out of undergrad and already have $20K in debt from that. I've only heard back from two programs regarding funding: one with a very nice package (a pretty good program...not the *best* rank-wise...but a GREAT network and lots of opportunities) and the other a "dream" school of sorts with zero funding. Thus, the "dream" school is cut. Still waiting on funding from three other programs but, to be honest, my expectations are quite low. I'm choosing happiness and fulfillment over making money in law or the private sector; I don't want to dig myself financially into too deep a hole before I even get my life started!

Domestic- Other for me was Public/Nonprofit management. I also want to *try* to also concentrate in social policy/policy analysis. I'm not about the get ahead of myself yet, haha.

I got my admissions package from Syracuse in the mail today. Hopefully others were so lucky today as well!! I had a personal note from the Associate Director and am being considered for aid but won't find out until mid-March. I feel more nervous now than I did when I applied!!

I got an e-mail from them two Fridays ago telling me that my file was incomplete and after clearing that up on the phone last Monday (it was their mistake... they definitely had me panicked over that weekend because I didn't check my e-mail until after their offices had closed), I got my acceptance via e-mail today!! I haven't visited, but I really liked the program from their website. Fingers crossed for some funding so as to make it a real option come decision day!! BTW, anyone want to start a Strengths/Weaknesses for SPEA? I really don't know much about it and it could be helpful

Exactly this. I've also been accepted elsewhere, but taking on $50,000+ in debt when I'm probably not going to be making bucket loads after receiving my MPA just doesn't seem worth it when I can get a degree for much less from a top all-around university. Besides, CIPA's career services is really good and getting a job in two years is the ultimate goal, right?

CIPA certainly benefits from all of the resources available at Cornell, including opportunities to spend a semester abroad in Rome or Nepal or away in Washington, DC. The program is newer than others but, as mentioned, is interdisciplinary and thus students are able to take courses across the university with really great faculty. Their admissions office is also the most accessible and friendliest that I encountered in my grad school search. For what it's worth, I've been accepted there for the fall and they gave me a very generous fellowship (especially for a professional degree program) and it is a very real possibility that I will attend because of that (in addition to the program fitting my academic interests).