laserjpb

Thanks for the input all. Will be visiting MSFS & SIPA two weeks from now to make a final call. Also visiting GWU as I'm growing wary of the added 15k per yr of MSFS & SIPA.

(bump)

Anyone else have experience with MSFS deferring?

Thanks folks. (As far as my background, I'm 3yrs out of undergrad making within 5% or so of what I can expect to make out of an IR program; so, like they say, won't be doing it for the money...which is a bit stressful to be thinking about) Any other input on likelihood of deferral at SIPA and MSFS? Also, insight as to the firepower of MSFS in the private sector as compared to SIPA?

Looking for input on a tough two part decision; first, between MSFS or SIPA and second, between attending this fall or applying for a deferral and entering next fall. Difference is entering this fall with aprx 14-16k USD of savings or hoping a deferral is granted and entering next year with 26-28k USD. Have been offered a stimulating 10mo. work oppty which would be extraordinary in terms of content and lessen need for program loans. (Neither has offered first yr funding). Other part is between MSFS & SIPA which I see boils down to: a smaller, more public sector oriented program compared to a slightly larger, more 50/50 private/public oriented program (plus NYC setting). Career goals aren't set in stone but center around Dept of State (FSO or Policy Planning) or private sector political risk for a consulting firm or an i-bank. (Waitlisted to SAIS but not considering as seriously as MSFS/SIPA) What is the likelihood of a deferral being granted to either program? (SIPA seems possible, MSFS less likely) Am I missing other distinctions between the two programs? From a financial perspective, does the difference in ultimate debt matter that much in the long run? Many thanks

Agreed. My post undergrad experience was in commodities trading so I hear you there; I think the fascination with 'quants'/data heavy types/etc is waning a bit (witness David Brooks' recent writings). I am leaning towards MSFS for all the things it is... but in some ways, also for all the things it isn't (if that makes sense). At the same time, I like the private/public balance with a SAIS or SIPA vs MSFS clear slant towards public career tracks (evidenced both in program content and alumni employment data). Decisions decisions.....!

It would seem you'd be crazy to pick MSFS over SAIS if you are dead set on a World Bank or quant-heavy career track. Fwiw, in a 2009 survey ranking they are nearly equally as highly regarded, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inside_the_Ivory_Tower Thanks for everybody's earlier insights; this is a helpful resource

I will likely fly in for the MSFS admitted student day thing ... I'm between there, SIPA & SAIS if I get in from the waitlist. MSFS is the only program I haven't visited although my visit to SIPA was more a self guided tour of the place as opposed to meetings with staff or students...

Same/similar boat here, waitlisted for SAIS, so that may be an option vs SIPA & MSFS...

Yeah, I think acceptances were emails today followed by the snail mail...

Previous Schools (Name, type, or tier): Univ of St. Thomas (liberal arts) Previous Degrees and GPA's: BA Int'l Relations, BA Spanish Linguistics, Minor in Arabic Linguistics , 3.65 overall GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): 590/510/5.5 Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): 1 year Emergency Room medical interpreter, 3 years export grain trading w/Latin America largest US ag firm (significant in country exp. in Mexico, Peru, Colombia) Math/Econ Background: Stats, General Math, Micro/Macro/Trade Econ Foreign Language Background: Spanish, Arabic, some French, (native English speaker) Intended Field of Study in Grad School: Political-economy type content, Latin America and/or MidEast Long Term Professional Goals: Either State Dept. or Emerging Markets Investing/Trading Schools Applied to & Results: SIPA - MIA (Accepted, no $) JH SAIS - (Waitlisted) Georgetown - MSFS (Accepted, wtng on $) GWU Eliott - (Accepted, no $) Worked hard on the statement of purpose and think my letters of rec. were very strong. Emphasized volunteer work, study abroad experience in Spain & Egypt & tied together with professional projects in business and future career goals. Not surprised of the lack of funding (so far) due to not having top numbers. Back and forth between SIPA & MSFS as both are strong ; SIPA has NYC advantage, avenue to private sector/Wall St work, MSFS obviously stronger in DC but with some private sector connections. Money wise I like SIPA because although likely more costly in the end, looks like I could defer a year out and save more $. Does not look like MSFS does deferrals except for "extreme cases". The choice may come down to MSFS this fall with only $14-15k of savings going in (rest in loans) or SIPA next fall with more like $26-27k of savings (rest in loans).