alice257

Hi DKT -- when did you receive information about your financial aid? And was it helpful (did it include any scholarships or grants) or just info about loans? The cost of living is really high -- definitely an obstacle for me as well! Where else are you considering?

I may be there as well! Still holding out for financial aid/funding but I am leaning towards NYU... I'll get back to you when i finally make this wretched decision : )

This is not a comprehensive list, but there are some good fellowships listed here: http://cmes.hmdc.harvard.edu/resources/am/funding Also the Boren Fellowship is something you could consider but it is just as competitive as the FLAS if not more! Good luck!

UT Austin does offer some decent non-FLAS funding for their MA program. I have heard that NYU is one of the better ones as well but funding is still competitive, of course. Harvard does not offer any funding to MA students in Middle Eastern Studies (accept FLAS and there is always the possibility of external funding, but these deadlines are early, so make sure to check deadlines for next year -- most are in December or January)!! Can't speak to the others. Good luck : )

Hi friends, So I am very late to this forum -- but I am looking for some feedback as I try to make these decisions we are all struggling with! I have seen a couple people ask if turning down a place for an MA jeopardizes your chances of getting accepted for a PhD -- any concrete thoughts on this? And I saw a post about the Harvard CMES master's program -- is it worth it without funding? Does not seem reasonable to go into that much debt for a Masters but I am torn... Also, does anyone know any statistics about getting funding off the waitlist for NYU Near Eastern Studies MA? I was accepted, but not offered any funding and told there was a possibility for funding after people give decisions...any thoughts? Finally, is it wrong/are there any repercussions to accepting an admissions offer on the hopes that I could get funding and than later withdrawing (besides losing the tuition deposit)? Thanks for your thoughts!