[SAIS or MBA/MA full tuition from AU]

You're kidding, right? Come on. I don't know why I'm even bothering replying to this thread...

By the way, I have a friend who graduated recently from SAIS Bologna. It took him 11 months to find a job. I guess you could always apply for forbearance while you wait for employment. The AU degree is imminently more flexible than what you would get from SAIS. (Not to say SAIS is a bad school, because clearly it is not).

I guess I'll say what I assume you're fishing for: "Congratulations on getting fully funded by AU."

So there are no takers for SAIS? Not one?

I guess my impression of SAIS was larger than reality. I have heard many stellar accolades about SAIS' program, faculty, and events - Clinton, Geithner, Cooper have all spoken there recently. So I know that it is a great school. I just didn't know how SIS compared. People have talked about SAIS being much more selective than AU too, which made me quite happy when I got the letter.

At the end of the day, it sounds like I might be at a disadvantage academically with a degree from SIS and thus have to work harder, network ect. But being almost debt free seems to win the vote over paying a premium for a premium name and premium contacts.

The only thing I was fishing for was a general consensus about my situation thank you very much

Would you be able to apply for a dual MBA at SAIS in your first year? I think they have a deal with Wharton.

Not really sure, but I would still be in the same situation financially.

[SAIS or MBA/MA full tuition from AU]

And congratulations! That's a fantastic offer from AU.

Thanks! It does seem like a good offer from AU, but I am just wondering if everyone who got into SAIS also got or would have received similar offers.

Also, I forgot to mention that I got an assistantship at AU, for what it is worth

[American SIS decision]

For what it's worth, I submitted mine on the day before they were due. When I emailed them, they said that I was in the last batch. So when decisions are sent *may* have something to do with when it was turned in. Just my conjecture.

I submitted mine on the due date and heard back early this month.

[SAIS or MBA/MA full tuition from AU]

My choice is between American MBA/MA (International Development) with a generous fin aid package, or SAIS (not Int. Dev) with no fin aid. I know that SAIS has a great program and is well known here in DC, but is the difference between the degrees worth the extra $90-120k in loans?

I plan to pursue a career in economic development.

I am a former Peace Corps Volunteer and worked for two years developing small businesses in an emerging market. Additionally, I am interested in addressing human trafficking issues in the United States and abroad. A legal background would probably be the most beneficial for this field, but I imagine that there are policy and other non-legal positions that would not require a JD.

GMAT 640, 6.0

GPA 3.75,

Undergrad: University of Washington Business Administration