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Previous Schools: Very Good Public University. Previous Degrees and GPA's: History B.A. with overall 2.92 GPA GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): V 730, Q 790, AW 4.0. I was very worried about the AW scored / considered taking it again, but ultimately didn't. Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): 1.5 years as a Research Assistant, about 1 year overseas as an English teacher. Math/Econ Background: Multi-Variable Calculus, Statistical Physics, Linear Algebra. No Economics. Foreign Language Background: Fluent Chinese, Passable Russian Strength of SoP: I thought it was good. I was very concise about the things I wanted in a program and how it related both to my background and my future goals. I obviously had to account for my low GPA. Intended Field of Study in Grad School: International Relations Long Term Professional Goals: Foreign Service, Policy Analysis, Intelligence Schools Applied to & Results: ACCEPTED: NYU Politics MA-IR (applied for PhD), Syracuse MA-IR WAITLISTED: REJECTED: Ultimate Decision & Why: Syracuse. While NYU has always been a dream, I've found myself not wanting to live in the big city any more. I feel like Syracuse would have an atmosphere more conducive to me working hard and focusing on studies. I like that Syracuse's program is more policy/practice-oriented. NYU's Politics Department seems heavy on the pure academic and theoretical, and while I would have liked to done a Master's thesis, I can't take two years of writing papers non-stop. Syracuse also has some good Global Programs, and I feel that they have more resources and care to devote to their Master's students than NYU.

Thanks for the replies. I emailed the program, and they informed me that there's shouldn't be any big hindrances to adding the MPA afterwards. The MPA program starts in the summer though, so I guess I'd be behind a semester if I chose to do this (though they told me I can still do the dual in two years). Otherwise, I've hit a stumbling block. I was pretty certain that I would be attending Syracuse over NYU next year --- but upon further consideration, I notice that NYU's faculty seems much, much stronger than Syracuse's in the IR field. Is this right? Also, I'd like to get a job in policy analysis or something of the sort after graduation; if I eventually feel like I want/need a PhD, wouldn't NYU's thesis requirement put me in a better position for that? Ah, I don't know if it's jitters, but I have until April 10th to decide. Any advice? Thanks!

I have the same concerns. NYU has been my dream school for a number of years --- I applied for the PhD Politics, but got accepted only to the MA-IR with no funding. The only other school I applied to was Syracuse (MA-IR), which I got into (no funding), but I feel like Syracuse's faculty can't really compare with NYU's. At the same time, I feel like Syracuse has a much more well-put-together program. I'm probably not going to go to NYU, but damn does the faculty makes it appealing.

Not sure if this thread is soley about funding, anyways. I might be headed to Syracuse for MA-IR (no funding), but how easy is it to work on a dual degree program (either MAIR/Econ or MAIR/MPA)? Can I just register for those courses and fufill those requirements, or do I have to apply beforehand? If not, is here a limited amount of spaces / an rigorous application process? Thanks a lot. - J