octopus

Thanks for the detailed description lycny. I heard IPS is very Asia focused (which makes sense due to its location on the west coast). Did you get the sense that IPS is also a good fit for students with interest in other regions (such as Western Europe). Thanks!

I have not seen a thread on IPS open house. Would those who attended the IPS open house please share? How did you like the program staff/faculty/students? What did you think of the campus environment? Any insight would be much appreciated!!

hi everyone, thanks for the votes. 3:0 Stanford vs. Berkeley thus far. ironically, GSPP just offered me a free ride for the first year. considering this and that I feel more affinity to Berkeley than Stanford, would that change the vote? If both schools are equally strong in international reputation and if I can make the GSPP degree more international (through classes on the main campus), I feel a stronger inclination to Berkeley. GSPP's staff has been incredibly approachable and supportive whereas Stanford's has been the opposite. Can those who vote for Stanford tell me some reasons why they think it is better? Is it mainly the name or do you know specifics about what makes their program better than GSPP? Thanks!

hi gradcafe fellows, I would love to get some opinions on Berkeley vs. Stanford for international policy (energy and climate change). Both schools are strong in energy research so it comes down to more subtle factors such as reputation, location, $$$ and culture. Both schools rank very high in international evaluations so I don't think there is a big difference in reputation/prestige, or is there? Is the name recognition equal outside the U.S.? Many argue that the Stanford brand carries a long way, here and abroad (but I would think Berkeley does too?). At the same time, I felt a stronger affinity to Berkeley when visiting the campus. Stanford seems to have a bit of an attitude/arrogance going on (during the application process as well as even after being admitted) but I guess that could be just an impression. Berkeley appears much more down to earth (although perhaps a bit too much and the people at GSPP are extremely happy with their program. GSPP also seems much better managed (and staff approachable) than IPS, probably due to size and number of years being established. However, Berkeley's GSPP severely lacks the international component, Stanford's IPS is more expensive and I have the feeling it is geared more towards Silicon Valley than international policy making. It seems to be more of an engineering, law and business school, less strong in policy, so I am worried about the IPS program's strength. I favor Berkeley's location and more approachable culture (easier to commute and more urban feeling) over Stanford's (suburban corporate campus that feels a bit isolated) At the same time, Stanford's curriculum is more international and much more flexible compared to GSPP's, which only has 5 electives. A lot of people say "Stanford, no question!" Other say Berkeley is a better fit and just as good of a school as Stanford. This is a tough choice. I appreciate your insight (and votes).