bgreenster

Yay you finally heard! Congrats, dude. I don't even know if I could make a decision (and keep my sanity) if I had gotten that kind of an offer from LBJ

Yeah, Duke said we'd be updated in June but can be accepted up until late August. That's basically in forever.

Ha! Mine almost were... I think our minds have been twisted (hopefully not beyond repair) by this whole process.

Congrats Sanford acceptees Although beware - I can now go back to my lifelong rivalry/dislike of Duke. Go UVA! (even if we lost in bball)

Got the Duke email - on the wait list. I'm almost relieved not to have that competing in my head for Georgetown.

I've sent two so far, basically saying I was grateful for their consideration, but that I had received a full scholarship elsewhere. Those ones were easier though, because they were immediately cut from the running because of no funding. Even knowing I definitely wouldn't go to those schools, however, it totally freaks me out to officially decline. In the back of my mind, all I can think is "what if something goes wrong with every other school and I need *that* acceptance?" - even more ridiculous because I told myself going into this process I wouldn't go anywhere without funding... Also, am I weird to expect at least a reply acknowledging my email declining the offer? It just feels incomplete, or something.

Congratulations! That's so great to get good news right when you've thrown in the towel

Technically yes, but I was MGHD not MSFS. I haven't heard of anyone getting word for the MSFS yet - I think they let people know a little later (actually "mid-March").

If I think it, can I make it true? I'm certainly hoping so, but not going to count on it. I kind of feel like it will be Monday...

I asked to confirm that my only funding was my PC Fellowship, and she said yes. I agree that it's *possible* that funding may open up in the future, I honestly find it rather unlikely that I would then get enough to make it worth it. I received good funding at Gtown and LBJ, so AU would have to find a lot of money for me to attend. I told myself from the get-go I wouldn't pay a ton for this degree, since I won't be making a lot of money in the future!

Ain't that the truth? I spent *months* on my SOP, and more time than I would care to admit researching departments and faculty. I'm glad I put in that much time, but it kind of took over my life for a bit there (whereas right now, gradcafe is, haha)

Yep, so I received a response to my email confirming my funding (or lack thereof) and it doesn't look like I'll be getting any more. Sending in the form declining the offer today.

I'm not sure yet - haven't heard back from Duke, nor about funding from Maryland. Right now, I plan on going to Georgetown, but we'll see (hopefully in the next week... I don't like uncertainty, haha) Good luck with your decision!

Yeah, I did the same. Not the most interesting thing on the planet, but I simply followed the formula that they want. You know, thesis, reason 1, reason 2, reason 3, conclusion. Very specific reasons/examples, and not putting any opinion whatsover in that analytical one. It's hard as an English major to write like that, but it got me a 5.5....

So apparently today was the day I decided to message grad school offices. I emailed 4 schools, asking for updates on funding (slash even trying to negotiate better funding at one place)... hopefully now I'll get some news. And hopefully better than Tennessee's response

Thanks!

Wouldn't that be great! I definitely think we're not hearing anything because of the Robertson, but my brain needs to just know all my options. I've kind of made a decision on where I'll go, but I have to keep reminding myself that I don't have all the factors yet! Good luck to you

I finally gave in and emailed Tennessee about funding. Apparently, they're not giving any funding to MPA/MPP students, so I'm looking forward to declining that offer Trying to figure out the best email that is both tactful and kind of "I can't believe you didn't offer me money when highly ranked schools did" .... it's the little things in life, haha

Another day, another empty mailbox... I'm contemplating emailing Taryn, but I don't want to be annoying. It just seems crazy that it has been three weeks without hearing back from them, after being asked to send in my documents.. and being told I'd be notified "by early March." I'm kind of disappointed by UMD and how they aren't keeping with the deadlines they themselves have set. If only they had just said "mid-March," my brain could handle it better! haha

Yeah, I went onto mine but it didn't have anything... not even the "fellowship" I did receive. I think I'll email tomorrow to clarify, and then I'll be declining if there's no additional funding.

I didn't apply to any of these schools (and only looked into AU's IDev) so my advice is going to be generic. I am also (unbelievably) having to make a decision, and so this is what I'm doing myself. First, think (or if you're me, write a list) of EXACTLY what you want to do. I'm talking really specific, like maybe a specific location, organization, or company you hope to work for. Obviously, we can't know everything because plans change, but try to think of your dream career scenario as of right now. Truly make yourself think through the details of what you want. Then, go take another look at those programs you are considering. Personally, I was kind of amazed how different programs seemed once I went back to their websites, and considering actually attending (instead of merely hoping to be accepted). Heck, make a checklist for each one to see which fits best with your dream goals. Look over everything - coursework, typical internships, postgrad job placement, requirements, etc. to see what woudl fit best for you. Finally, I would try to go to an admitted students visit (I dig not being able to, though, I don't think I can go to any of mine) or see if you can talk with current students/other admitted prospectives, faculty, whomever and see what will fit your personality best. When I was applying, I kind of adapted my goals to fit the programs, and assumed that I wouldn't really have this choice - instead, that I would choose whichever specific path was given to me by the admissions gods Now that I DO have a choice, I can start to see which one works the best for what I truly want to do, not just what I can see myself doing... if that makes sense. Anyhow, funding is definitely a major factor, and I know that rankings do tend to influence our decisions but try to make this about YOU and what YOU want our of your career. I don't think anyone else can really answer these questions for us.

I just wanted to share my thoughts with people, particularly for anyone planning on applying for this program in the upcoming year. My impression of the degree, and what draws me to it is this: - The small size. Some people want bigger cohorts for the networking, but I reaaaaally like that there will only be about 20 people. This guarantees that the cohort will be close-knit, and that we would work closely with faculty. I think in some ways that is better than having a larger network of acquaintances. - The fact that it's new. Again, I know this is kind of weird, but it means that Georgetown is invested in the success of these early cohorts. If we don't get good internships and good employment post-graduation, then the program will plummet. I believe that the school will have an even greater interest in our happiness and success than you could find in more established programs. - The individual attention. This goes with the previous two, but is a little separate. I fully believe that faculty will work with each individual to ensure he/she is getting what he/she wants out of the degree. 20 is a manageable number to do this with, and while it is still possible for cohorts of ~100, I feel better about my chances of getting attention. This is especially important to me because I wasn't particularly close to any of my undergrad professors, and it's certainly something I envy of my friends who went to smaller schools. - The summer field project. I talked with Prof. Van Dusen in my Skype interview about the project in more detail. She said that in the fall, students will speak with faculty about what their hopes are in terms of career, and that they will do their best to match them with a field project on that career trajectory. So, if you said you really wanted to work in women's health rights in developing nations, they'll do what they can to set that up for your summer project. Like I said before, they really seem to put a lot of emphasis on working with students in their specific pursuits. - The coursework basically covers every facet of what you will need as a development worker. It is essentially a list of everything I wish I had known while working in development the past couple years. I honestly can't wait to take those classes (even though they'll probably be hard ) - Finally, job placement. I 100% believe that I will have a job that I want at the time of graduation. I can't imagine finishing this program, with the connections it has, without some kind of option. I mean, it's Georgetown, haha. Any thoughts? I'd love to hear any pros and cons y'all have about this program. Also, as piquant777 wrote, I'd love to hear from anyone else going/considering going.

I still haven't gotten anything either, although I guess I expected it to take this long due to the fellowships... I'm only considering going if the aid package is impossible to deny I hate not knowing!

Thanks for the heads up (I think... )