cunninlynguist

Your numbers and general credentials are (obviously) fine. However, IR degrees and most similar policy-related degrees are professional in nature. This indicates that you need to express your grasp of the field -- and your immediate academic goals as well as future career goals -- in your application package. Without a fair amount of coursework or work experience, it can be difficult. What are you able to draw on? Your life experience in Israel is certainly a starting point in a more broad sense, but what's your plan on relating that to why you need an IR degree from these prestigious schools and how you're going you use it? You say your focus is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and you've witnessed it first hand. That's how you can frame your entry into this process. However, you also need to approach the academic aspect: what classes do you consider as fundamental? What skills do you need to gain in order to serve your professional ambitions? If you cannot articulate these in your personal statements, the admissions committee will doubt your purpose and path in the program. Above all, it's not enough to be smart and accomplished. The top-tier programs don't lack a ton of applications from self-selected smart people who have experience, so you need to prove that you'll be academically capable (and self-directed) and a good representative of the school when you finish and hit the job market.

Your friend's advice is terrible. Be forthright and explain why you are not applying to the remaining schools. Your instinct -- that your references will understand -- is very likely correct. It's your decision, and as long as you are not requiring them to commit more time and effort, it is the right step to take. It is your responsibility to update them accordingly on the process. Being deceptive and forcing them to submit letters for applications that won't be submitted would be ridiculous. Go with your original thought and be honest.

Peterson's is (usually) inaccurate. Most of their numbers appear to be outdated by several years, if not more. For example, I just looked up a similar program to HKS and the tuition rate was off by over $7,000.

No. As a minimum, it would behoove you to review general algebraic expressions, number properties, and geometry formulas (e.g. lengths of 45-45-90 right isosceles triangles, area of a parallelogram, etc.). If you go over some basic principles, it's at least something to draw on when you're taking the test.

I took the revised GRE yesterday and was really surprised with some of the quantitative questions. One of the quant sections was experimental, although I can't reasonably discern which one, as all three were a bit weirder than I had anticipated. It was annoying -- I was aiming to score a point or two higher based on my practice test results. For the benefit of future test-takers, what unexpected problems or concepts appeared on your test? -- Parabola -- Venn diagram -- Venn diagram w/ percentages (!) -- Combination / permutation hybrid And, if you saw any such concepts, did you see them in your prep materials beforehand at all?

Just took it yesterday. Of course, the practice tests are almost always taken under less stressful conditions. You should emulate realistic testing conditions as best you can, however: don't exceed the break limits, tackle the writing portions rather than skipping them, and complete the entire thing at once. With regards to the verbal sections, I found it virtually the same in terms of difficulty. Still heavy on context and logic. You've got to maintain a solid sense of timing for the RC passages and questions, otherwise the long, detail-laden ones will dominate that particular section and disrupt your rhythm. My practice test scores were as follows: Manhattan: 166 V / 160 Q; 164 V / 164 Q; 164 V / 164 Q PowerPrep II: 162 V / 163 Q My actual scores were 166 V and 162 Q. So -- from my experience, at least -- the practice scores in verbal are a reasonable estimate of how you'll score on the real thing.

Two programs that may suit your interests: the Environmental Social Sciences specialization offered at Ohio State's School of Environment and Natural Resources and the Environmental Thought and Culture specialization offered at the University of Vermont's Rubenstein School. As has been said, though, there is no shortage of environmental graduate programs.

How well can you define your career and professional interests? In this context, the main benefit of work experience is the knowledge that your graduate degree will be directly applicable to advancing your career or providing the final academic credential for your intended work. Without work experience (and the extent of which is variable -- some people don't need 2+ years to hone in on their goals), it can be difficult for the typical prospective grad student to identify why the grad program is necessary at this point in their life. You didn't mention any experience prior to graduation, but if you've completed an internship or two, that is very useful. And I really mean all of the above in a way that you can convey through your experience. You said you know what you want to do, but will your application substantiate that? Will your résumé reflect that you've been involved in the field? That you're (implicitly) cognizant of what your intended field is like, what skills are necessary, and what career paths are feasible? You don't have to settle for another year of AmeriCorps, BTW. If there's something more interesting out there -- and relevant to your interests -- then you could pursue those opportunities during your second year. Work experience is unique to all applicants. Ideally, you want to frame it in a way that 1) sets you up for admission and funding whenever you end up applying; 2) builds up your experience so that you'll be employable after the MPP/MPA; and 3) cultivates your interest in the field while informing you of how the field operates internally. I'd also encourage you to more carefully consider programs. You don't need to apply to all of those you listed and a few more -- 10+ is excessive (and expensive). Delve into the crucial details of the programs that appeal to you most; things like career outcomes, course flexibility, and professional skill-building are key.

While I don't have any personal insight to add -- I'd bet Clay Made's post offered the perspective you were looking for -- I'd caution against using Peterson's as a reliable source for anything. Their numbers appear to be at least 5 years old. That alone would render them unreliable and the recession has only made admissions more competitive.

CIPA (the MPA program at Cornell) requires applicants to conduct a video interview. They also strongly encourage in-person visits.

@Cosme: I'm currently taking Micro through a local community college. Before I declined admission, my program at Duke considered this as a permissible course, and their list of pre-approved courses had plenty of online and community college representation, if not the outright majority. As long as you do well, it's no issue whatsoever. Take the cheap option, especially because these sorts of courses aren't subject to much creative liberty by professors -- the concepts are the same for everyone at any school, so just get a high grade to demonstrate your mastery of the material and your standing relative to a different peer-group.

It wouldn't hurt. Are you genuinely interested in TFA and prepared to assume the accompanying time commitment? Completing a stint with TFA would help demonstrate that you're dedicated to the public good and all of that fun stuff, but how does it align with your career and educational interests? I read in your other thread that you're aiming to get 1-3 internships under your belt in addition to the 2 you already have. There wouldn't be anything wrong with that route, provided that these experiences enhance your career clarity and aren't simply serving as resume fodder. What area of policy do you want to go into?

Do you. Be yourself. That's it. I could've done without reading some of the more judgmental replies in this thread. You're clearly a motivated, educated, good citizen. You don't need to force yourself to do things or attend social events that you normally wouldn't -- that's a quick path to find someone incompatible or to eliminate your sense of individualism. Ideally, your PhD program will foster a healthy social environment where you meet similar people. That should branch out into a larger community (of the university, the surrounding town, etc.). Through that, you may come across a girl who strikes your interest and it'll be a natural connection. Although this is where I'll dispense some quick advice: manners, maturity, and cleanliness. Every man should strive to convey those qualities; they're implicit ways to show confidence without magically becoming an extrovert. BTW, it seems there are studies popping up everywhere stating that people are focusing more on education and careers, and as a result, are getting married and having children later in life.

Just a note to anyone planning on an adoption when they move to grad school: please, please give senior cats or dogs a chance. A kitten may seem like the most appealing and fun option, but kittens very rarely encounter trouble getting adopted. Seniors, on the other hand, may live out their final days (and it's a truncated period, as limited space makes them more "expendable") in a shelter despite the fact that nothing is wrong with them. You would make a huge impact by helping out a senior pet who has been forsaken. Not to mention that their dispositions can be eccentric and interesting -- a kitten will be a lot of work on top of a transition to a new school and location.

Do you have any significant debt from undergrad? If not, $60K for an MA -- and all of the trappings of the GW experience -- really isn't too bad. Your fellowship defrays a major chunk of the cost, and you're right in wondering if it may not be awarded to you next time. I would also advise you against the part-time job. Ultimately, it'll only be a matter of a few thousand bucks; you're there to take full advantage of the relevant external opportunities (as you mentioned, internships and networking). Spending your time productively, immersing yourself in the field, could yield much better prospects for employment after you finish. Is a few grand worth compromising your chances to parlay your education into a great job? Nonetheless, I understand it's a lot of money. I'm in a similar boat (no family assistance, not eager to assume too much debt) and will re-apply for next year. Good luck!

For most people, not getting any sleep will detract from your performance on a big day. Your physical comfort level can affect your scores whether you're aware of it or not. I've read plenty of advice saying that the night before and morning of the GRE are crucial, regardless of how diligently you've studied. Pretty sure I read a post here by MYRNIST stating that quite plainly. If you're not satisfied with your scores, and you can attribute it to the sleep trouble, there's still plenty of time to re-take. It will probably pay huge dividends.

I recently read through 3 books of a similar vein (nonfiction accounts of nature expeditions): Cry of the Kalahari, The River of Doubt, and The Unconquered. The latter two are about the Amazon--an endlessly amazing place. Would recommend all.

It is a very unlikely occurrence, and one not done arbitrarily or based on a subjective review of your application. If the graduate school has requirements that you do not meet, or there are critical materials missing or incomplete, then a rejection will come. For the vast majority of applicants, there's nothing to worry about. After all, it's in the department's best interest to admit students who would be able to attend, and they are (usually) aware of what the graduate school needs for final confirmation.

Very interesting. I think I'll give that a shot before I officially delay until next year -- a few grand increase would warrant a second look. Who exactly is the best person to contact? Peters, Lovelace, Scarfo? Congrats on your final decision -- best of luck at Yale!

A personal and largely instinctual decision. If you're entertaining the prospect of re-applying, then that in and of itself indicates that you're acknowledging it was an unsatisfying outcome in one way or another. For some of us, it's not a reflection of a cycle gone poorly or without positive result, but rather a recalibration and full awareness of the financial implications. After all of the time, effort, money, and waiting, it's a disquieting stance to take. However, if age isn't an issue at the moment (in my case it isn't, but I understand that the window of opportunity feels shorter for some of y'all), you should explore every option. If you identify a few things you can do within the next 9 months or so to improve your profile and convey more precision with regards to your career path, how would that be a bad thing?

Jaworhalo: Welcome! Nicely done on the acceptances; although you're definitely in a complicated position trying to decide which program is the best fit. If you feel the PhD path is more likely than not, I would suggest disregarding any of the programs that didn't offer funding. No need to sink yourself in debt if academia is your pursuit. Based on the programs that gave money, Duke is more quantitative and I don't think there's any notable difference in international focus between Duke and Michigan. Energy isn't my specialty, however, so don't let me dissuade you from anything! mjlloyd86: Congratulations on reaching a decision! Must be a relief. And we've been trying to get clarity on the 2nd year scholarship issue for a while, so thanks for passing along the official word. (Incidentally, that bolsters my inclination to re-apply -- my scholarship was 5K, so over 2 years it's not an insignificant amount of money that I could land next time around with improved credentials. On that note, I received the official financial aid award notice from Duke today, and it included the scholarship, work-study, and federal loans).

Duke accepts prerequisites completed from GraduateSchool.edu -- the other schools probably do as well. Plenty of online courses available and their prices appear reasonable.

According to the Cost of Living Comparison spreadsheet provided in the Duke acceptance letter, New Haven is 6% more expensive. Utilities are 40% higher in New Haven and that comprises most of the difference. Either way, it's not a major gap.

Think of this: when Sallie Mae, or whomever you owe the bulk of your loans to, comes calling and asks where your $1,000 a month is, they will not be sated if you say, "but I incurred this debt at an Ivy!"

I finished undergrad in May, so not a lot of work experience beyond a few internships of varying quality and length. However, I happen to live in the vicinity of several non-profits that would present useful work opportunities, so if I can land something this summer and winter, that would be a solid step. Already applied for a few. Good luck with your decision -- the financial element weighs heavily on us all! And I also contacted Mr. Scarfo asking if the scholarship extends through the 2nd year. Haven't received a response yet (sent it on the 8th, I imagine he's busy). If anyone gets word from Duke about the 2nd year, please share.