Clay Made

Thanks! Yeah, I spoke to the admissions dept at GMU and the program is indeed new. So new, they dont have admissions placements. Probably rule that one out as they dont even offer financial aid to students. So too with GWU, who only offer it in the fall. Kinda feel those programs pale in comparison to SSP and SIS..

Anyone aware of the reputations of the following programmes: MA in International Relations - SIS American MA in International Development - SIS American MA in Global Affairs - GMU Particularly concerned as to potential jobs. Would like to work within consulting (public sector, emphasis on development, growth) or depts within larger organisations such as World Bank. Thanks!

Exactly what I mean. Great work!!

a) Yeah, aware of both programs. Didnt apply to SIPA as I overlooked the breadth of their program initially. SAIS wouldnt let me defer because I missed the deadline. b ) Yes, is the plan. No would only be 4 degrees. Law school was my undergraduate (different system in the UK). No guarantees I will go in that direction because I feel with the right program it may lead me to the right career. c) HF = Hedge Fund.

I was a TA at law schools when doing my masters, and the cohort was about 400 students. Smaller classes may be OK to allow individual attention but I find professors at graduate level are more then happy to meet outside of class to address concerns.

Why do people, grad students, like a small class?

Both, I guess. I always read people enjoy a smaller class or cohort but a reasonable number say 70-80 is ideal I think. Anything above and it perhaps is too much.

Thanks for the response. I appreciate the harshness actually, thank you. When I did law, I was interested in the law mostly because I was good at it. In the UK, you have law programmes at high school so enjoying it and being good at it led me to it. After interning at firms, I find the culture is not something I want to be apart of. The theory of a law degree is hardly used and I feel kinda useless in my position. I was looking at International Relations, Global Affairs, Public Policy programs because I feel they will all allow me to transition into a consulting position for a firm that has a specialist public sector practice. I am really enamoured with economic development, having interned at a government department related to the area. I think the program areas I am looking at gives me the various skills, alumni base, and top school in the area to position myself as a top candidate. Ideally, following from that, I would do an MBA to transition into a HF, who have extensive business interests in development. I mentioned the Security Studies program at Georgetown because economic development is somewhat related to security of a state. Skills from that degree also allow me to transition into a similar career path as the one I envisage, especially if I take the specialization of International Security or Intelligence. I actually spoke to the admissions team and they mentioned they often place students into consulting firms, who partake in the area I am interested in. So, ultimately, I have a career goal in mind, but I'm a realist. Having already made on wrong turn (but gained plenty from law), I'm taking precautions and anticipating bumps in the road. What would you suggest be the programs I ought to consider, besides the ones mentioned? I'm only somewhat interested in Europe, having lived there my whole life (originally from Stockholm). Thanks!!!

I never understood this. Surely, a larger class, means a better experience, for a number of reasons. 1. More friends 2. Bigger class to network and learn off of 3. Larger class usually means a bigger program and a larger likelihood of acceptance thoughts?

I'm going for Spring admissions at the above programs (along with USC MA in Economic Development). As I've said before, I was accepted into Chicago Harris, SAIS and USC MPP programs but after the death of a close relative, I decided I couldnt face upto the immense change straight away so decided to defer. Unfortunately, Chicago or SAIS would not allow me to defer as I didnt meet the deadline so rather then reapply for Fall 2012, Spring is an option for me. Ideally I would like to get into private consulting within the public sector or multi-lateral organisations such as IMF, World Bank, UN, etc. What program of the above is best for me? I'm an Oxford law graduate, with a masters too but decided becoming a lawyer was not for me. I have various internship experience within law and public policy, solid GPA and GRE's. Any thoughts? I like NYU but an issue would be that I would need to complete the program within 2.5 years as the capstone requirement poses an issue. Fletcher is a great name but with a concentration in law also apart of its syllabus, its perhaps redundant for me. Georgetown seems to be the standout program at the moment. My biggest concern probably is whether I should apply for Spring or Fall. Anyone with any tips would be most welcome. Thanks.

I'm going for Spring admissions at the above programs (along with USC MA in Economic Development). As I've said before, I was accepted into Chicago Harris, SAIS and USC MPP programs but after the death of a close relative, I decided I couldnt face upto the immense change straight away so decided to defer. Unfortunately, Chicago or SAIS would not allow me to defer as I didnt meet the deadline so rather then reapply for Fall 2012, Spring is an option for me. Ideally I would like to get into private consulting within the public sector or multi-lateral organisations such as IMF, World Bank, UN, etc. What program of the above is best for me? I'm an Oxford law graduate, with a masters too but decided becoming a lawyer was not for me. I have various internship experience within law and public policy, solid GPA and GRE's. Any thoughts? I like NYU but an issue would be that I would need to complete the program within 2.5 years as the capstone requirement poses an issue. Fletcher is a great name but with a concentration in law also apart of its syllabus, its perhaps redundant for me. Georgetown seems to be the standout program at the moment. Anyone with any tips would be most welcome. Thanks.

Are you going for a PhD? If so, are you aware of the best MA in PoliSci programs?

Seriously considering the program as I am looking to transition my career into a government organisation such as the World Bank, IMF, UN, etc An MA in PS both covers my personal interests and a good prospective career. What would you say ought to be the schools I should target?

Thanks. I've actually tried that already but they refused, as all programs begin in Fall only. I missed the potential deadline for deferral. The only thing they said was to reapply next year and its highly likely you'll get in again.

Hi, I got admits to a few Public Policy programs in Fall of this year, however, due to a death in the family, I dont think I can face upto the workload so quickly. I am looking into Spring admissions instead. Although I considered Public Policy, I think with my career goals, programs such as Political Science, International Development studies and even Government would allow me to transition there. Anyone aware of the programs that offer Spring admissions in the above programs?

Thanks for the replies. I'm considering both options. I think my background compares favourably to some of the students currently in WWS and HKS so both schools are on my list. But I am also conscious that I need to make up time as well. If the right program arrives, and covers my interests, I think I will go for the Spring admissions. NYU Wagner is one I am definitely considering. Anyone have any experience willing to share thoughts?

I had acceptances from USC, Chicago and SAIS but unfortunately I am not able to go due to a death in the family. I didnt think I would be able to face the immediate work in front of me. I am wondering whether to apply for Spring 2012 or Fall 2012. Ideally, I would like to apply Spring 2012 but none of the schools I was admitted to offer an admission cycle at that time. So my questions are: Are there any disadvantages to me applying in Spring 2012 as opposed to Fall 2012? What schools have Spring 2012 admissions? Thanks so much!

Hi guys, found the group. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_127690560645384&ap=1

Hey guys, just wondering who is headed there. I have decided to. Found a facebook group for people to join as well http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_127690560645384&ap=1

Hey guys, managed to find a facebook group but not sure if people are aware of it. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_127690560645384&ap=1

Hi! Thanks, yeah I saw that. Was hoping to find a group for UPenn or Cornell as these are my two top choices along with Chicago. Georgetown has one too, I believe. They advertise on their hompage which is cool.

Hi guys, I got accepted into Cornell CIPA too, late though! Was wondering if there was like a facebook group so I can connect before we get there. Also looking for a roommate too. Email me at oc.clayton@hotmail.co.uk See you down there

As I applied late, I still have time to make my decision. Was wondering whether there were Facebook groups for the above schools. Gives me an idea as to the type of people in the program (i.e age range. Worried might be one of the youngest ones there at 25!)

Isnt USC really well ranked by US News and a highly regarded program, second tier only to the top ones such as KSG,WWS? Would you reckon that with the Cornell name and the potential recruits that come onto campus I may be able to leverage a position? The program is very good and I like the ability to take a variety of classes. Will recruiters, particularly at MBB look at that favourably, ie.diverse knowledge base? Finally, if MBB is out of the question at USC or Cornell, which other public sector practice are well regarded?