LHL

I've declined my spots at U-M, Duke, and U Oregon. @Curlie-Sue: My top choice was Duke, and based on all the research I've done on the program and people I've spoken to/met, it seems like an amazing place to be. I'm actually kind of bummed about not heading down there myself, but as Cunninlynguist stated, my decision ultimately weighed very heavily on the financial aid offers. All the best and congrats to you all on your acceptances to Bren!

@Cunninlynguist: How many years of work experience do you have? Another year probably won't hurt you as long as you can find good internships and/or a full-time job that is remotely related to your academic interests. If FES is ultimately your dream school, you're absolutely right in that there is no reason to rush into a graduate program for the sole purpose of being "done" sooner. Duke's Nic School is still my top choice, but it's ultimately coming down to finances for me (so I'm still back at square one, and taking my time in deciding where I will actually attend). @MCRM: CONGRATS!!! Not sure about funding for 2nd year, but contact Joe Scarfo at the Nic School.

@MCRM: Thanks, and still undecided! I'm giving myself until March 31st to make a decision...

@MCRM: American - California native, transplanted to New Jersey

When I spoke with the assistant director of admissions last week, she said we're guaranteed the same financial aid amount the 2nd year, although I don't see that in writing in my letter... I got $25k/yr + assistantship, as well.

I just got a phone call from the Assistant Director of Admissions and FinAid from FES, and she said they are trying to have finanial aid packages out and available by tomorrow. Which means, for you waitlisted folks in limbo, hopefully you'll hear some good news in the next couple weeks - sooner rather than later.

Thanks for the insights, greendiplomat, curlie-sue, and MCRM! Those are pretty much the same reasons why I applied to FES in the first place. But for what I want to study and eventually do career-wise, I just can't see particular deal-breakers or deal-makers. :/ I thought my soul-searching phase was over... but I guess not!

Hi Everyone, For those of you who's top choice was Yale, do you have specific reasons as to why the MEM program at FES was your top choice? (Duke's Nic School was - and still is - my top choice, but I'm trying to be as unbiased as possible. Never thought more specifically about MEM at FES until now...) Your inputs are most welcome - I'd just like to know if it's more the lure of the prestige that a degree from Yale holds versus specific courses/professors/programs at FES that people saw to be more beneficial than what the Nic School has to offer. Thanks in advance!

@curlie-sue: I'll wait for the finaid package... but are you leaning more toward Duke now as well???

Yale = accepted. Now I have to wait another 2 weeks for the finaid package before I make my decision between Duke and Yale...

@MCRM: No, I'm not an international student.

@cunninlynguist: I absolutely agree with you in terms of your previously listed criteria as to deciding on which school/program to attend. I actually received a more-than-decent financial aid package from Duke and a full-ride from U of Oregon. (I'm not going to SNRE anyway.) We still technically have about 2 weeks left before hearing back from Yale, but at this point, I'm leaning more toward Duke based on everything I've heard from friends who've previously attended as well as speaking with most of the administrators at the Nic School (they were much more informative and straight-forward than those I'd spoken with at Yale FES). @curlie-sue: I think when it comes to reputation, Duke's Nic School and Yale's FES are pretty much on par. When you're thinking about the job market post-MEM, the Nic School's alumni network seems more extensive than FES's. But, it probably ultimately depends on what you're planning on doing in terms of work. Degrees from Duke or Yale will be recognized and reputable internationally, if that's your main concern. Plus, if you're interested in any certificate programs, Duke and the Nic School have a lot to offer... and New Haven is sooooo dreary for most of the year. @bsgrok: Like everyone else, I was told not to worry too much about the GREs. Other components of your application matter more than the GREs. Think of it this way: other components of your application are built over time and based on your experiences whereas the GRE is a one-time standardized exam, for which the scores just reflect general knowledge and comprehension of general academic skills - nothing terribly specific. If anything, I was told that the writing score matters more than the quantitative or verbal scores when evaluated by the admissions officers and staff. Oh, I was also told by an admissions officer at Duke that the GRE scores and GPA factor in more so when determining your financial aid package at the Nic School. I'm glad to hear that I'm probably not missing out on much by not attending admitted students' events.

Hi All! I'm jumping in a bit late here, but I've been following everyone's responses. Out of curiosity, what is everyone's area of concentration within MEM/MS Env Studies? Mine is environmental economics and policy, with emphases in chemical and hazardous waste management policy and trade (especially at the international level). Are any of you attending admitted students' events? I'm not sure that I'll be able to attend any on the account of work...