IRboundgrad

zourah, you and I are kind of following each other around on this forum. Have you narrowed down your choices, yet? Without admittance into I-DEV and no money, SAIS it out for me. That basically narrows it down to the remaining two top schools: Fletcher and SIPA

Fletcher gave me some money, renewable for the second year. There are non-language "regional courses" taught in French and Arabic at the school and the *potential* for study-abroad at HEC or SciencesPo in France. Program is flexible, and would allow me to pursue development. I still like the idea of collaborative research project, though, versus a traditional paper. I think that will remain in the "con" column for now. I do like the close-knit community aspect, ideally living in the dorms with a meal plan, etc. ... kind of a throwback to undergrad.

SIPA gave me no money, even after a second request. The *possibility* of a second-year fellowship has been dangled before me as consolation--and apparently they're quite sizable--but nothing guaranteed. There *may* be some courses, or at least workshops, conducted in French or Arabic that relate to development issues. The *opportunity* for completing a dual degree program with SciencesPo is there, although with only limited space available. I'll find out before April 20 if I can secure a spot now, but even if rejected, I could re-apply next spring. Another uncertain thing to bet on by choosing this school. I do, however, love the mandatory year-long development policy project in the second year in EPD. I think that's great.

When I look at the number of *possible* benefits I am taking into account, it seems my future at Columbia is much less certain than at Fletcher. I'm tempted to choose Columbia in the hopes that all of the things that might happen (e.g. huge 2nd-year fellowship, dual-degree, etc.) will in fact happen. If I had some sort of guarantee, I would sign up today. Now, I'm waiting again for another response before I can make my final decision. I'm wondering whether or not to simply write these possibilities off and go with what's certain ... and hope in the future that I didn't give up on what may have been.