mpolampola

On a recent chat for admitted students, they said they accepted 250 hoping to hit the 90 student mark. I'm not sure if that helps or not?

I'm still in shock and awe over my admission into MSFS. There is no question that the school offers the total package especially for someone like me who wants to focus on international development and land a job with USAID or the UNDP after school. I managed to earn a merit scholarship for year one but year two funding is based off your year one gpa. I learned during a recent admitted students chat that a gpa of 3.5 earned about $6k. Total costs are estimated at 60k. Ouch. I'm very pragmatic and aware of idev salaries so I haven't accepted MSFS. I'm debating between Fletcher and MSFS. Fletcher appeals to me for many of the same reasons at MSFS but it is in Boston. On the flip side, Fletcher will be about 35-40k cheaper overall given my scholarship and the "cheap" dorm option (this will feel like luxury after an african village). Would I be silly pass up MSFS? Do I take the more economical route or hop on the Gtown express? I'm stressing out as I'll need to decide in a few weeks. What do you think?

You may also want to consider the Old University area since you are in the sciences but I also second the Jennifer/Willy St. area. I attended UW-Madison for undergrad but was not a part of the party scene and I found plenty of cultural and quirky events to keep me busy. If you have any questions about the city, please do not hesitate to ask.

DC is the place to be for international affairs for reasons like networking, internships, exposure, etc. But what do you do when your best package comes from Fletcher in Boston? I can't decide how heavily to weigh location as I sort through my options (elliott with $, SAIS, SIPA, American). I'd rather not attend a school without financial support because I think I'll get where I want with each school but my mind is not made up. I went to the Peace Corp after spending a couple of years in the private sector. I am interested in economic development and geographically drawn to Africa. In a way I think I would benefit from more exposure to the options in DC but I just don't know. Anyone have any thoughts on the DC location factor?

D-day is near! We should be hearing early next week based on that statement. On Elliott, that does not mean you were rejected. I received the email and I think it was a way to let a wave of applicants know about scholarship opps. I don't think they have sent out any official admits.