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I think that your letter writer will understand that this program may not be the best fit for you. Talk to them - don't bother mentioning your significant other - and say that you have taken some more time to rethink the offers of admission and have changed your mind. They can't hate you for wanting something different.

This is making me feel much better. I think I have already made this decision (to go to GSPIA) but I am doubting it in the back of my mind. But your replies are calming my nerves. Thank you.

I am looking at the MA in International Development at GWU, and the MID at Pitt. Basically, if I go to Pitt, I will graduate about $50K in debt. If I go to Elliot, it will be closer to $90K in debt (I pay full tuition plus cost of living in DC). Obviously this is my decision but...advice would be great. Is it worth it? Is Elliot that much better? According to the rankings, Elliot is #7, GSPIA is (I think) #16. Its a big difference, but I don't know if its worth $40K! Edit to add - I want to work for a nonprofit or NGO after getting a masters. One day I want to return for a PhD but I want to work first.

Thanks for explaining all of this. I am concerned, however, about living expenses. I plan to work part time, and be in school full time, but it will not be enough to cover living expenses for two years. Can my loans cover this??

I am anticipating I will need to cover $10,000 of tuition, plus all living expenses for two years. What type of loans would be best? I am a little lost.

Okay - scratch that! I just got a letter too!

Ah well...this is a little disappointing. I suppose I shouldn't feel too bad, as I am straight out of undergrad, we're in a recession, and I am only going for a masters. But this sucks!

I am definitely WANTING to go to Elliot - but money is kind of looming darkly over my head.

Previous Schools (Name, type, or tier): BA from Baldwin-Wallace College - Private; American University (one year) - Private Previous Degrees and GPA's: I will receive my BA in May, 3.86GPA GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): 590/740/5.0 Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): ZERO. How did I get in anywhere?? Math/Econ Background: Majored in Econ Foreign Language Background: Five years of French prior to college, 1 year of college French Intended Field of Study in Grad School: Development Long Term Professional Goals: Work for NGO, eventually get a phd and teach at university Schools Applied to & Results: GWU Elliot - accepted, no $, Fordham - waitlisted, Fletcher - rejected, GSPIA - accepted waiting on $, UMD (Public Policy) - accepted with half assistantship and stipend, Georgetown (Public Policy) - accepted with $5K per year Ultimate Decision & Why: Still undecided!!!!!

Just wanted to bump this - I still have not heard, but in their "accepted student chat" last Wednesday they said decisions had not yet been made.

Has anyone received financial aid information from GSPIA? I was admitted last Tuesday, and I am very anxious to know if I am receiving any money.

I got my admissions packet on Thursday, March 19. I got notification via email of a scholarship on March 14.

It had been over a month since I had received my acceptance e-mail from GT, which said I would be receiving an admissions packet within two weeks. I called the school and they told me that Georgetown does not even send out admissions decisions via email, which caused me to freak out because I thought maybe it was a hoax of some sort (it wasn't - the grad admissions office apparently has no contact with the GPPI admissions office, and I did get in). Then there was this fiasco with the financial aid - they said I'd hear within a week of submitting this essay, then 3 weeks letter I get a scholarship. I finally got my admissions packet in the mail YESTERDAY, and I was admitted on February 5! I'm sure GT is a great school, but I am not impressed with the admissions process. Further, they gave me only $5K....there is no way I can afford that. :|

I was accepted to Georgetowns Public Policy School - I applied there because I liked their development policy program, But I prefer Fordhams IPED program, I really just think I would enjoy more. Georgetown is a big name, but I mean, I liked Fordham's program better. Plus GPPI didn't offer me much in the way of funding, and its tuition is insane.

OMG!!!! They just posted....I got in! I cannot believe it! this is a dream come true!

Has everyone who got e-mails today also received funding? Do you guys think they have e-mailed everyone or just those receiving money? I mean, if I didn't get an e-mail, should I just give up?

Anyone who has been accepted to Fordham, and does not plan to go, kindly inform them your offer! I want off this damn waitlist! Ah, kidding. But I haaaaate waitlists. Its worse agony than not knowing.

I would talk to the department - ask if they have any type of funding that would help you out. As cheesy as it sounds, maybe there is a student who wouldn't mind you crashing on their couch? Do you know anyone in the area? I think going would be a great idea. But its not worth $800.

I am trying to make my decision, and unfortunately will not be able to attend the Open Houses at the schools where I have been accepted. I was wondering if someone knows of where I could contact current students (aside from, say, searching on Facebook or something) to get their opinions on the following programs: Georgetown Public Policy Institute UMD School of Public Policy UPitt Graduate School of Public and International Affairs Any ideas? Maybe I should try contacting the departments and asking for student contacts?

I am on a waitlist at one of my top choices, and I am wondering if it would be a good idea to call them and ask about their waitlist procedures. I don't want to hold out hope or reject another offer if I am extremely far down their list. What do you guys think? It couldn't hurt to ask them how they handle the waitlist? Should I call or e-mail?

I got that e-mail too. Ten bucks says the system will crash on Friday with everyone trying to access it!

I got an e-mail about 20 minutes and was accepted into their International Development program. Try logging into Apply Yourself, there may be a link to your decision at the bottom of the page?

Bah...they waitlisted me. This sucks.

Ugh....that doesn't make me feel too good. I wish Georgetown had given me more money!!

I am also curious about this program. I'm hoping to focus on development policy. They awarded me half a fellowship, which shot them to the top of my list - it covers half of tuition, plus gives me in-state tuition rates for the remaining tuition which is nearly covered by a stipend. I wanted to go to the open house, but I work two jobs and its not really going to be possible.