rose1

Might as well start weighing the options. Fletcher offered me funding, although not a ton (12K). I LOVE the sense of community they seem to build there and their job placement record is stellar. Their location is not the best.They do allow study abroad, which SAIS and SIPA don't, and give you access to classes at Harvard. Tufts has less name recognition abroad than the other two. SAIS is in a better location and is more econ focused, which I like. They didn't accept me into IDEV, but I could choose any other concentration. I know more people in DC and I've taken classes at SAIS and loved them. SIPA has the advantage of being an Ivy and being near the UN. I didn't expect to get in here so I haven't done as much research on it. Seems harder to get to know professors here.

That makes sense - good luck!

Well there should be something underneath application status that says "decision status" and that's where the link to your decision will be posted. Does your application say it's NOT submitted??? it should definitely say "submitted" and "application complete"

I JUST GOT IN!! I can't believe it - this was my reach school! No funding, but none was expected. Helpplease - did you get an e-mail saying your admissions decision was ready? Mine came about 5 minutes ago. And THANK YOU Columbia for including my PIN in the e-mail so I didn't have to go through 6 months of e-mail to find it!

OhMyGod I'm in at SIPA...and SAIS....and Fletcher...this is THE BEST DAY EVER!!! How will I ever choose?!

My letter said I got in but I didn't get IDEV...it said I could pick any other concentration. I'm just happy I got in!

I don't know. Are they offering the named fellowships in their acceptance letters or will that come out with FAFSA aid??

Accepted to SAIS and Fletcher in one afternoon?! SO EXCITED!!!

IN WITH 12K! Was not expecting this today!!!!! I can stop worrying now. Let the party commence!

Oh my goodness, no! Take a deep breath! People JUST started receiving e-mails!

I would like to point out that I found this thread REASSURING because lower ranked schools often come out with admissions decisions first and if you were rejected from your safety school, I can see how you might fly into panic mode thinking there is no way you will get in ANYWHERE, when that is clearly not the case.

Aww that's actually really sweet.

Gradcafe is freaking me out. I'm going on a long lunch break. Sorry, job, I'm useless right now.

IS IT MID-MARCH YET?

Also, act really excited about the opportunity to go to grad school! Present the news as if you expect a celebratory cake, not a stern talking-to about responsibility. Nobody wants to be the downer that criticizes someone for following their dreams, even if they secretly hate that you're leaving. And everyone loves cake.

THE EARLIER THE BETTER. Nobody panics about something that's happening in six months - "I'm quitting in six months" will elicit a bored "Oh, that's too bad." If you wait until the end, people might panic. YOU'RE LEAVING IN TWO WEEKS? Suddenly they will remember that moment in your interview when they put you on the spot and you promised to work there for at least a decade. Tell people now and then drop it and get back to work. You still have half a year.

I also avoided the development programs, even though that's what I want to do, in favor of a more quant focused masters...but I'm jealous of how all the development programs seem to have released admissions decisions already! This wait is killing me. I just want to call in sick and sleep through tomorrow and wake up on the 14th.

At least you already have an acceptance so you know you're going somewhere!

I could be way off but it seems to me that the people who are the most qualified (and that have the most relevant work experience) will have less flowery essays because 1. they'll have more of substance to talk about and 2. they won't glamorize their intended profession since they already know what it entails.

I asked if there was any chance of more aid coming out and they said no (I was basically offered $5,000 and $20,000 in unsubsidized loans). At least they're honest.

Question for the people that have heard back from Georgetown - did any of you apply to SFS?

I keep seeing people saying they got into Georgetown but I don't think anybody has heard back from SFS yet.

ugh I'm sorry that happened to you, but there's nothing wrong with your stats. I bet you'll get in somewhere. I was actually kind of worried about the SIS app because I didn't do the optional essay due to the super-long length of the mandatory SOP. I know I definitely felt like the last application or two I turned in were not my best.

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MA in IR (or MS at Georgetown) Schools Applied To: Fletcher, SIPA, SAIS, SIS, SFS Schools Admitted To: SIS Schools Rejected From: Still Waiting: All but SIS Undergraduate institution: top 100 public school ("public ivy," whatever that means) Undergraduate GPA: 3.94 Undergraduate Major: Political Science, IR concentration Last 60 hours of undergraduate GPA: 4.0 GRE Quantitative Score: 710 GRE Verbal Score: 670 GRE AW Score: 4.5 Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3 Years of Work Experience: 3 Describe Relevant Work Experience: Internship with the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (got published), a year as an advocate for rural education in Nicaragua with a nonprofit, Teach For America on the border of Mexico, Research Coordinator for the Global Health Office of a medical school at a large research university Languages: English (native), Spanish (fluent), Portuguese, Italian (beginner) Quant: Micro and Macro, Stats I and II, taught middle school math and science with Teach For America International Exposure: Disaster relief in Honduras and Peru, studied abroad in New Zealand/Australia, volunteered a year in Nicaragua, taught on the border of Mexico, traveled all throughout Europe and South America Strength of SOP: Spent a long time on the SOP since my GRE writing score was weaker than expected. Once won a $500 essay contest for an essay on a book I never read, so I think I'm a decent writer. I did make some cliches (started with a diary excerpt from my first trip abroad, talked about wanting to work for the UN) but I did a good job describing where I want to go and how I'm qualified to get there. Really spent time tailoring essays to each university and had them read by several profs and a former English teacher. Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): One from my current boss (which should be fantastic), one from a former prof (which should be even more fantastic), and one from a former boss (which should be pretty good). Other: I have a couple of publications. I am NOT an above average driver.

Heehee Mhashmi - staff members of universities do not normally get spring break (I am sitting here in my empty University office wishing we did, though!)