Sroek

Sorry if I offended anyone. I didn't mean to sound condescending, be annoying, or brag. After reviewing my post, I realized that it wasn't the best thing to say and I could see why people would be offended. Sorry guys. No hard feelings Console and sorry for upsetting you. Good luck to all of you guys and congratulations to everyone.

Deleted.

Anybody doing the IGA program at Harvard? I'm curious to know what your thoughts are on the program, area of focus, and careers after graduation.

Anybody doing the International and Global Affairs concentration?

I applied to HKS and to MSFS among others. One MPP and the other IR, but they both overlapped because my focus was Security and both schools had viable options for me. So I guess my vote is no for now.

I've been wanting to connect and network with MPP candidates and people studying domestic policy. Even though I'm an International Relations major with a focus on Security, I strongly believe that their is an overlap between the two fields. Like I've stated before, you never know what a contact can do, especially for those of us in the DC area. I'll start a new topic and redirect those domestic policy students here so we can broaden our network. I'll send you (Policy_applicant and Plate and invite).

Ya...I think it might have been "alteregoista" who sent it to you. He/she sent me one. "Alteregoista" you should Email and PM us with your contact info or at least your username. I tried sending you a reply through an email. Hopefully you received it.

Come on people lets keep on networking...so far there are only three of us and more are surely welcomed! Don't be shy...one contact could possibly open that door you really need opened. Over 180 views and only three of us. I know we can do better.

Ok. I'll set up a LinkedIn account and send you and HisRoyalHighness an invite. I almost went to Denver, but I couldn't pass up Gtown.

I just sent you an email so hopefully you got it. Let me know if you didn't and I'll also start a Linked and spread the word.

I've never tried Linked, but I guess I might have to now.

Networking goes along way in all fields especially in IR. So I've decided to extend my network base by starting here at the gradcafe forum. If you are interested in networking with me or others just post saying you want to be part of the gradcafe network and people can send each other private messages to get contact info preferably a Facebook friend request since that seems to be the best way these days. I'm going to Georgetown for the MSFS program and I'll be networking there, but my goal is to link up with people from all the other schools such as Korbel, Harvard, SAIS, SIPA, WSS, etc. It doesn't matter if you are MPP or IR, all are welcomed. I'll be in DC and would be willing to help out those that may end up in DC for work or an internship. You never know who you'll need on the other end and it is good to have people all over the place. I also think it is a good idea to network not only at the school you are going to, but also with those from other schools. I don't know...let me know your thoughts. State the school you are attending and your field of study...and if you guys have any other ideas to make this better just say so. Come on guys lets get something going! I'll be going to Gtown for the MSFS program and my concentration is International Relations and Security.

Previous Schools (Name, type, or tier): Community College and State Univ. Previous Degrees and GPA's: English Literature 3.3 UGPA, 3.5 GPA in my last two years of school, 3.7 GPA in my degree courses. GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): Terrible, Terrible, Terrible

It is definitely between SAIS and MSFS. I'm concentrating in security and I think the balance tips in favor of MSFS because you can take your security courses from the Security Studies Program (SSP). If you look at those courses, SAIS simply can't compete. If you want Quantitative / Econ and want to work for the IMF or World Bank, then go SAIS! As for a Phd, you can make it happen at either school, but MSFS would probably be a bit more favorable especially if you take the Thesis Seminar in the SSP program http://courses.georgetown.edu/?CourseID=SEST-700 because it will allow you to produce something worth publishing. Denver simply can't compete with these programs on all fronts so that makes it a bit easier.

You guys have to accept HKS only if you are certain that the program caters specifically to you in almost every aspect!If this is the case, borrow the money and you will be able to pay it back coming from HKS. Money comes and goes and your dreams are priceless. I'm in the same situation as you guys and I have a wife and two kids. I won't be going to HKS, but I'll be at GTown's MSFS program and it suits me perfectly. I grew up poor in the streets of L.A., I never graduated from high school, went to a community college and a Cal State. I never gave up and borrowed to get through school. The quality of my life now has far exceeded my expectations growing up and there are so many unforeseen opportunities ahead for all of us. I know it is a chunk of money, but begin to look for funding for your second year as passionately as wanting to attend and make things happen for yourself. Think about it like a plot of land that will be worth more than 120k in ten or twenty years time. It is an investment that will eventually pay itself off. Be frugal with what you borrow, and be just as frugal when you graduate and you will be fine. But what do I know! Go with your heart and let your mind problem solve the money issue. You guys a bright enough to figure it out and you will. Good luck guys and if you need a connection in DC, I'll be there to help you. We need to create our own gradcafe network because you never know how we can help each other one day. We are going to lead this world so lets start working together now.

MSFS is not only great for Foreign Service, it is great for all sectors! MSFS has the total package: academics, career opportunities, location, alumni, networking, cost of living, etc. It may not rank at the top in all the areas, but they rank high enough. I think about it like a sports team. Do you want a strong offense with a weaker defense, or a strong defense with a weaker offense? Personally, I like a balance between the two and I feel MSFS meets that balance for me. Hands down you can't go wrong with it, but you are already in some top schools and people would kill to have a spot in those schools. I think you are in a better place than most people and you will be pleased wherever you go. Good luck!

I just got accepted into GTown's MSFS so Chicago is out for me. However, people can take advantage of staying for a second year of specialization or apply for another degree to supplement the year of study. I personally think it's underrated, overlooked, and has unforeseen opportunities. Best thing to do is go to Chicago's open house and see it for yourself. Good Luck guys, I guess I won't be joining you.

Hey guys! I think our program is totally underrated and almost overlooked without serious insight and consideration. Chicago will give us a solid platform to move from whether it is a career in academics or all the other sectors. Being that it is only a one year program, it will definitely give us options to pursue other things such as continued study or work experience. I applied to 13 schools and was bitterly disappointed about not getting into Harvard, but fortunately Chicago has made the disappointment bearable. I guess we will have to settle for going to the #8 ranked school in world! Not bad if you ask me. Private message me if you want to meet up at open house April 6th. I'm looking forward to meeting you guys and having people I know in the city.

I feel it is a no brainer, HKS! Congrats either way!

yuhoolio, It's about the same for Chicago's CIR program. I didn't get Harvard or Yale. So as of now it looks like Chicago for me and I'll be going to the open house in April.

How many people do you think applied to Yale's program? How many do they accept?

Rejected! Feel like crying

Light, I'm curious to know why you didn't apply to some of the other top schools such as SAIS, GTown, and Harvard, SIPA, etc? As far as concentrations, my focus of studies is security studies, U.S. Foreign policy, and International Law in relation to these two areas. I was concerned with CIR at first because it wasn't a full APSIA member, it is a one year program, and the number of applicants were not as high as the other schools, and it is more academic than career oriented. I felt a year was to short to be prepared for a career or for academia, but I have come to realize that CIR is actually underrated. One of the reasons CIR is not a APSIA member is because the program is not an independent school. You take courses from the Law School, Political Science graduate school, and the Harris School of Public Policy. All of these rank 8 in the nation respectively! This is amazing if you think about it. Also, the program is designed similar to that of Princeton's WWS because you get to choose and create your own curriculum. The one year is not as bad as it seems because you can continue for a second year, apply the first quarter for a joint degree with the other amazing departments, work immediately after one year, or apply to another school an finish your education. All of these options add to the program. These are some of the reasons I think the school is underrated, but I could be wrong. Do you guys have any thoughts on this?

What are your thoughts on the program? I'll be going in April as well. We should exchange info and meet up. Where else did you apply?

I'll be going to the open house on April 6th and I was wondering who else was accepted to the program and might be going?