Chipembere

The MPA-DP results come after the standard MPA and MIA. Don't expect to hear today or even necessarily next week.

Why did you withdraw the previous two times?

Seems like an easy decision...

I like numbers so I'm curious as to how much more (exactly) Harvard will cost vs. GW including living expenses. In addition, it's hard to give you sound advice without knowing what you hope to do in the future and how much more earning potential Harvard may (or may not) give you. If it were me, I would go with GW. Close to full-tuition from the Elliott School is a great accomplishment and I can't stand the thought of +100k in loans. Having said that, if Harvard's program is that much better in your area of interest and you are comfortable with the large amount of debt AND think it will significantly enhance what you will make down the road...go for it. Not many get an opportunity to receive an education from Harvard.

I can't comment on the quality of either program, but the following two quotes sum up my take on your situation. "The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty 'yes' to your adventure" “A bit of advice Given to a young Native American At the time of his initiation: As you go the way of life, You will see a great chasm. Jump. It is not as wide as you think.” --joseph campbell

What made you choose Maxwell over American and GW?

Anyone going to the accepted student day? I was, like a few others, accepted to the MPA/IR program. Received notification a few days ago. Where else did everyone apply?

I largely agree with this, especially the last part about the personal nature of deciding where to go. This thread has been hugely helpful and relevant to me. Is anyone attending the admitted student day for Maxwell, CIPA or GW? I'm in a bit of a quandary. CIPA has offered $28k/year to attend. Would you consider Maxwell (joint MPA/MAIR) or GW (MPA Tracht) without funding over CIPA in this scenario? If not, how much would Maxwell and GW have to offer to make it worth it to pass up such a generous fellowship from CIPA?

Hey Green, Appreciate your thoughtful response. It helped me realize that between all of my choices, the programs that fit me best are CIPA, Maxwell and GW. Now comes the hard part of figuring out which of the three is the best option. Congratulations on your own success. Do you know where your going yet? Also, if anyone has anything to add in terms of CIPA vs Maxwell vs GW please do share.

Can you give us an idea about how big the gap in funding is?

C'mon guys get in here! Any opinions welcome.

Hi all, I feel like this is one of the few places I can turn to for sound advice. My family and friends only know so much about this and as a result their opinion is often based on nothing concrete. Let me start by saying I feel very fortunate for being admitted to some great programs. With each acceptance, however, my ultimate decision continues to grow more difficult. There are so many factors that go into making the right decision; professors, career services, funding, location etc. My interests are in international development and I have been working in Africa for the past 3.5 years for an international NGO. In the future, I hope to get back into the field for 5-7 more years and then potentially make a transition into policy making. Like so many others, I am interested in a career with big org's like the UN, World Bank etc. Here are the programs where I have been accepted and am considering: 1. GWU Trachtenberg (MPA) 2. American SIS (International Development) 3. Cornell CIPA (MPA, 28k/yr) 4. Syracuse Maxwell (MPA/IR joint degree) Still waiting (but assume I was accepted for now in terms of weighing the options, but with no funding): 5. Brandeis Heller (SID) 6. Columbia SIPA (MPA-DP) Right now Cornell is the clear front-runner in my mind because of the large funding offer. I don't want to make that the only basis for my decision, though, as some of these other programs are very strong as well. Also, the possibility does still exist to get funding from Maxwell and American. Please Grad Cafe, help me break this down!

Hey Legally, My impression of Monterey is that it is solid. I think it is diverse program with some really talented faculty. I believe the program tends to be very hands on and is thus is considered a sort of 'professional school'. It's definitely not for everyone, but if you feel it can best meet your needs or particular interests I certainly wouldn't write it off. Personally, it is out of the running for me because of better offers elsewhere, but with your $15k/yr I'd look into it thoroughly and talk to as many students/alumni faculty as I could. See if you think it can best help you reach your long-term goals. One of my close friends who is very qualified just decided to go there. Congrats on your great admits and funding so far and Good Luck during the decision making process.

To State_School: I don't think applying to CIPA is a lost cause at this point. If you put together a good application (and get it in asap) I think you could still get significant funding. Worth a shot at least. That's probably where I'm headed in the Fall.

Heard back a few hours ago. Accepted for next fall.

I was told I would hear from them this week. At least you're on the list! Where else did you apply if you don't mind me asking?

toenail sex

Have applied to 7 programs and have heard back from two thus far. Hang in there.

Thanks to both of you!

Hi all, For the past 6 weeks or so I have lurked this site and have found it very helpful...which means I found many of YOU to be helpful. So just wanted to say thank you to everyone and GL this season! A little about me: I'm a 27yr old U of W-Madison graduate who has for the past 3.5 yrs has been working on health and education in sub-Saharan Africa. I recently came back to the States to apply to graduate school for international development, at which point this site became of interest to me. I am applying to 7 schools in total (Maxwell mpa/ir, SIPA MPA-DP, CIPA-MPA, SIS-ID, Monterey MPA, Brandeis SID, GWU MPA) and cannot wait for this process to be over! Any questions welcome. Thanks everyone.