erry3779

Cosmic Grad, I agree with you on the line "They are not going to hold your hand step-by-step but the resources and the networks are there, just like in real life. I am also attracted to the fact that there are many international students". I was having trouble choosing betwen SAIS and SIPA. In the end I pick SIPA, accept their offer and immediately decline the other schools. And I feel great and relieved I made that choice, now I just cant wait to start the fall semester,esp the fact that SIPA will open a new center "center of global economic governance" which is my favorite subject. As to the size, SIPA is a very large program. In fact, it was the largest program I applied to and it was a concern of mine. But in order to make the right decision, you need to be honest with yourself about what kind of program you need. Because of SIPA's size, it has an enormous amount of course offerings, in almost every policy subject - domestic and international. There won't be a topic that isn't covered through coursework or programming. This also means that SIPA has networks for capstones and projects that extend into every program area. Additionally, we can take courses at all of the other top graduate programs, the Business school, the Law school, the School of Social Work, Teachers College, and the Public Health school. On the other hand, I must expect classroom sizes from around 15 to 60 students. While teachers regularly meet with students, they aren't always available for one or one attention or guidance through every step of your academic experience. So in line with what Cosmic Grad says, Columbia is like New York City, you must be ready to seek out what you need and can't be timid about accessing help and support. But everything is there!

Hey guys! How was the admitted students day in overall? We're making the right choice right? Anyway this is the 1000th post on this thread! Yay for us all

That was my problem a few weeks ago,, but yeah we can only give out some clues and try to be as objective as we can if you could be more elaborate on your situation, your goals, and your interests.

Previous Schools (Name, type, or tier): one of the 1st tier universities in Indonesia Previous Degrees and GPAs: B.A. Political Science majoring International Relations.; 3.52 overall GPA (3.6 major/last two years) GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): 155V/155Q/3.5AW Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): 3 years; 2 years at the ministry of foreign affairs, 1 year at a bank Math/Econ Background: no math since high school, no basic econ,,, (prepared for exam waiver) Foreign Language Background (if applicable to your program): French minor Intended Field of Study in Grad School: International Political Economy (international finance and economic policy) Long Term Professional Goals: continue serving the ministry of foreign affairs / ministry of trade / ministry of finance; joining the WTO, World Bank, or IMF Schools Applied to & Results: Columbia SIPA (accepted), Johns Hopkins SAIS (accepted), American Univ SIS (accepted), Fordham GSAS (accepted), GWU ESIA (wait listed). Ultimate Decision & Why: SIPA, apart from the fact that Columbia is my dream school, the course listings and offering at SIPA is more varied, well-structured, and richer than any of the other schools I applied to (according to my personal taste and opinion of course and the fact that I can tailored my course listings using other Columbia's graduate school courses such as the school of business and law). The resources in general offered at SIPA and NYC is way better than any of the other schools I applied. Advice for Future Applicants: Know what you want, know what you can sell, know yourself! Wrap it up on a very strong package of application that the parts of the application are actually supporting each other in letting them know what you want, what you sell,and yourself. I have no econ background, a very standard GRE (even pretty low for some standards), and only 2 years of related experience. But I made sure that my CV/resume, letter of intent, academic writing sample, my letter of recommendations, all telling the facts that is supporting each other that I'm one who is deeply in love with int'l economic policy and finance, been doing some things for it, and been learning about it even if I had to do it by myself.

What changes oseirus?

Why is this thread so silence? Where is everybody?

Columbia (and SIPA) is like New York City, you must be ready to seek out what you need and can't be timid about accessing help and support,,, but everything is there!

Well that would be great! Lets wait til Madrilena made us the group.. Hehehee

Hi beekline, its sad that you will not be joining us! But ther's always next year! And you are in NYC! We should definitely meet up! Just pm me if you want to connect! For next year application, dont worry too much on GRE, focus on building a whole package... From CV, SoP, LoR, and everything else has to support each other.. So when they review your application they can really imagine who you are and what you will be!

Lets do it! Haha! But i will be in DC for summer courses.., my fellowship program required me to enroll on SAiS Summer courses ... Be in NY mid or late august

Wow thanks!!! The 2014 is very lucky to have a member like you!!!!

Let us know about it, and then you can post something on the SIPA message board so other 2014 fellows can join!

So make the group Madrilena25! Lets show them how SIPA can also have a tightly knitted students group (with bigger members and bigger advantages of course)!!!

i was one of the first ti put a post on that group hahaha

Where should we make it? Hahahaha