erry3779
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Posts posted by erry3779
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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.
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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.
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What changes oseirus?
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Why is this thread so silence? Where is everybody?
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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!
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How about a few days before orientation?
Well that would be great! Lets wait til Madrilena made us the group.. Hehehee
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Hi guys! Well I figured it will be just a matter of time when I have to depart from ur official sipa class of 2014. Still sad that I'm not part of it and this forum made me realize even more how great sipa students are! Best of luck to all of u with ur study and career...as for me well it back to gre and whatever to get accepted next year. As always any suggestions are appreciated!
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!
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erry congratulations on your decision. so, where do we meet in nyc
I say Tom's Diner!
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
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I have already sent the message to this guy so hopefully we can do the group today and post the link on the SIPA message board.
Wow thanks!!! The 2014 is very lucky to have a member like you!!!!
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Ok hahaha. I'll do it but I'm going to send first a message to the guy who created the SIPA page, so he can know it as it was his idea. I think a page is better because it's more private and we can know who are the members. I have seen that the class of 2011 and 2012 have also fb groups
Let us know about it, and then you can post something on the SIPA message board so other 2014 fellows can join!
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But it's not actually a group, it's just a type of Like/Fan page I think...so we can't really don't know who is a member! hahaha I have just seen your post, Erry!
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)!!!
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Yes, you're right there is one already for class of 2014! Thanks Oseirus!
i was one of the first ti put a post on that group hahaha
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I totally agree!!! ;-)
Where should we make it? Hahahaha
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I made it !! Just got my result !!!! I'm in !!!!! Yayyyyy !!!!!!!!
Thanks everyone ! You've been such a support !!!!! This is so amazing !!
Yay! I knew it!! Welcome! We should really make a group or something for the amazing people in this theead who is already set up for SIPA!
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Now you're talkin' !! Woohooo !!!!
Now come on SIPA...get me in tooo !!!
I'm sure you will get in! You have to!!! Got that? You have to!
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Finally.. its official.. I just said no to SAIS, and yes to SIPA...
And yes osierus.. I'm with you... lets make a study group like the tv show Community.. but we will have to at least take 1 class together each semester.. hahaha..
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I'm gonna notify the institution that gives me the fellowship tonight (GMT+7).. I'll let you know guys after its official! I can't bear this any longer! Whichever school I pick is the best school for me!!!
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Thank you SO much guys for your kind words! I'm super happy right now. Still can't believe it. This is a dream. I hope I can meet all of you at SIPA.
Fleetly, now I'm with you! I really hope you can get in as well.
Alainray, we'll be partners, that's great!!
Erry, you SHOULD go to SIPA! Seriously, we wanna see you there! ;-) Please, let us know what you decide.
Good luck to those who are still waiting! You really deserve to get in!
You and people on this thread will be the first to know when I finally send my deposit to one of those schools! I'm still waiting for some emails to be replied by SIPA's current students and alums!
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madrilena, huge congrats. now erry will be closer to SIPA I think
Hahaha what about you msal?
SAIS is somehow creepin in...but im doing my best to justify SIPA!!! Wish me luck hanaha
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Cossack and Madrilena... CONGRATULATIONSS!!!!!!!
So what policy concentration are u in guys???
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What about you, Erry? Have you already made up your mind? ;-) Are you more close to SIPA or SAIS right now?
SIPAaaaaaaa and will be closer if people on this theread are also going to SIPA!!!
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i really want to thank everyone on this thread because it's really nice how everyone's been so helpful..and really SIPA should've accepted us all...we make huge positive bunch..! and in fact sipa thank a lot of posters on this thread for converting those should-i-go-to-sipa-or-nots to sipa-here-i-come !
So which on are you fleety? The 'shoul-i-go-to-sipa' or the 'sipa-here-i-come' ?
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The caliber of the professors, course offerings, directions you can take the various concentrations in, student body (HUGE one, given the varied backgrounds of such an international group), ability to use the resources/classes of the entire university, the huge number of events/conferences, and yes, the professional opportunities it opens to you. What I've heard is that if you aggressively pursue what you want, the Columbia name and network will help open doors.
These are, of course, what the school itself bills as the main selling points, but the people I've talked to are friends and colleagues who themselves are interested in my success, and they've all said the same things.
I also think beekline makes a good point - the criticism may all be valid, but it is being made in the context of SIPA still being one of the very top PA/PP/IR schools, so they are just the things to consider when you're deciding between schools.
Should also mention - the 3 folks who are grads I've talked to all have had success out of SIPA. Admittedly that is a very small sample size, and they've graduated in different years, but it's still worthwhile information.
One is a senior associate at my office (very respected think tank/policy research organization, nonprofit but you definitely make a good living for the industry/salary range, certainly based on what my pre-grad degree salary is compared to the nonprofit career statistics published by SIPA) She got her MPA in 2002 I believe.
Another, my former coworker, who had the same position I do now, got his MIA in 2011, decided to concentrate in Energy and Environment and used the degree to make an industry switch, and now works for an energy consulting/monitoring firm.
Another friend got her MIA in 2010 and then continued school by pursuing a phD at HKS, where she is now.
I'll be sure to save this! To remind me that I should pick SIPA whenever my head screaming the word SAIS!!! Oh God I have to make decision soon.. it will take all the stress away.
Thank you very much HDPFDan
SIPA (Columbia) Thread
in Government Affairs Forum
Posted
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!