LiberalHawk

bbq555, I feel your pain! I recall my own dismay at the headache that is called the GRE. For a few months it was the bane of my existence. Keep at it, with a little luck and lots of preparation you'll defeat and overcome this foe. Just fyi, don't blow it off but also don't let it drive you crazy. Just remember that it's simply a hurdle to be overcome and you can get into any of the top programs even if your GRE scores are not perfect. You simply have to cross a minimum threshold and be 'in the range' to get consideration and almost everyone else who will be applying will also be in this same range. What will really set you apart will be your SOP, recs and work experience. Never forget this. While rare, it is possible to get into your dream program even if you bomb the GRE as long as you dazzle the adcomm with a stellar SOP, strong recs from respected individuals who know you well and speak highly of you and your work, combined with substantive work experience that is relevant to what you want to study. Schools want good people who will be successful and reflect well on their program not just good test scores and gpas. That being said, your chances are better if you combine all of those characteristics with a strong GRE performance. As someone posted earlier, focus on your pace. It is better to have more correct answers than it is to get this ONE answer correct. Treat the test as though you were a commander in battle who must make critical decisions under time constraints with imperfect information. Remember that the GRE is Blitzkrieg not siege warfare. If you encounter stiff resistance from one question, take your best shot and pass it by in order to keep moving along to conquer the next set of questions. You will face confusion and uncertainty, which will lead to mistakes, but you must maintain a clear focus on your overarching strategic goal and persist in relentlessly moving forward toward the completion of that goal.

Follow-up question: Considering the info in my original post, SIPA or Elliott? I'm not sure how others view it but in terms of 'tiering', I'd guess SIPA would be considered a lower Tier 1 while Elliott would be a top Tier 2. Is the qualitative difference between the two really that wide? Overall, both have very strong Security Policy programs as well as Asian regional studies programs. I think SIPA has stronger opportunities to perfect my language (mandarin) skills but it seems like Elliott has a more practical focus to its program. I can list many positives and negatives for the locations (NY vs. DC) and for me, i'd say it's probably a wash or very slight advantage to DC so that wouldn't be a deciding factor. I've visited both campuses and sat in on classes at both programs. I was thoroughly impressed with students and professors at both and feel like either would be an excellent place to pursue my studies. I know the standard response would be to 'follow my gut' but sadly my gut is being conspicuously silent right now. Any thoughts or tidbits of information that may help me decide one way or the other would be greatly appreciated. Or if you prefer, a few snarky comments to just make me stop stressing out so much... that would be welcome to! :mrgreen:

Trying to determine the best route to go. My intended focus will be International Security Policy specifically as it relates to US relations with China and East Asia in general. Trying to decide between SIPA, IWP, GSPIA and UMD's MPP. Waitlisted at Elliott (my top choice)... No funding from any of them so i'll be doing this the hard way. The major factors would be: - Cost - Strength of Security Policy program - Strength of East Asian Studies program and language study options (my skills have come a long way but I've still got a way to go) - Location and internship/networking opportunities - Reputation and Alumni Network I'm leaning towards SIPA but the cost is bordering on prohibitive. My question is if anyone has any insight into the reputations of IWP and GSPIA. How strong are their alumni networks and are grads from their programs well received in comparison to programs like GW, SAIS, GTown, SIPA, AU or UMD? Also how much of a disadvantage is it to not be in DC or NYC for a program like this? Any thoughts?