nouveau.ukiyo

Previous Schools: Small liberal arts university (poor ranking, not in any 'tier') Previous Degrees and GPAs: MA Biology (3.2) GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): 160/157/4.5 Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): 4 years total; 1 year at a non-profit, NIH grant funded biotech; 3 years teaching English in Japan (1 year high school, 2 years elementary school) Math/Econ Background: Principles of Microeconomics; Principles of Macroeconomics; Statistics Foreign Language Background (if applicable to your program): Japanese Intended Field of Study in Grad School: International business and government relations, especially between developed and developing nations. Long Term Professional Goals: US Commercial Service; US Foreign Service; private sector (gotta keep my options open!) Schools Applied to & Results: See my signature Ultimate Decision & Why: Georgetown MSFS. It was tough choosing between MSFS and SAIS, especially since many people on this forum favor SAIS. It sometimes seemed liked I was the only person here seriously considering MSFS. To be honest, I don't think I could go wrong with either school. There are a few drawback to SAIS in my opinion. I don't want to do a pre-term. I also don't really want to go to Bologna for the first year. Both these things make the degree more expensive. I like MSFS for obvious reasons; smaller program, good reputation, real college campus, 2 years in DC ( = more internship opportunities; I'm making a big career change and want all kinds of different experiences to test the waters as it is). MSFS's International Commerce and Business concentration curriculum also seemed more practical to me vs. SAIS's economics/theory/regional studies curriculum. In the end, I think an MSFS degree can take me anywhere I want (geographic location, sector, etc.). I feel a degree at SAIS will send me straight to an investment bank or other dull private sector job, which is not my goal. Advice for Future Applicants: The entire application matters! Many weak aspects of an application can be compensated by stronger aspects. My profile seems pathetic compared others on this forum (which makes me wonder why so many people come here to freak out, despite having 4.0 undergrad GPAs at Amazing University, perfect GREs, fluent in 10 languages and possess stellar work experience). I do not have a great GPA nor did I graduate from a prestigious school. But I think I had good recommendations (the president of my university plus my adviser, dean of graduate studies, and one professional recommendation). I also think my personal statement was good; I was very specific about where my life has taken me thus far, my goals, my readiness to enter graduate school and how graduate school can help me attain my goals. And lastly, I think I have good 'international experience' (biracial, dual citizen, fluent in Japanese, working knowledge of Spanish, Tagalog and Korean, plenty of world travel since infancy, experience living abroad). I didn't get into all the schools I applied to. But I think my experience offers some hope to those who feel their chances of getting into a great school are low. My grad school application has taught me a lot, specifically that there is no universal rhyme or reason among grad school admission committees. American and UCSD were my safety schools. I didn't get into American. I also thought Tufts, SAIS and SIPA admission would decide my fate with a coin toss. I feel blessed to get into SAIS and lucky to not get flat out rejected at Tufts and SIPA. Georgetown I thought was a long shot, but I got in. Advice: If you are a similar applicant to me, with a less than average application, try and compensate for weak parts of your application. Unfortunately, I made my undergrad college decision based solely on sports. I wasn't good enough for Division I, so I went to a Division III school because I thought I'd be more competitive. My major and career goals weren't really on the radar at the time. I though I'd become a doctor and it'd be simple. For the first 2 years of undergrad, I was doing well. During my 3rd year, my world crashed down around me and all hope of medical school was wiped out. That's when I really started to examine myself and discover what I really wanted to do with my life. I studied abroad my senior year and started to consider IR grad schools. But because I didn't go to a prestigious school and had a poor GPA, I knew I needed to do something to make myself a more competitive applicant. 5 years later, after working with stem cells, studying at a Japanese language school, working in Japan and plenty of travel, I'm heading to Georgetown. Good luck to all of you!

I spoke to someone at GT MSFS and she said only 5-6 (out of 100) from last year's class did not report back on their employment survey. Since the numbers were published, I she said they've heard back from almost everyone but they don't want to update the numbers on the website (?). I think some of the people who did not report were trying to get into State; for last year's class, she said 4-6 joined the Foreign Service last year and 2-3 joined them since then.

Who will pay for you tuition? You or the Thai government? What are your goals?

I believe GT MSFS is a practitioner oriented program and therefore a terminal degree. Few of their students go on to do PhDs.

Thanks dft309. I'm glad you replied. I thought my thread would disappear into the depths of the internet with no replies. If you don't mind me asking, what's your experience like at SAIS? And what are studying, where did you intern and what kind of job are you hoping to get after graduation?

I think the instructions are pretty easy to understand. Are you applying for a January intake? When's the deadline? If you are applying for next fall, I think you have plenty of time. Perhaps it will be helpful to you if I explain what I wrote. Since I live in Japan, I wrote about last year's earthquake/tsunami, my personal experience and reaction. Since I was at work at the time, I wrote about how it impacted me and my workplace. I also wrote about my observations of the Japanese people's reaction to the disaster vs. people in other countries (Japan = calm, helpful and orderly; foreigners and foreign media = Japan has become a nuclear wasteland and sunk into the ocean).

I heard back from the school today and they did not offer me any kind of merit aid, etc. so I will cross this school off my list. Good luck to everyone heading to IR/PS or which ever path you choose!

I'm trying to decide between MSFS and SAIS; although SAIS is stronger that MSFS in Asian IR, for me, MSFS has a few advantages also. At MSFS, I intend to pick the International Business and Commerce concentration; I'll pick up a lot of business skills as well as IR related skills and knowledge. However, I spoke to a current student and he said the program is my generalist based and their students don't really focus on a particular country or region. If I choose to go to SAIS, I'd gain a lot of economic and Asia IR knowledge. But I'm not sure what kind of skills I'd have when I graduate. Am I wrong in my thinking? For SAIS students who don't pick a functional concentration, can anyone tell me what skills they'll gain? It's seems like regional concentration programs are heavy on theory and research but I don't want to be a researcher nor want to get a Ph.D.

Hey everyone, sorry to create another 'Vs.' thread. If you don't mind, I'd like to ask for your opinions. I trying to decide between SAIS and Georgetown SFS and I'm having a tough time! My stated goal in my personal statements is to become a Commercial Service Officer. These people work at US embassies, but are members of the Department of Commerce, not the State Department, I believe. Among the many things CSOs do, their work mostly consists of promoting and assisting American businesses in other countries. In grad school, I want to focus on East Asia. East Asia has developed countries, near-developed, and developing countries all mixed together. I want to focus my studies on three main aspects of IR, business, government and development, and integrate them together in the context of East Asia and the US. I won't go into details of my thoughts and reasoning, but this is part of why I want to become a CSO. To my disbelief, I got into SFS and SAIS. Unfortunately, I got no merit aid from either school; I'll be borrowing money in either case. Now here's where things get tricky for me. I've been in Japan for 3.5 years and speak Japanese with reasonable fluency. For that reason, I applied to SAIS and picked the Japan Studies regional concentration. After reading through their website, it looks like if I take a few extra Asia IR classes, I can get a Masters of Asia IR (which I intend to do if I choose SAIS). I guess the International Economics concentration and Asia IR coursework could prepare me for my intended career. But in case I can't become a CSO (of which there is a very high probability me thinks), I'd be in a good position to return to Japan/Asia or enter into some kind of Japan/Asian-related work I would think. For SFS, I picked the International Commerce and Business concentration. Compared to SAIS, SFS has very little variety with only 3 concentrations. SFS prides itself in being a 'practitioner-oriented' program; their classes are all about teaching skills. Very few people at SFS go on to do Ph.D's because they don't focus on research or theory. I wouldn't be able to take a lot of Japan/Asia-related courseshere; instead, I'd have a lot of more general IR and business classes. So why am I confused? Well, as many people stated on this forum, SAIS has a better Asian department and connections. But I think Georgetown's ICB program offers more practical skills rather than history and theory. SAIS is very economics heavy, but how useful is all that economics knowledge unless you want to become an economist? And as interesting as their Japan/Asia IR classes sound, how useful will they be? I'll benefit from gaining knowledge about history and issues in Japan/Asia, but what marketable skills will I have to show employers besides the fact I know a lot about Japan/Asia IR? I suppose I could switch and pick a functional concentration instead, but nothing at SAIS seems to fit my goals I think. Part of me also thinks I shouldn't fret over details; after all, SAIS is an amazing school with great connections and many, many successful alums. Another issue is location. If I choose SAIS, I will do my first year at Bologna vs. 2 years in DC with SFS. As cool as it would be to go to Bologna (I'll probably never get a chance to live in Europe again), part of me also reasons that it would be wiser to be in DC for 2 years. And of course, I'm also pondering the other issues already mentioned on this forum: program size, school prestige, school connections, actual campus vs. office building in downtown DC, debt, etc. I guess the issue comes back to my original thoughts on IR schools: by getting a Masters in IR, what skills would I gain and how useful will they be in when seeking employment? I've always seen MBAs has a better investment, not only because they command higher salaries, but also because they give people practical skills. For the same reason, I suppose I favor SFS over SAIS at the moment. I'm welcome to any input! By choosing an IR degree, I'm moving into a new field career-wise, so there is a lot I don't know. So please educate me!

Some of the top schools schools don't have widespread international brand recognition. If that means something to you, by all means get into the brand name of your choice. However, the top IR schools are well-known in their field worldwide, which is what matters when you are looking for IR jobs in the private sector at least (which is where I gather many people worried about brand name want to work, in which case why not get an MBA?). All the schools provide great education and will prepare you for your ideal career me thinks. Not famous does not equal bad school. And as many said here, the school name might only mean something initially after graduation and during your career's formative years. Eventually, your resume, skills, network, etc. will carry vastly more weight than where you graduated. As for SFS's reputation, I'm not buying the argument many people present here. I participated in an online chat today; they said last year they had maybe 4 students become FSOs, perhaps a few more have joined them since graduation. The school's employment stats say that of the 2011 class, 39% went into the public sector, which includes foreign governments and multi-laterals, with the rest distributed among the private and non-profit sectors. So it's hardly a US government employment machine. In fact, I think SFS's numbers are similar to SAIS.

msal, I found some lectures/talks, etc. by professors at both schools on Youtube.

I've heard the same things about both schools. But Georgetown is always considered a top IR school, if not the best. If their graduates are so one dimensional and go on to do the same/similar things, why are they considered the best? If I go to SAIS, I'd have to start at Bologna. Unfortunately, they have only 1 or 2 Asia-related classes!

^^ I am faced with the same dilemma as charlotte_asia i.e. SAIS vs. SFS. For the past week, I've been partial to SAIS because it has stronger Asia/Japan connections. But my goal has always been public service and it would seem that Georgetown is the best choice in this regard.

Thanks orangesplease for contacting your friend. I got a packet in the mail today from the school, so I spent some time go over the materials. I noticed for the first time that the school runs on trimesters; I can't believe I never realized this. I also discovered that IR/PS has a Youtube channel.

Well IR programs pull in lots of international students; a good number of people here are non-American. There are also a few non-American programs/schools being discussed. Some of the top IR programs have ridiculous costs, so a lot of people are concerned as to how they will pay for their education. And I think there are a few people out there don't even know what an IR masters can do for you.

Hey IR_Lion, I'll try and address a few of your questions. I'm considering attending SAIS and I've picked the Japan Studies concentration. I don't think you can pick two Asian regional concentrations. But you can get something called a Master of Arts in AsiaIR. How it works is that you initially pick an Asian regional concentration, take 4 classes pertaining to that region, then take 2 Asia classes outside your concentration and take a language test; this fulfills your regional concentration. In my case, I'd take 4 Japan classes and 2 more AsiaIR classes plus a Japanese proficiency test. To fulfill the AsiaIR requirements, I believe you take an additional 2 AsiaIR classes outside your concentration. If you wanted, I believe you could probably take 4 Japan and 4 China Studies classes and that would fulfill the Asia IR requirements. As for the Nanjing Center, I can't say much since I don't know much about it. But do you think by attending there you could gain something valuable outside of classes? A lot of people say that students at top MBA programs don't learn much; those people are already among the top business leaders in the world, so there isn't much more that they need to learn. So why do they go? Networking. They get to meet other top business leaders and create relationships that will further their career, get them better jobs, etc. I know the Nanjing Center is a very different program and environment, but I would think you'd be able to meet people there and network. Both Chinese and international students attend, so you could create a pretty geographically wide network. You didn't mention your goals btw. And did you get money from SAIS?

My theory is that they send out the first batch of notifications to those who were 'easy decisions'; the best applicants were accepted right away and vice versa. That leaves a bunch applications which are more difficult decisions. For these, the admission committee stalks thegradcafe.com and tries to match posters with applicants in order to track all their posts and better understand the applicants' thoughts and personalities. I'm just kidding, but some people post so much detailed information about their application that I don't think it would be hard for the admission staff to examine the forums for a few hours and match posters with applications. I'd imagine they'd try to do the same thing with facebook. All schools make facebook pages and a lot of us 'Like' them; this makes it easier for the schools to track us down and examine our profiles. On a more serious note, I read here or in another thread a rumor stating that earlier decisions at some schools are based not only on your application but also on the likelihood an applicant would accept an offer of admission. In other words, a middle of the pack applicant perceived as being likely to accept an offer could get an earlier notification. Combined with dcenergygirl's rumor, it kind of makes sense to me.

Would it be acceptable to defer based on finances? Or would SAIS, etc. ask us to reapply?

What do you mean by 'heard back'? Did you e-mail/contact them about aid? I didn't get offered anything in my acceptance letter, so I assumed that was the end of the story; but would it be worth contacting them directly and seeing if the situation is/could possibly be different?

Thanks orangesplease. You post is helpful; I'm trying to get a gauge on the place as I've never lived on the west coast, haven't been there for awhile and will have to make an admission decision without ever visiting the place unfortunately. I'm looking forward to hearing from your friend.

I'm waiting for word on aid money. I think OregonGal crunched the numbers in a spreadsheet and IR/PS costs around $100,000. It's cheaper than the other schools I'm considering, but not significantly cheaper. If attending a more prestigious school can get me a better job and/or higher salary, then paying an extra $20-30 grand wouldn't make a difference I think. On the flip side, significant aid from IR/PS would make the decision a relatively simple one in my case.

Finally I heard back from SIPA; I've been waitlisted. Oh well, I think I botched up the application a bit; I've been worried about it ever since I sent it in. I wanted to do the dual-degree program with Tokyo University. During the application process, I selected a dual degree option online, then Tokyo as my dual degree school...but in the drop down box for concentration, it was empty! I left it empty, but the website wouldn't allow me to send in my application because I hadn't selected a concentration! I e-mailed technical support, but they weren't prompt with responding, so I changed my application, choose a normal degree program and the concentrations most closely aligned with my interests/goals. But I stated in my PS that I wanted to do the Tokyo/Columbia dual degree program. I think after I sent in my application or after the application deadline, technical support got back to me and added concentrations for Tokyo University to the website. I've been paranoid about my SIPA application ever since because my application and PS differed a bit. I hope this wasn't the reason I didn't get accepted... Anyway, congrats to everyone accepted and choosing to attend SIPA; I wish I could join you guys there. But given the negativity flying around these forums about the place, I don't feel so bad about not being accepted. I really wanted to study at Tokyo University though!

I'd like to hear more about San Diego, the school, the program and your friend's experience. I'm from Philadelphia. I'd imagine San Diego weather is vastly superior and the the city is safer. The campus seems nice in pictures. On campus, I heard it's pretty laid back there though and not as competitive as say Georgetown or John Hopkins; I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. What are your friend's concentrations? How does he/she feel about employment prospects when he/she graduates? I plan on picking the International Economics concentration. And despite living in Japan for 3 years and being able to speak Japanese, I will pick the Korean regional focus. It's hard for me to gauge the employment data on the IR/PS website; it doesn't include numbers for students who are unemployed or do not report their employment status. Therefore the numbers given are only for those who report back, another number we don't know. Where did you guys get information on admit day? I don't think I got any e-mails and I can't find anything on the web. Not that I plan on going, because I'm still in Japan, but I'm just curious.

Original poster

I was accepted to SAIS Bologna and haven't made up my mind either. If I choose to go here though, it seems like the best course of action is to take both Macro/Micro during the DC pre-term session, then jet over to Bologna and take the Intensive Italian course during their pre-term session.