scotty

yes! My focus is on international climate change policy (therefore gutted personally that Holdren has moved on, even if it is better for the world that he is in the white house...), so would have taken the environment & natural resources track if it had still exisited. My undergraduate was in international relations so also looking forward to nye and ruggie classes too. I'm from europe and plan to return here to work afterwards so an IGA concentration is natural - even if it does limit number of external options i can take. what about you?

I agree it is a no brainer, but thats because i'm with the others in deciding to take $60k debt and accept the offer from Harvard. It is a really personal decision, but at the end of the day what will you regret in 10 years time? Yes debt does tie you down (I say this especially as a European where university is basically free!), but you only live once and there is no point regretting options not taken in years to come. Good luck with your decision though, and if you do decide to come to Europe I'm sure you'll also have a great experience! To others who have accepted, what are your plans for accomodation?

Hi Linden - firstly want to thank you for all your comments on the boards, I've found them really useful as I try and make up my mind too. I'm in a similar situation, trying to decide between: Maxwell, Syracuse - full-ride and stipend, 12 month course (no debt, no expenditure) HKS - no Harvard funding, but $40k scholarship for first year ($60k debt, plus spending my $20k savings and working) Columbia - same as above, but possibility of some second year funding As an international I'm heavily leaning towards Harvard. In your case I think Georgetown does have a good reputation internationally by those in the know (and definitely more than GW). The difference is that everyone has heard of Harvard, and (I think) it will start to pay for itself in your future career. However if you want to work in DC then I imagine there are hugh benefits from actually being there including contacts/internships. Let me know what you decide!

Thanks for your responses - I think if I can make it work financially I will. At the moment I am swinging between being absolutely thrilled and excited about Harvard and then being slightly overwelmed by the prospects of a mortgage sized debt! I will definitely wait until 3rd April and speak to some people about possibilities for future funding before making a decision. It is good at least to have Maxwell to fall back on should it all fall through.

Hi all, firstly I wish I had discovered this board earlier - it would have been very helpful during those long waits! I am trying to decide between the MPP at KSG or the MPA at Syracuse Maxwell school. If money was no object I would choose KSG, but I have been offered a full ride to Maxwell and would likely end up with $80k in debt at Harvard (I'm an international and have $40k Fulbright for first year only). I'm probably going to be coming back to Europe after my degree to work in environmental or development fields, where KSG definitely has the 'wow' factor. What does the board think, is KSG worth the debt? And what are the chances/opportunities for assistantships/fellowships in second year?