bizguy25

So like many of us who are weighing acceptance decisions, I've been thinking a lot about which program would best set me up for success in the career fields I plan on pursuing after graduation. I thought it'd be worthwhile to start a thread in which we could discuss what our options are for graduate school and what we intend to do post-graduation, and hopefully get some good feedback from those who know these matters well. I'll start. I've been admitted to and am deciding between SAIS, SIPA, and SFS. I'm torn, because in my mind all of these programs are extremely strong and each has its merits. I'm ultimately hoping to pursue a private sector career in geopolitical risk, international business, or international finance. I have no intention of working for defense contractors or the US government (with the exception of the State Department). I've heard that SAIS's emphasis on economics is helpful for those going after the private sector, especially finance jobs. But I've also heard that many people there end up in US gov't agencies or working for DoD contractors. Georgetown's program is the smallest of the three, and many of the students there get a much higher level of attention than any other school. They also have excellent access to some pretty big names in the IR field. But their program is more security-oriented and may not be the best fit for me considering my career goals. SIPA is in NYC (the city where I ultimately hope to end up) and thus has access to plenty of those sorts of private sector and finance jobs that I'm going after as well, but I've heard their administration doesn't bust their butt for their students like Georgetown and Hopkins' staff do. I've also heard that the sense of community is weaker there, and thus the networking opportunities are somewhat diluted. Is there anyone out there that can confirm or deny any of my assumptions and provide me with some badly needed advice? It will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for the kind words. I thought SIPA was my dream program, especially since it's in NYC, but I think SAIS may be the better fit. Neither program gave me funding, but SAIS is substantially more affordable, and so that may factor into my final decision as well. I have lots of due diligence to do. Good luck and hope to see you at the open house!

Like several others, I received my acceptance from SIPA yesterday morning. I believe they said their deadline for accepting or rejecting their offer was May 1. That being said, they have an open house in early April, so I'd expect decisions to be delivered to everyone prior to that date, so that anyone who has not heard, but will be accepted, could attend.

Just stumbled upon this forum a few days ago and, considering all of the useful information I've gleaned from it, thought I'd finally register and post. I've thus far gotten into GW, SAIS, SIPA, and Fletcher. Still waiting on SFS. Good luck to everyone who's still awaiting a decision!