judymac

Hi all- I gave up a full ride at TAMU and opted for SAIS, my dream school. I am looking at maybe $60k in loans. It was extremely hard to give up a full ride and living stipend (even though this is not a top program) just because the debt is some what overwhelming and the fact that I am certain I could have landed a pretty decent job in a big four after graduation. The school has a great transfer pricing program and network, but that is definitely not what I am going to school for. I guess I am in a different situation because I landed a great job (pay wise) right after under grad. Right now I make about $62k and put $1000 aside on a monthly basis (assuming I don't travel or go in a crazy shopping spree). Once I graduate I expect to make at least 10K more and that is only if I choose to stay with my current employer, so I know it is totally doable. I still can't believe I am giving up my salary....It was hard for me to make such a decision, but I am certain it will pay off in the near future. Best of luck to all!

Hey legally proper, Thanks for the advice! I currently work for USAID (not related to my career interest though). While I've considered becoming a FSO, I still want to try the my luck at the private sector. The SAIS fellowship is renewable...given I meet their requirements. I am attending both open houses to get a better feel of the school and incoming class. I hope to have a better idea of where to go by then. ps. congrats on being a Rangel finalist. I also applied, but didn't make it that far :/

Hi all! I also got into SIS, but apparently with no funding :/ However, SAIS is offering me a pretty good fellowship (20K) for my first year in Bologna. SAIS is my dream school, but I would still have to come up with A LOT OF money (loans) to cover everything else. Even though SIS din't offer any funding, I can continue to work full-time and attend school at night. Additionally, SIS is not as pricey as SAIS......mmmm still don't know what to do Any thoughts??

You should have received a bunch of e-mails and your award package is in one of those. Mine is 20k fellowship for Bologna. Anybody else going to do micro/macro requirement this summer. I really need to look into that.

Accepted to SAIS Bologna/DC also. I'm just worried about the price tag hihi @ Araman: have you heard from UT?