redrover

So who decided to attend SAIS? I just submitted my online acceptance form after much consternation and feel relieved to get the decision out of the way.

Hi guys, I've been accepted to several terminal masters programs, one of which is academic in focus and the rest professional masters degrees in International Relations (i.e. SAIS, Georgetown MSFS, Columbia SIPA). Although I'm more interested in becoming a policy practitioner in the future, as opposed to teaching and working on theory, I would like to keep the door open for applying to top polisci PhD programs in the future. One thing I heard when I raised this concern with professors at the professional schools is that getting an MA in IRs at a professional schools can potentially hurt your PhD application because adcoms will see you as having veered away from the theoretical path, not to mention that it would be difficult to complete methods and math courses that could enhance my competitiveness. I did well in undergrad as a polisci major at a top university, having written an honors thesis and maintained a strong GPA. So I need your advice. To what extent would going the prof IR route close doors for top PhD programs? I ask now because I have to respond to the masters programs in a week. Thanks for your help.

Hey! I'm new here..also was accepted to the SAIS MA program. I was wondering if anyone knows about the different cross-registering opportunities at SAIS DC, if any. I can't find any information on the website. I'm particularly curious whether we are allowed to cross-register for courses at Georgetown SFS. I'm assuming JHU poli sci classes are a go? Cornell, sounds like you had an interesting visit. I'll be visiting tomorrow and will see if my impressions match yours.

What's the money situation? Have any of the schools offered funding? One big difference between the two programs: class size. I'm only basing this off of commends from SFS alums, but Georgetown's program is comparably small and very tight nit so you are likely to receive a very personalized experience. SFS is also the University's marquee program so I'm assuming there'll be less bureaucracy to navigate and that you'll (likely) develop stronger relationships with your professors. I have more experience with SIPA (I never did the program but have attended another school at Columbia). The SIPA class is HUUUUGE. And the bureaucracy there is a sea of red tape. You've got really big name professor's there, with an even stronger crop of academics in the Political Science department and its affiliated institutes, but their classes are huge. I doubt you will have the chance to get close to them. This is not to advocate one school or the other but I would urge you to think about these factors, and keep them in mind if you do get a chance to visit the campuses/talk to current students. Finally, think about what New York and DC mean to you in terms of your intended future career and networking. Good luck

I should add that Harvard has a reputable extension school but I think the tuition is quite high. Finally, you should double check with your program to see if they offer an online program for admitted students to satisfy their prereqs...I know SAIS is offering online econ courses between now and September for this very purpose.

I'm actually working on my econ prereqs through UMass' online education program. The cost is about $900 per three credit course...not too bad. I would have liked to take the courses in a physical classroom setting but my current location prevented me from doing so. All in all the course has gone smoothly with no technical difficulties. I'm working on my finals right now, and will have finished the course in 10 weeks. No bad. I don't recommend the online route if you want your feet held to the fire -- there are various mechanisms in place to ensure interaction with your professor and fellow students (i.e. chat room, discussion boards) but you're pretty much on your own to keep up with the readings and problem sets. In terms of results, you reap what you sow.