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I applied for PhD program in Yale F&ES, however, rejected by them. Committee suggested me applying their master degree in Feb 14, the day before the ddl of master application. Thus I submitted my application to MESc, got a waiting list of MESc in Mar 05. Consequently I have heard no news about my application. Is there anyone who is put into waitinglist like me? And I am wondering the statistics about the waiting list students who get admitted in MESc at Yale finally. Thanks~

Help! The decision is right around the corner, and I need to start mentally preparing for this (huge) life change/decision. For anyone who has considered, attended, or decided - where do I pursue my MEM, Duke or Yale? I visited Duke, and I could tell it was a great program. The administration is clearly willing to help students out financially, supportive with research and work opportunities, and they consistently tout their alumni network as one of the best. Many people seem to say Duke really emphasizes building concrete technical skills, and that it might be easier to find a job upon graduation. HOWEVER, I don't know if I felt like I "fit". Maybe because I'm an introvert and prospective student weekends are always overwhelming. Also, I love cities and Durham felt quite small when I visited its campus*. On the other side: Yale has always been my dream school. I love the idea of how much flexibility they offer, and in some ways, their classes sound more exciting to me (I'm a sucker for more qualitative, theoretical classes). I've heard some criticism that Yale F&ES students might not as well prepared, but from my conversations, Yale has many client-based projects that students can work on. I know they are introducing required professional skill workshops this year, and it seems like I could select classes that are more focused on skill-building. Yale has been the goal for a few years, but Duke also offered me a bit more money (and my impression is that cost of living would be less). How much weight do I give to anticipated loan debt? Do I choose the school based on what "feels right", or one that has a better reputation in terms of professional skills? *Caveat - I will be visiting Yale in a few days, so maybe this clarify my thoughts.

Hello all, I got accepted to the following programs and would highly appreciate your help on deciding. I studied Political Science with the focus on Public Policy and worked around Sustainable Development in the land-use sector in an international organization for 3 years. Am considering PhD also, but this might change depending on the masters program I choose. Below are key traits of each school from my point of view: 1. Master of Environmental Management (MEM), Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale Pro: Strongest school in Env. management Con: .... Network is not as widespread as SAIS or SIPA in international organizations? 2. Master of Arts (MA), SAIS, Johns Hopkins University Pro: Strong network Con: Not very focused on Env. topics 3. Master of Public Affairs (MPA), SIPA, Columbia Pro: Strong network; practice orieted curriculum Con: Program is not intended for tentative phd applicants 4. Master of Development Studies (MDP), UC Berkeley Pro: Location, Flexible & practice oriented curriculum Con: Program is not intended for tentative phd applicants (no doctoral program available within the department) 5. Master of Science in Public Policy and Management (MSPPM), Heinz School, Carnegie Mellon University Pro: Program wise, most inclined to this school as the course is highly technical (data science/analytics for public policy), providing a niche in my field. Received $40,000 funding offer for 2 years (conditional - GPA higher than 3.0/4.0 per semester). Con: Not as famous as above schools; location Thanks for your insight in advance.

Hello Gradcafe, Struggling with a good problem to have. Got admitted to Yale's School of Forestry (FES) as well as University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and the Environment (SNRE). Yale degree is Masters of Environmental Management; Michigan is Masters of Science. My research interests are renewable energy, green chemistry, arctic climate policy, and life cycle assessment. Both gave me equivalent financial packages. Visited UM before visit day and Yale at the open house. I'm torn about which to choose. Part of me feels like it would be silly to turn down Yale because its the golden key that will open a lot of doors. Something tells me the folks at Michigan seem a bit more realistic and pragmatic. They work in Flint and Detroit. Yale has opportunities (so many) around the world. Another major difference is structure: FES has no required courses (candy shop), whereas SNRE has a few core classes and a larger emphasis on tracks. So does anyone have any thoughts? Did anyone suffer with a similar decision? Anyone have any comments on the structures, outcomes, and attitudes of the two programs? So much help..seriously... I have eaten so many Tums (tm) the last week. With thanks and gratitude, greenisgood