Decisions: SAIS vs. Fletcher

[Tariqks]

Hi everyone!

I was recently admitted to Johns Hopkins SAIS (MA) and The Fletcher School (MALD), and while after countless hours of comparing I’ve gained a pretty good understanding of each program, I still feel very stuck on which to choose. 
 

Within the IR framework, I’ll be concentrating in security/conflict resolution with a further focus on the Middle East. I want to use grad school as a way to open myself up to career opportunities, but want to focus on the diplomatic track, research for think tanks/UN, or even the possibility of journalism which has always been a passion. Right now, SAIS is in the lead for me because they’ve offered a very generous scholarship of $80k ($40k each year), while Fletcher has offered $50k ($25k each year). However, a serious concern with SAIS is their emphasis on economics/quant (I would have to take 4 Econ courses, a stats course, as well as a pre term math course) and I’m one of those very math-averse IR people. Fletcher on the other hand has a much more appealing curriculum, just enough Econ to give me what I need, and several professors I would really like to work with. Also, the possibility of cross registering at Harvard is another plus. However, I worry that Fletcher’s location would not be as conducive to networking, as opposed to being in DC close to think tanks, non profits, and gov agencies. Additionally, from what I’ve garnered, SAIS is slightly higher ranked/possibly a bit better name recognition. 
 

at the end of the day, I’m not sure what to choose: SAIS with more funding and better location, but less appealing curriculum or Fletcher with better/more flexible curriculum and more directly relevant faculty, but less central location for networking/internships/jobs

would love to hear any and all thoughts! 

[GradSchoolGrad]

4 hours ago, Tariqks said:

Hi everyone!

I was recently admitted to Johns Hopkins SAIS (MA) and The Fletcher School (MALD), and while after countless hours of comparing I’ve gained a pretty good understanding of each program, I still feel very stuck on which to choose. 
 

Within the IR framework, I’ll be concentrating in security/conflict resolution with a further focus on the Middle East. I want to use grad school as a way to open myself up to career opportunities, but want to focus on the diplomatic track, research for think tanks/UN, or even the possibility of journalism which has always been a passion. Right now, SAIS is in the lead for me because they’ve offered a very generous scholarship of $80k ($40k each year), while Fletcher has offered $50k ($25k each year). However, a serious concern with SAIS is their emphasis on economics/quant (I would have to take 4 Econ courses, a stats course, as well as a pre term math course) and I’m one of those very math-averse IR people. Fletcher on the other hand has a much more appealing curriculum, just enough Econ to give me what I need, and several professors I would really like to work with. Also, the possibility of cross registering at Harvard is another plus. However, I worry that Fletcher’s location would not be as conducive to networking, as opposed to being in DC close to think tanks, non profits, and gov agencies. Additionally, from what I’ve garnered, SAIS is slightly higher ranked/possibly a bit better name recognition. 
 

at the end of the day, I’m not sure what to choose: SAIS with more funding and better location, but less appealing curriculum or Fletcher with better/more flexible curriculum and more directly relevant faculty, but less central location for networking/internships/jobs

would love to hear any and all thoughts! 

Honestly, Fletcher pales in comparison to SAIS for security / conflict resolution matters by virtue of lack of access. I mean my friend who was in MALD always bragged about how her great resources was Ambassador's in residence. Meanwhile, my SAIS friends had direct access to active practitioners and the latest and greatest. Also, during the last recession my friends from Fletcher (2012/2013  graduates) really were shooting the bottom of the barrel of jobs (like admin at random military bases making 50K or so) or taking academic fellowships to ride out the recession for an additional year. That quant in SAIS, albeit annoying really became a job hunting security blanket for some people I know because they could ride the recession from their quant background and go into things such as Data analysts. I know someone who was a wheat trade analyst for example.

Also... on paper at Fletcher you have access to Harvard classes and some resources, but in reality its a logistical nightmare to get there + aside from some things that purposely meant for Fletcher + Harvard collaboration, you don't have access to the full suite of Harvard benefits (trips, alumni base, and etc.). I always laugh when Fletcher people brag about how they are/were practically Harvard students (I have heard this quite a lot at parties).

I myself am a Math adverse person as well and the quant in my program was brutal for me. However... if it doesn't kill you, it will make you stronger. In an era of recession, I would just suck it up to avoid the debt + come out more capable technically and better connected in your desired field. 

 

Edited April 21, 2020 by GradSchoolGrad

[Tariqks]

3 hours ago, GradSchoolGrad said:

Honestly, Fletcher pales in comparison to SAIS for security / conflict resolution matters by virtue of lack of access. I mean my friend who was in MALD always bragged about how her great resources was Ambassador's in residence. Meanwhile, my SAIS friends had direct access to active practitioners and the latest and greatest. Also, during the last recession my friends from Fletcher (2012/2013  graduates) really were shooting the bottom of the barrel of jobs (like admin at random military bases making 50K or so) or taking academic fellowships to ride out the recession for an additional year. That quant in SAIS, albeit annoying really became a job hunting security blanket for some people I know because they could ride the recession from their quant background and go into things such as Data analysts. I know someone who was a wheat trade analyst for example.

Also... on paper at Fletcher you have access to Harvard classes and some resources, but in reality its a logistical nightmare to get there + aside from some things that purposely meant for Fletcher + Harvard collaboration, you don't have access to the full suite of Harvard benefits (trips, alumni base, and etc.). I always laugh when Fletcher people brag about how they are/were practically Harvard students (I have heard this quite a lot at parties).

I myself am a Math adverse person as well and the quant in my program was brutal for me. However... if it doesn't kill you, it will make you stronger. In an era of recession, I would just suck it up to avoid the debt + come out more capable technically and better connected in your desired field. 

Thanks for your response! that makes sense - regarding the Econ/quant coursework, it looks like I will have to suck it up regardless and I'm going to be speaking to someone from SAIS this week about ways I can spread out the courses in a way thats less burdensome. I guess the main appeal of Fletcher is the curriculum and the specific faculty that stand out based on my area focus, but at the end of the day, not sure it would overcome the location

[GradSchoolGrad]

29 minutes ago, Tariqks said:

Thanks for your response! that makes sense - regarding the Econ/quant coursework, it looks like I will have to suck it up regardless and I'm going to be speaking to someone from SAIS this week about ways I can spread out the courses in a way thats less burdensome. I guess the main appeal of Fletcher is the curriculum and the specific faculty that stand out based on my area focus, but at the end of the day, not sure it would overcome the location

Honestly... faculty mean nothing unless you do research for them. HOWEVER... if we want to talk about padding your resume... it is better to do research for an actual organization rather than a Professor. SAIS has an upper hand on that.

Also... I would recommend you think about the pros and cons of spreading the quant / Econ courseload. This is because you'll want some easier period to take on projects / part time work to pad your resume.