People registering for the SAIS Preterm

[indyir]

Hi, I was just curious to how many of you guys are registering for the Hopkins preterm. I am considering a Math for Economics preterm and was wondering if anyone had any knowledge about its usefulness.

Was also looking forward to meet some people who have finally chosen SAIS.

[LCAlum]

Hi, I was just curious to how many of you guys are registering for the Hopkins preterm. I am considering a Math for Economics preterm and was wondering if anyone had any knowledge about its usefulness.

Was also looking forward to meet some people who have finally chosen SAIS.

Hey, I'm thinking I'm going to try to do both intermediate micro and macro econ in DC. Are you going to Bologna? I wanted to take the intensive Italian there and to do so I think I need both micro and macro out of the way. Supposedly micro and macro econ during the preterm is kind of intense, but since it's only for a month, I figure it's bearable.

[inspiration]

I have not decided on SAIS yet, but if I do, I would also love to attend both pre-terms in DC and Bologna. My only concern is the cost I don't know how much classes in DC cost, but in Bolonga, one course is 800 Euros. If you're enrolled in 2, it's 1400 Euros. I have taken both micro and macroecon at the intermediate level in college and am wondering if I should take the waiver exam instead (I received A on micro and B+ on macro). However, since I'm in the IDEV program and microecon is a prerequisite before the academic year starts, I have to knock off micro by either taking the waiver exam or the pre-term course. And if I fail the waiver exam, I'm not allowed to take it at pre-term rather I would lose the chance of being in IDEV. Do you guys think it's safer just to take the microecon at pre-term, take the waiver exam for macroecon and conversational Italian in Bologna? Any thoughts are appreciated.

Edited April 13, 2011 by inspiration

[SaraDC]

It's been a long decision making process but as of this morning, (I'm almost certain that) I'm going to attend SAIS.

I'm looking forward to pre-term. I'll most likely end up taking micro (maybe what most people take during pre-term)? As far as Math for Econ goes, I can ask around to see if I can find anyone that's taken it. Whether or not you want to take the math course instead of Micro probably depends on how comfortable you feel with your quant abilities. It sounds like after you submit you deposit they send you a series of math dvd's - so maybe that will be enough?

I bet there's some flexibility in the pre-term courses (although I don't know for sure), so if you sign up for the math course but later decide you'd rather go ahead and take Micro - they will probably work with you.

Hurray for pre-term! (...feeling excited about having finally made my decision)

[SaraDC]

I have not decided on SAIS yet, but if I do, I would also love to attend both pre-terms in DC and Bologna. My only concern is the cost I don't know how much classes in DC cost, but in Bolonga, one course is 800 Euros. If you're enrolled in 2, it's 1400 Euros. I have taken both micro and macroecon at the intermediate level in college and am wondering if I should take the waiver exam instead (I received A on micro and B+ on macro). However, since I'm in the IDEV program and microecon is a prerequisite before the academic year starts, I have to knock off micro by either taking the waiver exam or the pre-term course. And if I fail the waiver exam, I'm not allowed to take it at pre-term rather I would lose the chance of being in IDEV. Do you guys think it's safer just to take the microecon at pre-term, take the waiver exam for macroecon and conversational Italian in Bologna? Any thoughts are appreciated.

That's what I'd do - take micro during DC pre-term. Then, take Italian during Bologna pre-term. Based on the info here, it sounds like you could even take both macro and "survival" italian during Bologna pre-term if you wanted.

Also, tuition for 1 pre-term course in DC is $1,200. But if you take a summer course (even more expensive), SAIS discounts your pre-term course. So maybe it's worth asking if there is any discount for the BC pre-term if you've taken a pre-term course in DC?

[cckrspnl56]

I *think* I'll be taking both Micro/Macro in DC as well as Intensive Italian in Bologna. I've also heard the horror stories about Micro/Macro but I think it's worth it to free up two elective spots.

As an aside...I'm glad to see so many others from the board, particularly those who have helped to guide my personal process, choosing SAIS. I look forward to meeting you all!

[indyir]

I was hoping there is a group somewhere face book - or somewhere else for everyone starting this year ! Georgetown has one n i was hoping we could get one would be easier to communicate etc about housing, concentrations and pre term and of course getting to know everyone who will be attending!

[cckrspnl56]

I talked to one of the student ambassadors about that. UDenver had a facebook group for admitted students, which helped everyone to get to know each other, discuss classes and apartments and whatnot.

If I had a list of admitted students I would make a group like that in a jiffy. Maybe I'll get in contact with admissions.

[winterxrose]

I'm undecided on pre-term. I'm coming straight out of undergrad so I don't need to get into the groove of studying, I could use the break from school, and I'd like to use the time to independently study Spanish. But I heard it's very beneficial socially and an extra elective would be nice. Tuition is not as bad as I thought.

Where do you guys think you'll be living? Anyone started apartment hunting?

Hope to see you all in the fall! A facebook group would be great if anyone could get that started.

[SaraDC]

Where do you guys think you'll be living? Anyone started apartment hunting?

Hope to see you all in the fall! A facebook group would be great if anyone could get that started.

I live fairly close by right now - about 15 min walk away. But I'm considering moving a bit closer, unfortunately this will likely mean a rent increase (Dupont is a great place to live, but it can be pricey).

A facebook/linkedin group, or some other method of communication is a great idea. Let's see if we can get them to put something together on Monday. If not, we can always do it ourselves - although it would have to be an open group.

[SportsFan]

I live fairly close by right now - about 15 min walk away. But I'm considering moving a bit closer, unfortunately this will likely mean a rent increase (Dupont is a great place to live, but it can be pricey).

A facebook/linkedin group, or some other method of communication is a great idea. Let's see if we can get them to put something together on Monday. If not, we can always do it ourselves - although it would have to be an open group.

I live in Rosslyn (across the Potomac in Arlington) and definitely recommend it. Virginia is a little bit cheaper and you can easily ride the metro to Dupont.

Also, I'm planning on doing Micro in Pre-Term...can't wait to meet some of you guys then!

[inspiration]

Hey guys, I have decided to join the SAIS community as well! Very excited!!! I tried to create a facebook group but it asks me to add a friend to this group...However, I don't know any new 2013ers... If there's already a group out there, I'd be happy to join! Otherwise if anybody is interested, please PM me your name so that I can add you as a friend, then create this group maybe

[inspiration]

Follow up: Hey guys so thanks to SportsFan, i'm able to create a fb group for SAIS Class of 2013. Here's the link:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_223640004317955#!/home.php?sk=group_223640004317955&ap=1

Please let me know if the link doesn't work. Thanks and I look forward to meeting all of you!

[LCAlum]

Follow up: Hey guys so thanks to SportsFan, i'm able to create a fb group for SAIS Class of 2013. Here's the link:

http://www.facebook....0004317955&ap=1

Please let me know if the link doesn't work. Thanks and I look forward to meeting all of you!

Thanks for setting up the group! The link works fine, I sent my request to join.

[SAISDC]

I'm a current SAIS MA who took micro and macro last year during preterm, just thought I'd give my two cents.

I had done intermediate micro prior, but not macro and therefore found doing both pretty manageable. However, quite a few people who tried to take both without much econ ended up dropping macro within the first week or so - without a good background in econ it would be a significant amount of work, and will certainly prevent you from having as good a time during pre-term as others. In hindsight, given my prior experience, I would've waived out of micro and just taken macro.

If you're on the fence as to whether to attend the pre-term or just take the classes during the semester, I highly recommend attending. It's a great month. You meet lots of people, there are lots of social events and there's a really great vibe. I had the impression that those who started in September missed out somewhat, particularly as all the pre-term folk had already spent a month with each other.

I don't know who's teaching Macro, but I think the Micro teacher is the same as last year. If it is, he is fantastic - just won the SAIS teacher of the year award.

Happy to answer any questions.

[SaraDC]

I'm a current SAIS MA who took micro and macro last year during preterm, just thought I'd give my two cents.

I had done intermediate micro prior, but not macro and therefore found doing both pretty manageable. However, quite a few people who tried to take both without much econ ended up dropping macro within the first week or so - without a good background in econ it would be a significant amount of work, and will certainly prevent you from having as good a time during pre-term as others. In hindsight, given my prior experience, I would've waived out of micro and just taken macro.

If you're on the fence as to whether to attend the pre-term or just take the classes during the semester, I highly recommend attending. It's a great month. You meet lots of people, there are lots of social events and there's a really great vibe. I had the impression that those who started in September missed out somewhat, particularly as all the pre-term folk had already spent a month with each other.

I don't know who's teaching Macro, but I think the Micro teacher is the same as last year. If it is, he is fantastic - just won the SAIS teacher of the year award.

Happy to answer any questions.

That's very helpful - thank you! I'm sure I'll have a more substantial question after I think about it a bit, but in the meantime - did your incoming class set up a facebook group independently or via admissions? Inspiration set one up for us informally (see above) - but it would be nice to find a way to let other accepted students know about it. Any ideas?

Thanks again for the info about your experience in pre-term.

[indyir]

I called the admissions office today, to ask questions about the visa procedures for internationals. I also asked about the group and access to the internet portal and she said we would know in the next two weeks and as far as she is aware - admissions doesn't really form a SAIS group on facebook or something . So i guess the present group is the only way till we get our IDs or something.

[k0852s]

I called the admissions office today, to ask questions about the visa procedures for internationals. I also asked about the group and access to the internet portal and she said we would know in the next two weeks and as far as she is aware - admissions doesn't really form a SAIS group on facebook or something . So i guess the present group is the only way till we get our IDs or something.

Did they tell you as to when can we expect the I-20?

And which is the 'internet portal' you are referring to above?

[indyir]

they said that they will start the process in the next two weeks. The internet portal is the Johns Hopkins university Login id we will receive where we can register for classes and check for housing advertisements etc.

[k0852s]

they said that they will start the process in the next two weeks. The internet portal is the Johns Hopkins university Login id we will receive where we can register for classes and check for housing advertisements etc.

Ohk. Thanks.

[billyzy]

I'm a current SAIS MA who took micro and macro last year during preterm, just thought I'd give my two cents.

I had done intermediate micro prior, but not macro and therefore found doing both pretty manageable. However, quite a few people who tried to take both without much econ ended up dropping macro within the first week or so - without a good background in econ it would be a significant amount of work, and will certainly prevent you from having as good a time during pre-term as others. In hindsight, given my prior experience, I would've waived out of micro and just taken macro.

If you're on the fence as to whether to attend the pre-term or just take the classes during the semester, I highly recommend attending. It's a great month. You meet lots of people, there are lots of social events and there's a really great vibe. I had the impression that those who started in September missed out somewhat, particularly as all the pre-term folk had already spent a month with each other.

I don't know who's teaching Macro, but I think the Micro teacher is the same as last year. If it is, he is fantastic - just won the SAIS teacher of the year award.

Happy to answer any questions.

Hey guys,

I have decided to join SAIS D.C and you guys in the coming two or more years! Very excited and meanwhile nervous. Also, I will attend pre-term for Micro.

Thanks for setting up the facebook group (sent request already) and for sharing the information here.

Yao from China

[SaraDC]

I called the admissions office today, to ask questions about the visa procedures for internationals. I also asked about the group and access to the internet portal and she said we would know in the next two weeks and as far as she is aware - admissions doesn't really form a SAIS group on facebook or something . So i guess the present group is the only way till we get our IDs or something.

Thanks for the info about admissions and the facebook group - a bit disappointing. I think a lot of the inter class communication is done via a mailing list (at least that's the way it's done for alumni) - maybe a current student can correct me if that's not still the case?

I'm happy with our current facebook group, but it would be nice to have a communication method that also includes current students - I'm picturing shared information about professors and apartments opening up etc.

[cckrspnl56]

Thanks for the info about admissions and the facebook group - a bit disappointing. I think a lot of the inter class communication is done via a mailing list (at least that's the way it's done for alumni) - maybe a current student can correct me if that's not still the case?

I'm happy with our current facebook group, but it would be nice to have a communication method that also includes current students - I'm picturing shared information about professors and apartments opening up etc.

I received an e-mail last week from Bologna - they have created a facebook group. "SAIS Bologna Center 2011-2012." I assumed you all received the same e-mail. Whoops!

[SaraDC]

I received an e-mail last week from Bologna - they have created a facebook group. "SAIS Bologna Center 2011-2012." I assumed you all received the same e-mail. Whoops!

Bologna Center seems to be more on top of their online presence (IMO) - during the application period I felt like their blog was more informative than anything put out by the DC campus. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the "MySAIS" page - but I never really got any valuable information from it (I was sort of expecting decisions to be posted there).

[SaraDC]

I received an e-mail last week from Bologna - they have created a facebook group. "SAIS Bologna Center 2011-2012." I assumed you all received the same e-mail. Whoops!

I should have added - If you don't mind, would you post a link to the unofficial SAIS Class of 2013 FB group in the BC group? Thank you in advance!