Decision: SIPA, SAIS or LSE?

[arehman97]

Hi, I recently received admissions offers from SAIS Bologna (South Asia Studies), SIPA, and the London School of Econ (MPA, International Development). I also received offers from GW Elliott and American SIS, but have ruled them out.

I am really at a loss for how to choose between these three, but I am leaning towards SAIS or SIPA. I am from NY and would save some money living at home at SIPA, but I have heard that the program there is less personal than SAIS. I have not received anything but loans from either school, so both SAIS and SIPA will be approximately as expensive, not taking into account the higher living expenses in Italy. SAIS has been my dream school from the beginning, and I never thought id get into SIPA. I am also interested in going abroad, so I was thinking SIPA and then applying to do the second year at LSE if i dont go to SAIS. I am not sure what I factors I should be considering either. I am interested in international development, and I want my degree to give me strong econ/finance skills. I also want a school that takes the time to help your career, with good professional development classes, and with a strong career services office and internship placement. Any current/former students at either of these schools, I would appreciate any advice. Thanks

Edited March 23, 2012 by arehman97

[smirrah]

Hi, I recently received admissions offers from SAIS Bologna (South Asia Studies), SIPA, and the London School of Econ (MPA, International Development). I also received offers from GW Elliott and American SIS, but have ruled them out.

Hi arehman, I'm in the same boat, deciding between SAIS Bologna and the LSE MPA. I am interested in anyone with more thoughts on the LSE MPA (not the one year programs) in comparison to SAIS. SAIS obviously wins by miles on networking and location if you want to work in the US, but how does the LSE program stand internationally? Is it still pretty decently regarded in the States besides having limited networking and US career services?

[arehman97]

Hey, so I ruled out the LSE MPA pretty early, it doesnt have nearly as much flexibility or options for classes, especially quant/econ electives. I do like the capstone, but if I go to SIPA, they have something similar, and also a dual degree with LSE my second year if I choose. Im still lost between sipa and sais tho.. im hoping the answer hits me soon lol

[Eclectic4]

I think that as far as professional and academic circles LSE is well known and well regarded. It is also ranked fairly high for interntional affairs I believe.