LSE vs SIPA / SAIS

[jeteast51]

Hello,

I was hoping that somebody on this forum would have some insight into a dilemma that I am facing.

I currently hold an offer to LSE for an MSc in International Development Studies and I am waiting to hear back from MA programs at SIPA, SAIS and Elliot. I am confident of getting into Elliot and feel pretty good about my chances of getting into at least one of the other programs based upon my GPA, GRE scores and work experience.

I am wondering what you guys think about how these programs in the US stack up to the LSE program (I have a pretty good sense of how the US programs compare to each-other)? I am most interested in international development, although I am passionate about all aspects of international affairs, and would most likely pursue a concentration in development studies at any of the US programs.

I also intend to apply for joint degree status and try for an MBA. Although I am unsure if I will have a shot at the top-tier business schools with my work experience (1.5 years private wealth management experience at Morgan Stanley and 1 year working with a microfinance NGO in Nicaragua).

Please let me know what you think of how LSE compares to SAIS / SIPA / Elliot in terms of overall quality of education, 'brand recognition', and post grad-school job prospects.

Thanks!

[jeteast51]

Anyone???

[orangepotato]

I have a good friend with a degree from LSE - he said that he doesn't really get the name recognition he would like among US firms. However, he commented that the quality of the education was very high, and studying international issues among international students was really beneficial. Perhaps the LSE program has a list of job placements for last year's graduating class? That would be informative. Can't comment too much on the others... I know SAIS is extremely well-regarded in DC, and there are tons of international development firms there so that could pose an advantage for you in terms of internships and future jobs.

[pinkmartini]

Do you still need help about this?

I just graduated from SIPA and my only recommendation to you is to pass! You will have never met any other group of people who are so unaware of what's going on in the world. I started as development but finished as HR. The only good classes I got were from the PolSci departments Phd classes. Also you have to fight for absolutely every class. There is a period called shopping, in which you go to a lot of classes, but they don't nearly offer enough, so for almost every class you have to submit a statement for why you should be in the class.

For SAIS, i've only heard good things about them. But they would not compare to LSE. Nothing would compare to LSE. I suggest you take it and don't waste your time on SIPA. It's also very expensive. It was my most expensive mistake!

p~

[mrynka18]

Do you still need help about this?

I just graduated from SIPA and my only recommendation to you is to pass! You will have never met any other group of people who are so unaware of what's going on in the world. I started as development but finished as HR. The only good classes I got were from the PolSci departments Phd classes. Also you have to fight for absolutely every class. There is a period called shopping, in which you go to a lot of classes, but they don't nearly offer enough, so for almost every class you have to submit a statement for why you should be in the class.

For SAIS, i've only heard good things about them. But they would not compare to LSE. Nothing would compare to LSE. I suggest you take it and don't waste your time on SIPA. It's also very expensive. It was my most expensive mistake!

p~

Thanks for this viewpoint/information. I highly considered SIPA before, but decided on LSE instead and luckily got in!

[IRdreams]

The British system for most schooling gives you a lot more independence and freedom to engage your topic as opposed to the US masters system that emphasizes a lot more rigid course work model with an independent thesis. LSE has pretty good name recognition the world over and for NGO work it would probably be a good choice, especially if your planning on doing international work with it. If you are only planning on marketing yourself to US firms, LSE won't hurt but it probably won't help as much as a degree from Columbia. LSE is very cosmopolitan both because of its location (can't beat London though if NYC is expensive London is possibly more expensive) and because of its student body (mostly international students).

I will note that there is some perception in Britain that LSE has gone down hill a little bit as opposed to past years. Though, this perception has not reached the US and most non-British places. I also wonder how much this remark is warranted... I was an Oxonian and heard it from some of them. Just something a couple of British friends told me when I was abroad.

[cedoggart]

As a current SIPA student, I must disagree with what was posted above-- for one, I think whether you have to fight for classes is probably highly dependent on your concentration. I've gotten into all the classes that I've wanted and haven't had to apply for any, save a workshop, which is fairly standard procedure for workshops--and with good reason. I've found the student body incredibly diverse and knowledgeable, with a range of interesting experiences working worldwide in both the public, private and non-profit sectors. As for the required classes--they are primarily quantitative and incredibly well taught. I give the school a lot of credit for hiring professors for core economic and statistics classes who are dynamic and can make the subject matter accessible to students without that background. Many of the professors are professionals with experience working in the sector that you're interested in, which can make job and internship searches that much better. Of course, like any program, it has its downfalls--the building is old, there aren't enough outlets, and there are some classes that I didn't enjoy as much. But I have loved the program so far and don't think that I'm alone. Also, if you want to check out some of what the students are writing about, check their blog http://www.themorningsidepost.com

[jeteast51]

Thanks to everyone for your input / advice! I think I am going to end up at SAIS or SIPA (depending on whether or not Columbia decides to let me in off the waitlist). As far as LSE vs the other schools goes, I think it just comes down to the fact that a two year master's is more comprehensive that a one year program at LSE. Plus, they don't have the quant component that SAIS and SIPA offer.

[nisyum]

Would like to open this post again as whats been discussed here is spot on for my situation.

 

Got accepted into Elliot MIA (w funding), SIPA MPA, and LSE MPA for Fall 2013.

I'm really tossing between SIPA and LSE but really unsure about my decision at the moment.

 

I'm an international student from Asia and would really like to get into a multinational organization in the development sector. 

They are both really great Uni's, while Elliot is definitely a respected school with additional funding which would help my debt at the end of the program.

 

Appreciate any input I can get!!