got in SIPA/MPA but have some questions, help!

[tolo]

Hi everyone, I am an international applicant and recently got into SIPA's MPA program. My decision letter said I must enroll in its English class at Columbia's American Language Program (ALP) in the summer semester prior to enrollment. I feel a bit weird because my TOFEL score isn't bad, and I assume they decide whether or not u need to take this language program based on your language test scores.

How about the other int'l admitted students on this board? Are you required to take it too?

Also, I chose the economic and political development concentration when I applied, but I am also pretty interested in the international trade and finance. Is it possible to switch to another concentration after enrollment? My understandings are EPD might lead you to work for int'l organizations or NGO dealing with poverty issues, democracy..etc, while the latter is mainly for ppl who wanna get into private sectors, like consulting or banks.

Any reply would be greatly appreciated!

[gizmooow]

Hi Tolo and congrats!

I haven

[energie]

I am an international student. I received the admission to SIPA MPA Fall 2009 via e-mail to check the result in the website. They didn't mention about the English program. Actually my Toefl score was just above the minimum and GRE is not impressive. Or I will get such message by post?

[tolo]

Thank you guys!

To gizmooow--

Me too...I don't even have enough money to pay for the tuitions , not to mention their language program...Anyway I'm happy to get in and best luck to your application!

To energie--

Congrats! May I know what concentration did you pick up? I picked up EPD and heard this one requires better english. Can I share your test scores? My tofel seems ok but I only scored 590 on GRE's verbal part...maybe this is why I am required to take their program?

[energie]

Tolo, I chose International Security Policy-ISP/East Asia when I applied to the MPA program. I have no idea whether ISP requires a high English test score. Reading your post, I see my scores both Toefl and Gre are just lower than yours. Your scores weren't bad at all as an internatinal applicant.

Is SIPA your number one choice? Are you waiting for other schools as well? They may be less expensive than going to SIPA. Al least, they might not require you to take a presessional course. SIPA is my top three besides SFS and SAIS. Still cannot decide and have to wait for the rest first. I got in Fletcher Security/Asia, similar concentration as at SIPA, too but not leaning toward it.