Sarahs Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 Hello all, I just got my acceptance letters from SIPA (MPA in Development Practice) and Stanford (MA in International Policy Studies) and I'm looking for an unbiased opinion on both schools/programs. Selling point for Stanford: The school as a whole, entrepreneurship oriented, small class (20-25), location and environment (Everyone is super friendly), flexibility -can take classes from different schools. But on the other hand: The program is relatively new, SIPA has the edge in policy, Selling point for Columbia SIPA: Reputation of the program, faculty, the edge in policy, an MPA might be better on the long-term But on the other hand: bigger class size, location, it seems more traditional than Stanford's What are your thoughts? Recommendations?
cylon.descendant Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 I had the exact same problem choosing between schools. I had a few offers but was stuck between two. One was extremely student-friendly, small department and classes, and the people I was in contact with there were just so nice and helpful. The other was a bit bigger (though not huge), didn't have the same extremely friendly attitude, but offered a lot of classes I was super interested in and is a well-respected program. I ended up going for the slightly bigger school (UVic by the way) because in the end I felt like they had more to offer me in terms of class content and they are a mid-sized program so it isn't going to be totally impersonal. It was really difficult to say no to the other school, though, because I just got such a great feeling from them. What helped me to feel more comfortable in making my decision was that I was able to contact a current MA student at UVic and hear a student's perspective on the program. I would recommend looking through your department website for a student to contact (there might be a student representative), or emailing the Graduate Adviser there and asking them to put you in contact with a student. They can help give you a better idea of what the program is really like and help you see if it's going to be a good fit for you. In the end, only you can really decide which program is going to fit your life and goals the best. As my mom told me, go with your gut! Good luck with your decision... I know it can be an excruciating position to be in, but if you're torn between two schools I'm sure whatever your choice, you'll be in a good program!
Sarahs Posted March 21, 2013 Author Posted March 21, 2013 Great advice. I also forgot to mention, there's another option of deferring both and accepting an offer at a top company. Choicesss!!
JungWild&Free Posted March 23, 2013 Posted March 23, 2013 Columbia? Stanford? I don't think you can really go wrong here. Even if the Stanford program is young, I'm sure it will be well respected and attract great faculty. Why is the location of Columbia a downside? It seems like NYC would be a great place to pursue international studies of any kind. In terms of the grad offers, if funding isn't a concern, I would decide based on the utility of the degree (in this case, the different degrees you would get at both programs) and the overall experience. However, if these aren't funded programs and you have a great job offer, you might think about taking it and seeing if they will foot part of the bill for your education. Think long-term. What is the best path toward the career you want in the future?
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