Syracuse Maxwell vs. American SIS

[firefly85]

So I'm pretty sure it's going to come down to Maxwell and SIS for me, unless somehow I get an amazing offer from GWU or SAIS, which probably won't happen (just trying to be realistic). Anyway, I don't have all the info yet because Syracuse hasn't sent out funding information yet so this could all change depending on that. Right now I have a pretty good funding package from American for it's International Communications program which is why I'm seriously considering it. I've also been admitted to Syracuse's joint IR/PR degree with Maxwell and Newhouse, which are both good schools. Potential for some funding (not sure what the packages are like though) and also applied for a FLAS there which could provide a good amount of money, but it'll be a few weeks before I know about those.

So does anyone have thoughts on the comparison of these two programs? The schools are pretty evenly ranked (American is one above Syracuse I think) which makes this harder! I do like that at Syracuse I would get two masters degrees (MAIR and MS PR) but I'm not sure how much that matters in terms of careers. With the Syracuse program you spend a semester in DC and do an internship so that nullifies the location issue in some ways and I'd do a semester or summer abroad with both too.

Personally I'm in the Syracuse area already so it would be nice to not have to move far, I know the city, my bf and I have friends here, and the cost of living is pretty low. However, I also have friends and family (some I could possibly live with to cut down on cost) in the DC area and there's a lot more to do there, but it is more expensive. Also my bf says is his willing to move with me as long as he can find a job there, but who knows what that will be like in this economy!

Like I said this could all change if I get great or little money from Syracuse, but I just want some preliminary thoughts. Sorry this was so long! Thanks if you made it all the way through!

[40404]

Hi Firefly,

I am actually choosing between Syracuse MA-IR and Fordham's IPED program. As you said, SU's funding packages are to follow. I actually like SU better as the program is strong, the cost of living is low, the admissions people seem really nice and I am actually looking forward to the semester you can opt to spend in Geneva. As for cons - I'll be alone with the nearest friend/relative about 4 hours away by car (I am an international student).

For Fordham, I like the campus, small class size (25 - 30) its very near to internship opportunities and I can live with relatives and friends there so my parents actually prefer this one so they can have peace of mind knowing I am a gazillion miles away. Cons- really quantitative (they have Econometrics as a core subj!) and no funding for sure.

So like you, the two courses are not really the same but overlapping up to some degree.

I think I have until May 1 to decide. I have yet to receive the hardcopy of the acceptance package for both schools. I am so torn. :?:

[firefly85]

Its really frustrating to be in and still not have all of the info isn't it? It's like I still can't make any decisions because the potential money from Syracuse could be a huge swing factor. I'm also waiting on the FLAS fellowship info and it could be 3-4 weeks for that, which is ok, but American wants a decision by April 15 and their visit day is only 2 days before that! Do you think if I don't have all of the info I need by a few days before April 15 I can ask American for a little more time to decide? Has anyone dealt with this before?

[40404]

Its really frustrating to be in and still not have all of the info isn't it? It's like I still can't make any decisions because the potential money from Syracuse could be a huge swing factor.

same here... I'm leaning towards Fordham (because of the family/relatives factor) but I feel that I will enjoy the IR program at Syracuse and funding will be the swing vote for me as well...

I hope the let us know soon!!!!

[40404]

Firefly,

Check your email, I just got funding notification from Syracuse's MA-IR program. Grad assistantship (partial tuition) plus stipend.

[firefly85]

Thanks for letting me know! Nothing for me yet, but hopefully soon. It's good to know that funding offers are being sent out. Good luck to everyone else waiting.

[firefly85]

Firefly,

Check your email, I just got funding notification from Syracuse's MA-IR program. Grad assistantship (partial tuition) plus stipend.

Sorry 040404 I forgot to mention congrats on the assistantship and stipend! That's great. What kind of GA is it (hours etc)? I'm thinking mine might take a bit longer since it has to go through Newhouse and Maxwell, but we shall see. They did say by April 1.

[40404]

Sorry 040404 I forgot to mention congrats on the assistantship and stipend! That's great. What kind of GA is it (hours etc)? I'm thinking mine might take a bit longer since it has to go through Newhouse and Maxwell, but we shall see. They did say by April 1.

Hi Firefly,

Its partial graduate assistantship requiring 10 hrs of work per week with either of Maxwell's research centers or administration. I am still clarifying some aspects of it but nonetheless grateful (and surprised!) that I got aid.