For those applying for a masters in IR, or international affairs, HELP!!

[BurmeseAlien]

Hey everyone,

 

Does anyone know much about the quality of getting an education from Columbia SIPA(School of International Public Affairs) ??

 

My focus in in diplomacy/international economics in US and Chinese relations. At first I was thinking of applying to 6 schools. But now I've narrowed it down to three. John Hopkins SAIS, Georgetown's MSFS and Columbia's SIPA.

 

Of the schools, I feel like SIPA is too broad. Many other IR grads or those in the industry have mentioned that the school is "ill runned", "undergrads convoluting the school" and not as "straight-shoot" as the other schools. In any case, I hear the school is really board, and is too expensive for what it offers. 

 

At first I was going to aim for other safety schools too but several friends who graduated in IR, advised me that if I am going to spend over 60K per year for this degree, that I better pick a school that I will be WILLING to go and the best in what they do - network, job placement, education, satisfaction etc). 60K is no joke for anyone. 

 

I almost feel like not applying to Columbia SIPA because of the things I hear and its lack of focus. But at the same time, it seems too dangerous to just be applying to two schools.. 

 

Stats wise: Good GPA, decent GRE schools, strong LORs, a lot of international experience, polyglot, out of school for 3+ years. Went to a top tier public school. 

 

Anyone have any two cents on SIPA? Or any other advice for IR schools?

 

HELP!!  feel so alone in this process. Who else here is an IR person?

 

Best,

Burmese Alien. 

 

 

[Kaneisha]

Hi Burmese,

 

I'm an HKS alum, but I personally have nothing negative to say about SIPA. I think it would be extremely valuable for you to speak to two SIPA alumni about their experiences—and not just any alumni—alumni who have a similar background as you or who are now working in a field that you want to work in.

 

It may sound wacky to reach out to a current student, but believe me, although these students are very busy, they are very open and enthusiastic to speak to prospective students.

 

Often schools even have ambassadors set aside for this very reason. Here is the link to SIPA's Admissions Ambassador Program: https://new.sipa.columbia.edu/alumni/get-involved/admissions-ambassador-program

 

You don't have to be afraid to reach out to speak to these people. These are students who have voluntarily signed up for this because they want to help other applicants. When I was applying to HKS, I even asked the admissions office to help me find someone I could stay with when I visited—and they did!

 

While keeping the conversation positive and diplomatic, ask the person (the admissions ambassador) about his/her experiences. Don't frantically tell him/her all the bad things you've heard. Just ask specific questions about the things you want to know and then really listen.

 

Even though I'm an alum and I've made admissions advising my profession, nothing beats speaking to a few current students and getting the real deal on a school.

 

I hope you found that helpful, and I would love to hear from others if they have reached out to ambassadors at different schools.

 

Best of luck!

Kaneisha

 

in response to the following:

 

Hey everyone,

 

Does anyone know much about the quality of getting an education from Columbia SIPA(School of International Public Affairs) ??

 

My focus in in diplomacy/international economics in US and Chinese relations. At first I was thinking of applying to 6 schools. But now I've narrowed it down to three. John Hopkins SAIS, Georgetown's MSFS and Columbia's SIPA.

 

Of the schools, I feel like SIPA is too broad. Many other IR grads or those in the industry have mentioned that the school is "ill runned", "undergrads convoluting the school" and not as "straight-shoot" as the other schools. In any case, I hear the school is really board, and is too expensive for what it offers. 

 

At first I was going to aim for other safety schools too but several friends who graduated in IR, advised me that if I am going to spend over 60K per year for this degree, that I better pick a school that I will be WILLING to go and the best in what they do - network, job placement, education, satisfaction etc). 60K is no joke for anyone. 

 

I almost feel like not applying to Columbia SIPA because of the things I hear and its lack of focus. But at the same time, it seems too dangerous to just be applying to two schools.. 

 

Stats wise: Good GPA, decent GRE schools, strong LORs, a lot of international experience, polyglot, out of school for 3+ years. Went to a top tier public school. 

 

Anyone have any two cents on SIPA? Or any other advice for IR schools?

 

HELP!!  feel so alone in this process. Who else here is an IR person?

 

Best,

Burmese Alien.