Oh, April!! SIPA vs. MALD vs. Elliot (and SIS?)

[Dalila_BA]

Hello all!! So, April is here and I am having a veeery hard time trying to make up my mind.

I have been admitted to the MIA at SIPA (no $), MALD at Fletcher (some $) Elliot (same $ as Tufts) and American (fullride).

 

A bit of background: I am an international student, hold a Fulbright Scholarship which covers only maintenance costs and my interest revolve around sustainable cities. I am in my 30s, have been working at a consulting firm for almost 6 years and after grad school my ideal job would combine urban sustainable development and consulting on place branding. 

 

Because I have a clear idea of what I want to do next, the Fletcher curriculum seems like a perfect fit. However, I am concerned with the lack of networking that Medford could provide and I am not too excited with the idea of living in the suburbs (this is all in my head, since I have never been there; but I come from a very big city and need to be in a place that is vibrant and stimulating, both personally and professionally). And also, Boston seems to me more "young" than, say, DC and NYC.

 

SIPA is absolutely tempting in terms of networking, though I am concerned with the flexbility of the MIA. Also, the prospect of working in the 2nd year as TA or RA might take time off my studies (would appreciate SIPA alums' opinion on this pls!!). Should I embark on a higher loan because of the Columbia brand? Does it truly make a difference?

 

Then, the program at Elliot is much more specific. I would be studying Global Communications, which only covers a part of my interests - the public diplomacy/place branding branch. The debt is considerably smaller, but perhaps DC might offer work opportunities after graduation. 

 

The SIS program is much more culturally oriented than Elliot's, and does not fit my interests. The full ride tuition is not enough to sway me towards it.

 

Bottom line. Should I go for my academic interests? Have a broader formation in order to secure a better paid job? Rely only on the Fulbright brand and not on the University? I am really at a crossroads here...I know that it's a nice problem to have, but still, I want to be happy with my decision.

 

Any insights are welcome!!

Cheers!!

[wolfie53]

Seems like a tough call, but judging from what you have stated Tufts or SIPA seem to be your go to schools. I congratulate you for going for what you want to go as I would have a difficult time turning down a fullride scholarship.

 

Overall if you feel Tufts might be a great fit I would say go for it. Networking might seem tough because of its less than ideal location but my mentor and advisor from undergrad said Tufts is among the best schools for networking and funneling professionals into the federal public sector. Given Tufts reputation networking shouldn't be too much of a challenge despite the New England based locations. You will still have access to numerous practitioners, think tanks and various other organizations and institutions to help assist your career and academic goals.

[Ana Pascal]

Have you attended any visit days? (Or are you doing Fletcher's visit this coming Sunday/Monday?)

 

I can't speak to all of your programs, but I've also been admitted to Fletcher and to Elliot's Global Comm program. Here are my thoughts on those: 

• Tufts - Like you, I love the curriculum. Its flexibility will allow me to focus on exactly what I want. Current students and alum have interesting and impressive work experience and/or current jobs, which makes me feel good about the network. I've heard Somerville is a fun neighborhood with a lot going on, and Boston proper is a very short train ride away. For me, Fletcher has offered better funding than Elliot.
   
• GW - Don't like that classes are in the evenings. Am not trying to work in DC, so the location is not persuasive for me. Am not sure if a degree in Global Comm will hold as much value, or earning potential, as other degrees. (Despite the fact that the subject matter is very interesting.) Also, no funding. 

[Dalila_BA]

@Anapascal Unfortunately I can't attend to the open houses, but I'm eager to read on the forum everyone else's experience! 

 

I see that you've also been admitted to USC's program. It was one of my choices, but I've ruled it out pretty soon, due to location, expensive cost of tuition and the fact that it's too focused on communication. Even with financial aid, the cost it too much for what it has to offer for me at this point.

 

On GW, all I can say is that I've never envisioned myself in DC, although I'm sure there are lots of opportunities available there for international students. 

Wasn't sure all classes were in the evenings, so thanks for the info.

 

I think I'm between Tufts and Columbia, and to this day Fletcher's aid is not sufficient as to make me go without thinking to Boston...I would like some insights from current alumns from both unis.

 

Are you decided on Tufts already? If you attend the open house I would love to read your impressions!!

 

@wolfie I am sure Tufts is academically excellent and has top notch prestige in the States. Not sure if it is as well known overseas, and because I have to work outside the US after graduation, I need to hold a good prestige badge. 

 

SIPA on the other hand has some bad reviews on this forum and even though I see myself as proactive, I am not sure I want to be inmersed in the insane competition for 2nd year TAships and RA jobs...

 

Still have some days to decide...

[X-Thor]

Fletcher usually accepts a significant proportion of international students, so I wouldn't worry about that. Organizations in the field, even in Argentina, surely know Fletcher. Maybe try contacting someone from the Argentinian Fletcher and Columbia alumni clubs? I'm sure they can solve your doubts better than any of us.

[dpgu800]

As someone with similar interest as you (but with far less professional exp.  ), I would recommend Columbia...

It's true that you may have to TA/RA, but SIPA is known to provide second year funding for students w/ good grades.

 

Also: SIPA offers you not only their own faculty expertise in urban and social policy, but also that of the Earth Institute and the GSAPP (planning and arch). 

Both the Earth Institute and GSAPP are heavily focused on sustainable development and esp. sustainable urban development. GSAPP has many courses on international development planning and sustainability in particular.

SIPA students can easily get involved with the Earth Institute, which not only produces great research but also provides great networking opportunities with world class practitioners and academics.

 

And this just may be my own opinion, I think it's better if a master's degree is more specific than general, that is, it should express your interest and knowledge. I'm not too sure about getting degrees that are too general...

 

And although this may sound a little vain, the Columbia brand will most definitely recognized and respected wherever you go. 

Fletcher tho I believe will def also provide you w good networking and a good brand name.

Also Boston does have some IOs, esp those relating to urban issues, so being in Medford won't be too bad either (tho I'm not a big fan of the area. Boston proper will be much better)