New School GPIA - Reputation (Any information would be helpful!)

[mta7388]

I'm really attracted to the New School's International Affairs program, but their obvious flaw is the lack of a reputation and brand name. 

 

I am considering SIPA as well, but personally I feel like I'm a better fit at the New School. SIPA seems a little more geared towards the entrepreneurial, networking go-getter, which I understand is important, but I really value how much the New School focuses on exploration and advising. I feel like I would meet more like-minded people at New School. The faculty seems great, as does the international field program and curriculum, but it's miles behind SIPA in reputation.  

 

Financially, I got no money from SIPA and 20% from New School. 

 

The website is pretty informative, but I really would like to hear from anyone that has gone there before, or at least from anyone who has a perspective on how much reputation matters. 

 

THANK YOU

[dpgu800]

I also got into the MA International Affairs program...

They were the only ones to offer any funding at all (20% like you)

And I really appreciate the fact that current students and alums sent me email to see if I had any questions about the school/program, as well as an email from the dean.

 

It does seem like a good program, and one of the concentrations right down my alley.

And as you say, the program is probably less "business-y" than SIPA or other schools, since it was originally housed alongside the New School for Social Research (which has very good reputation fro academic research) and probably retains a lot of the flavor from that era. 

The field program indeed looks nice, and their job placement and reputation doesn't look too bad either, esp. in NYC.

Outside of NYC may be slightly more tricky, esp if you want to work internationally.

 

I heard that the school in general is pretty left-leaning, which is probably not surprising in regular social science departments but not the norm in IR policy schools. Don't know if that's a plus or minus for you.

Also, I think the program attracts more ppl straight out of undergrad, as the bar is slightly lower on the professional experience category.... SIPA will certainly have a better mix of mid-career professionals and younger students than Milano. 

 

And as for alumni feedback, I haven't heard anything too negative about the IA program, tho I've encountered some negative feedback on the urban policy MA. 

 

 

I personally look like I may be turning down their offer for LSE, b/c even w the 20% funding the yearly cost of attendance will be roughly the same.....but I think you may seriously consider New School as an option, since the SIPA tuition is just unreasonable. 

[mta7388]

Thanks for the response. The left-leaning aspect isn't an issue for me at all, if anything it's a plus, and I plan on sticking in NYC so i'm not worried about international reputation. Thanks for your feedback, and good luck at LSE!