SAIS: Does being open to either campus make you more competitive?

[cal93]

Hello there,

 

I'm applying to SAIS and would prefer to spend the two years in DC. At the same time, I'd be happy to attend SAIS even if that will mean spending the first year in Bologna.

 

Any thoughts or insights here? Does saying you're open to either campus make you more competitive? Is it harder to get into the 2-year DC program than it is the Bologna/DC program?

 

Thanks!

[MsFutureDiplomat]

Haven't seen any official statistics on it but I am sure it helps. I didn't indicate a preference and they assigned me to the DC campus. So I think it is worth a try on your part. I have a feeling they chose DC for me because I've been living in Europe since finishing my BA and I never had the chance to work or study in DC before (my undergrad college was in my hometown on the west coast,) but again this is just conjecture. It certainly can't hurt!

[WinterSolstice]

I also chose no preference because I had the same concerns as you, and I ended up being assigned to Bologna. I suspect they may have chosen me for Bologna because from what I've been told, the Bologna class is usually somewhat younger and I'm on the younger side of the average class age. That being said, if you are particularly averse to either campus, then I would state what your preference is. No point in saying you're open to either if it means you won't go to the school if you're put on the campus you're not interested in. It is generally pretty difficult to try and switch campuses after the fact.