SAIS wait list admit, what to do?

[zd0943]

Hey folks

 

I've just been admitted off of the waitlist to the SAIS MA program. I'm thrilled to receive this kind of news, as SAIS was my top-choice graduate program. 

 

Prior to receiving this news, I've been gearing up to head to UCSD IRPS, another program that excites me, particularly with their Asia-Pacific focus. I've been confident in my decision and have been mentally preparing for life in SD. 

 

The problem I have is that I don't believe I'd be able to do my desired concentration at SAIS (IDEV). I know enrollment in this program is capped. I could study IDEV at UCSD, but their program isn't as robust in this area to begin with, and I recently think about just focusing on China studies (my area of interest) while at UCSD. I could also do this at SAIS. 

 

I still want to work in the development space. However, I'm not convinced if concentrating in IDEV necessarily positions you more strongly for careers in development. Ultimately, any degree I complete will simply be a masters in IR, without the clarifications of concentrations, specializations, etc. It will really come down to what my work experience is like when looking for a job, not necessarily what my textbook knowledge is. And in that sense, SAIS would be a great choice, given their excellent job placement and DC location. 

 

What do others think? How relevant is one's concentration within an IR MA program to one's eventual job search? The curricular limits SAIS has placed on my application, as well as the steep price tag, make me lean a bit more towards UCSD at this point. However, SAIS is such a great program and it would be neat to live and network in DC. I plan to call admissions to verify whether or not IDEV is an option. Any and all insight on navigating this is appreciated!

[bambi_86]

One thing I've learned while at SAIS is that concentrations matter relatively little and mostly do so for the network that alumni and professors can provide. But if you take their courses (you can certainly take IDEV-courses at SAIS even if you're not in the program) you'll get to know them anyway. Generally speaking, few outside of SAIS or any grad school (aka potential employers) will either understand what "concentration" means or care about it. 

 

SAIS also has fantastic courses in China studies. I would not want to pass up the chance to study with people like Anne Thurston and David Lampton. 

[went_away]

Relevance of your concentration to a future career: slim to none. 

[GameTheory]

Probably none - concentrations are pretty flexible. Word from an alum now at a microfinance firm: ''I did African Studies but I only took a quant and econ.'' They'll be looking at the hard skills you acquired.