GW Elliott Fall 2016

[coffeeandtravel]

11 minutes ago, ESIAGradStudentSPS16-18 said:

I am going. I will post here after. 

Thanks for letting us know about your thoughts and impressions! 

[MKrys]

Are any of you guys leaning towards GW right now or definitely going? I'm hoping to make my decision in the next few day (GW vs. AU) after we hear about their admitted student day. I'm just curious about what other people are thinking at this point. 

Also has anyone emailed their program director and heard back with any info? I emailed the IA director with some questions the other day after I was encouraged to do so in the ESIA admissions office but I haven't heard anything yet. 

[MKrys]

So I emailed the Wolcott Foundation today and they said if you don't hear anything by April 15th then you didn't get the fellowship. I don't know if people have already heard on it but I thought I'd just give an update. 

Edited April 7, 2016 by MKrys

[Pichichi]

2 hours ago, MKrys said:

Are any of you guys leaning towards GW right now or definitely going? I'm hoping to make my decision in the next few day (GW vs. AU) after we hear about their admitted student day. I'm just curious about what other people are thinking at this point. 

Also has anyone emailed their program director and heard back with any info? I emailed the IA director with some questions the other day after I was encouraged to do so in the ESIA admissions office but I haven't heard anything yet. 

I'm in between GW and SAIS. I'll be going to the open house tomorrow and will share anything I find interesting.

[coffeeandtravel]

21 minutes ago, MKrys said:

So I emailed the Wolcott Foundation today and they said if you don't hear anything by April 15th then you didn't get the fellowship. I don't know if people have already heard on it but I thought I'd just give an update. 

Hmm well that's also the date that GW requires a deposit. I kind of figured that I just didn't get it (as I haven't heard anything). Maybe they've already offered it to a few people and are waiting to see if they turn it down. 

[ESIAGradStudentSPS16-18]

On April 7, 2016 at 6:22 PM, coffeeandtravel said:

Hmm well that's also the date that GW requires a deposit. I kind of figured that I just didn't get it (as I haven't heard anything). Maybe they've already offered it to a few people and are waiting to see if they turn it down. 

At Elliott's admitted student day (4/8) they said that if you haven't heard from Wolcott then you didn't get it. It was told to us that they don't send rejections, only approvals. Sorry.

[MKrys]

6 hours ago, ESIAGradStudentSPS16-18 said:

At Elliott's admitted student day (4/8) they said that if you haven't heard from Wolcott then you didn't get it. It was told to us that they don't send rejections, only approvals. Sorry.

Yeah I pretty much figured that we would have heard by now. I didn't really think I had that much chance anyway! 

Did you find anything else at admitted students day interesting?

[billythekid72]

For those who attended admitted students day, could you please share your thoughts on the school?

[Pichichi]

While brief, I hope my thoughts on the open house are helpful.

- The accepted students: Definitely a younger crowd. There were actually some people there with their parents, which caught me off guard. In their defense though I know my mom would have loved to join me as well. A lot of people seemed worried about the econ prerequisites..

- Language: You take undergrad language classes and a max of 6 credits toward your degree. I was a little unimpressed with this. Granted I'm not worried about my second language proficiency, if you were totally new to a language or hoped to be fully proficient after two years you might not get the best language teaching/training.

- The "Elliott School Competitive Advantage": Really stressed their location and night classes. The school is right in the thick of it. The State Dept, World Bank, etc. are very close to the campus and it was my impression that the ability to work or intern during the day and take classes at night really was the main draw for the current students that spoke to us. I can't remember if the percent of students that intern/work while studying was mentioned, but it seemed like the overwhelmingly popular option. 

- Study abroad: 19 Exchange partners, if I remember correctly. Plenty of opportunities to study abroad.

- Capstone Courses: Full year and there is funding available to travel internationally (maybe if only for a week or two). You can choose your topic and team. If you wanted to do a thesis you would have to the the capstone as well. 

- Career Development: There's career coaching, site visits, info sessions, and then there are skills courses. These one credit courses are about giving students marketable skills. There's formal policy briefing, writing skills, micro-lending, etc. Having talked to Elliott students and alumni these courses are a hit or a miss. All students need to take three and I'm not sure of the availability of courses, but from what I gather you might take a class and learn nothing or gain very useful knowledge on whatever subject it is. It's also worth noting that if you wanted to get quantitative analysis skills, but not take a full 3 credit class there is a 1 credit course. How this skill course stands up to an actual 3 credit course? I don't know...

The Dean spoke at the end of the day and seemed to have pretty ambitious goals for the school in the next 10 years. At the end of it, I thought while the presentation wasn't awe-inspiring, it wasn't too bad. While it may not be as highly ranked as SAIS or Georgetown the emphasis on the ability to intern/work was food for thought.

[ESIAGradStudentSPS16-18]

On April 10, 2016 at 11:18 AM, billythekid72 said:

For those who attended admitted students day, could you please share your thoughts on the school?

I will post my thoughts tonight. Sorry I've been inundated with catching up at home and work. 

[billythekid72]

20 hours ago, Pichichi said:

While brief, I hope my thoughts on the open house are helpful.

- The accepted students: Definitely a younger crowd. There were actually some people there with their parents, which caught me off guard. In their defense though I know my mom would have loved to join me as well. A lot of people seemed worried about the econ prerequisites..

- Language: You take undergrad language classes and a max of 6 credits toward your degree. I was a little unimpressed with this. Granted I'm not worried about my second language proficiency, if you were totally new to a language or hoped to be fully proficient after two years you might not get the best language teaching/training.

- The "Elliott School Competitive Advantage": Really stressed their location and night classes. The school is right in the thick of it. The State Dept, World Bank, etc. are very close to the campus and it was my impression that the ability to work or intern during the day and take classes at night really was the main draw for the current students that spoke to us. I can't remember if the percent of students that intern/work while studying was mentioned, but it seemed like the overwhelmingly popular option. 

- Study abroad: 19 Exchange partners, if I remember correctly. Plenty of opportunities to study abroad.

- Capstone Courses: Full year and there is funding available to travel internationally (maybe if only for a week or two). You can choose your topic and team. If you wanted to do a thesis you would have to the the capstone as well. 

- Career Development: There's career coaching, site visits, info sessions, and then there are skills courses. These one credit courses are about giving students marketable skills. There's formal policy briefing, writing skills, micro-lending, etc. Having talked to Elliott students and alumni these courses are a hit or a miss. All students need to take three and I'm not sure of the availability of courses, but from what I gather you might take a class and learn nothing or gain very useful knowledge on whatever subject it is. It's also worth noting that if you wanted to get quantitative analysis skills, but not take a full 3 credit class there is a 1 credit course. How this skill course stands up to an actual 3 credit course? I don't know...

The Dean spoke at the end of the day and seemed to have pretty ambitious goals for the school in the next 10 years. At the end of it, I thought while the presentation wasn't awe-inspiring, it wasn't too bad. While it may not be as highly ranked as SAIS or Georgetown the emphasis on the ability to intern/work was food for thought.

Pichichi, thanks for providing us with a detailed overview on experience at the Elliott Admitted Students Day event. I wasn't able to attend; however, you sentiments seem to mirror alot of what I have heard and read about the program. Thanks again!  

[billythekid72]

3 hours ago, ESIAGradStudentSPS16-18 said:

I will post my thoughts tonight. Sorry I've been inundated with catching up at home and work. 

ESIAGradStudentSPS16-18, no worries, we all understand! Thanks for offering to share your thoughts and experience at the Admitted Students Day event. Can't wait to read them. 

[ESIAGradStudentSPS16-18]

Sorry this is so late.

I thoroughly enjoyed Elliott's Admitted Studemt Day. It confirmed my thoughts and feelings of the school and positively reinforced my decision to attend. I skipped the campus tour at 9am as I am a "local" and can do a tour at any time. I arrived around 10:15am to check-in, grabbed a pastry and coffee, and walked around the entrance hall observing the research projects that were on display. At 11am we gathered in one of the lecture halls for the opening statements. The school has a lot to offer students and they spotlighted all of those benefits. Location, evening classes, lifetime access to the career center, practitioner faculty, notable alumni, cost comparison, etc. from there we grabbed a "box lunch" from a broad range of options and met with our respective programs for program information sessions over lunch. I am entering the SPS program, so I joined my prospective fellow classmates with PD Joanna Spear and APD Paul Williams. The relaxed setting and British banter of the two was enjoyable. From there we went back to the lecture hall and listened to a student panel answering questions about their Elliott experiences. This was a good session for non-locals mostly. The COL in the Washington DC area needs to be considered if you haven't thought about it already. They brought up the point that you can live outside of DC city limits and commute in to the city for much less. Ask me if you want ideas or examples. Next was the Financial Aid panel. This was probably the most unexciting part of the day, but I did gain some good info. One suggestion is to over-borrow initially and then adjust your COL amount once you see what you really need to live and pay back the extra to the school. They will give it back to the credit grantor. The last session was a choice of 4 different presentations to attend. I attended a session on the US' strategy against ISIS. There was a peacekeeping session, a financial oriented session, and another I am not remembering right now. The one I attended was very good. If this is a good idea of the thoughtful and insightful info you will get at Elliott, then I am feeling very good about my decision. At this point it is 6pm and time for the reception with alumni and faculty. The food was great, the punch was very good, and the chance to mingle with everyone overlooking the highlights of DC was nice. The SPS program met separately in s conference room and got a chance to talk in a quieter space one-on-one from around 7:30-9:30 or 10pm. People were there from Texas, Ohio, Michigan, etc. I met a lot of great people and can't wait to get started. 

Tidbits of info...

Justin - international study programs
Christine - capstones
Sarah Denes - academic advisor (wait until June)
Get on blackboard
Register for courses in June 
Graduate career center available after June 15
Get on Career connection now 
Plan of study due by 10/15. Can change after tho. 
Capstone is required; masters thesis is in addition to capstone. Not one or the other. 
Approx 20 students/class. 
Capstone travel abroad is 1-2 weeks and usually around/over spring break. 
And take time off (1-2 semesters)to gain work/education and come back. 
ECON6820 in China
Non-state actors in Israel/Palestine
Skills courses (1 CR HR ea) are 3 Saturdays or 6 night classes. (Need 3)
Independent study option (thesis-spring or fall). 
Capstone in final spring/fall semester. 
Some weekend classes. 
Work in teams. Have a client. Policy, not history. 
The librarian is an energizer bunny and will help find endless resources for study work. 
Start with the 3 core courses. Addresses philosophy of security. 
Consortium options at other cooperating schools. Not Hopkins but others. Transfer up to 6 credits back to Elliott. Get pre-approved. 
Classes 5:10pm and 7:10pm. 
Look up class syllabus for reading assignments, papers, and due dates. 
Be proactive. 

Financial Aid
Public service loan forgiveness? Qualifying institutions? Look at FSA websites. 
Phi delta gamma for 2nd year need-based money. 
Direct federal subsidized (not credit based) then plus loans (credit based). Then private outside loans. Shouldn't need private loans. Federal should provide tuition and max living expenses allowed  
Over borrow and adjust later if it's too much. 
Reapply to scholarships/fellowships for 2nd year.
$138,500 is the max loan with direct fed loan. At $130k the school gets a notice. Lol 
Then "plus" loan.
Tuition increase 2-3% each year. 

Study abroad. Get approved. Tuition remains the same. Living expenses put in your budget. Plan ahead. 

I think that's about it. Let me know if you have any questions. 

Edited April 13, 2016 by ESIAGradStudentSPS16-18

[ESIAGradStudentSPS16-18]

Try this to ask a current 2nd year student...

 

[billythekid72]

20 hours ago, ESIAGradStudentSPS16-18 said:

Sorry this is so late.

I thoroughly enjoyed Elliott's Admitted Studemt Day. It confirmed my thoughts and feelings of the school and positively reinforced my decision to attend. I skipped the campus tour at 9am as I am a "local" and can do a tour at any time. I arrived around 10:15am to check-in, grabbed a pastry and coffee, and walked around the entrance hall observing the research projects that were on display. At 11am we gathered in one of the lecture halls for the opening statements. The school has a lot to offer students and they spotlighted all of those benefits. Location, evening classes, lifetime access to the career center, practitioner faculty, notable alumni, cost comparison, etc. from there we grabbed a "box lunch" from a broad range of options and met with our respective programs for program information sessions over lunch. I am entering the SPS program, so I joined my prospective fellow classmates with PD Joanna Spear and APD Paul Williams. The relaxed setting and British banter of the two was enjoyable. From there we went back to the lecture hall and listened to a student panel answering questions about their Elliott experiences. This was a good session for non-locals mostly. The COL in the Washington DC area needs to be considered if you haven't thought about it already. They brought up the point that you can live outside of DC city limits and commute in to the city for much less. Ask me if you want ideas or examples. Next was the Financial Aid panel. This was probably the most unexciting part of the day, but I did gain some good info. One suggestion is to over-borrow initially and then adjust your COL amount once you see what you really need to live and pay back the extra to the school. They will give it back to the credit grantor. The last session was a choice of 4 different presentations to attend. I attended a session on the US' strategy against ISIS. There was a peacekeeping session, a financial oriented session, and another I am not remembering right now. The one I attended was very good. If this is a good idea of the thoughtful and insightful info you will get at Elliott, then I am feeling very good about my decision. At this point it is 6pm and time for the reception with alumni and faculty. The food was great, the punch was very good, and the chance to mingle with everyone overlooking the highlights of DC was nice. The SPS program met separately in s conference room and got a chance to talk in a quieter space one-on-one from around 7:30-9:30 or 10pm. People were there from Texas, Ohio, Michigan, etc. I met a lot of great people and can't wait to get started. 

Tidbits of info...

Justin - international study programs
Christine - capstones
Sarah Denes - academic advisor (wait until June)
Get on blackboard
Register for courses in June 
Graduate career center available after June 15
Get on Career connection now 
Plan of study due by 10/15. Can change after tho. 
Capstone is required; masters thesis is in addition to capstone. Not one or the other. 
Approx 20 students/class. 
Capstone travel abroad is 1-2 weeks and usually around/over spring break. 
And take time off (1-2 semesters)to gain work/education and come back. 
ECON6820 in China
Non-state actors in Israel/Palestine
Skills courses (1 CR HR ea) are 3 Saturdays or 6 night classes. (Need 3)
Independent study option (thesis-spring or fall). 
Capstone in final spring/fall semester. 
Some weekend classes. 
Work in teams. Have a client. Policy, not history. 
The librarian is an energizer bunny and will help find endless resources for study work. 
Start with the 3 core courses. Addresses philosophy of security. 
Consortium options at other cooperating schools. Not Hopkins but others. Transfer up to 6 credits back to Elliott. Get pre-approved. 
Classes 5:10pm and 7:10pm. 
Look up class syllabus for reading assignments, papers, and due dates. 
Be proactive. 

Financial Aid
Public service loan forgiveness? Qualifying institutions? Look at FSA websites. 
Phi delta gamma for 2nd year need-based money. 
Direct federal subsidized (not credit based) then plus loans (credit based). Then private outside loans. Shouldn't need private loans. Federal should provide tuition and max living expenses allowed  
Over borrow and adjust later if it's too much. 
Reapply to scholarships/fellowships for 2nd year.
$138,500 is the max loan with direct fed loan. At $130k the school gets a notice. Lol 
Then "plus" loan.
Tuition increase 2-3% each year. 

Study abroad. Get approved. Tuition remains the same. Living expenses put in your budget. Plan ahead. 

I think that's about it. Let me know if you have any questions. 

Thanks ESIAGradStudent! 

[MKrys]

Has anyone heard about an ESIA admitted students Facebook group or anything like that?

Also, does anyone know anything more about the graduate certificates beyond what is on the website? How much time it adds to the degree etc?

Edited April 15, 2016 by MKrys

[kaseyleigh]

On April 15, 2016 at 5:08 PM, MKrys said:

Has anyone heard about an ESIA admitted students Facebook group or anything like that?

Also, does anyone know anything more about the graduate certificates beyond what is on the website? How much time it adds to the degree etc?

I've joined the admitted students group! I think it is secret right now, but I got an email giving me the link to join... maybe try emailing them if you haven't received it? Have you been able to set up your GW Net ID and email address yet?

[MKrys]

19 hours ago, kaseyleigh said:

I've joined the admitted students group! I think it is secret right now, but I got an email giving me the link to join... maybe try emailing them if you haven't received it? Have you been able to set up your GW Net ID and email address yet?

How long after you paid your deposit did you get that email? I set up my email and everything - do they send everything to the gwu email address once it's set up?

[kaseyleigh]

17 hours ago, MKrys said:

How long after you paid your deposit did you get that email? I set up my email and everything - do they send everything to the gwu email address once it's set up?

Hmmm it looks like I received it on the same day as I received the email confirming my deposit. For some reason right now there are only 40 people in the group, so perhaps only certain programs have been able to join so far? I am in the mid-career program, so I thought it might be that, but someone just posted that they are in the MA Intl Affairs... I also see one for the Intl Science and Technology Program. I'm just not really sure.

[MKrys]

3 hours ago, kaseyleigh said:

Hmmm it looks like I received it on the same day as I received the email confirming my deposit. For some reason right now there are only 40 people in the group, so perhaps only certain programs have been able to join so far? I am in the mid-career program, so I thought it might be that, but someone just posted that they are in the MA Intl Affairs... I also see one for the Intl Science and Technology Program. I'm just not really sure.

Oh that's weird. Maybe I will hear something later this week. I imagine they've been getting a lot of new enrollments. I just hope I don't have to wait too long! Thanks for the info!

[dcsa16]

On 4/15/2016 at 6:08 PM, MKrys said:

Has anyone heard about an ESIA admitted students Facebook group or anything like that?

Also, does anyone know anything more about the graduate certificates beyond what is on the website? How much time it adds to the degree etc?

I asked about a certain certificate program, and my program director said that it can be combined with the degree program, and that a few students had done so in the past. Which certificate are you interested in?

[MKrys]

6 hours ago, dcsa16 said:

I asked about a certain certificate program, and my program director said that it can be combined with the degree program, and that a few students had done so in the past. Which certificate are you interested in?

I'm not sure, I just thought they all sounded interesting and was looking for more info. I probably won't wind up doing it since it would be a lot more work on top of school and a job.

[MKrys]

Oh, has anyone had issues getting into the facebook group? The link they sent wouldn't open for me and the direct link I got from admissions just gives me an error message. I'm getting frustrated.

[Guest]

On 4/11/2016 at 7:28 PM, billythekid72 said:

Pichichi, thanks for providing us with a detailed overview on experience at the Elliott Admitted Students Day event. I wasn't able to attend; however, you sentiments seem to mirror alot of what I have heard and read about the program. Thanks again!  

 

On 4/13/2016 at 0:34 AM, ESIAGradStudentSPS16-18 said:

Sorry this is so late.

I thoroughly enjoyed Elliott's Admitted Studemt Day. It confirmed my thoughts and feelings of the school and positively reinforced my decision to attend. I skipped the campus tour at 9am as I am a "local" and can do a tour at any time. I arrived around 10:15am to check-in, grabbed a pastry and coffee, and walked around the entrance hall observing the research projects that were on display. At 11am we gathered in one of the lecture halls for the opening statements. The school has a lot to offer students and they spotlighted all of those benefits. Location, evening classes, lifetime access to the career center, practitioner faculty, notable alumni, cost comparison, etc. from there we grabbed a "box lunch" from a broad range of options and met with our respective programs for program information sessions over lunch. I am entering the SPS program, so I joined my prospective fellow classmates with PD Joanna Spear and APD Paul Williams. The relaxed setting and British banter of the two was enjoyable. From there we went back to the lecture hall and listened to a student panel answering questions about their Elliott experiences. This was a good session for non-locals mostly. The COL in the Washington DC area needs to be considered if you haven't thought about it already. They brought up the point that you can live outside of DC city limits and commute in to the city for much less. Ask me if you want ideas or examples. Next was the Financial Aid panel. This was probably the most unexciting part of the day, but I did gain some good info. One suggestion is to over-borrow initially and then adjust your COL amount once you see what you really need to live and pay back the extra to the school. They will give it back to the credit grantor. The last session was a choice of 4 different presentations to attend. I attended a session on the US' strategy against ISIS. There was a peacekeeping session, a financial oriented session, and another I am not remembering right now. The one I attended was very good. If this is a good idea of the thoughtful and insightful info you will get at Elliott, then I am feeling very good about my decision. At this point it is 6pm and time for the reception with alumni and faculty. The food was great, the punch was very good, and the chance to mingle with everyone overlooking the highlights of DC was nice. The SPS program met separately in s conference room and got a chance to talk in a quieter space one-on-one from around 7:30-9:30 or 10pm. People were there from Texas, Ohio, Michigan, etc. I met a lot of great people and can't wait to get started. 

Tidbits of info...

Justin - international study programs
Christine - capstones
Sarah Denes - academic advisor (wait until June)
Get on blackboard
Register for courses in June 
Graduate career center available after June 15
Get on Career connection now 
Plan of study due by 10/15. Can change after tho. 
Capstone is required; masters thesis is in addition to capstone. Not one or the other. 
Approx 20 students/class. 
Capstone travel abroad is 1-2 weeks and usually around/over spring break. 
And take time off (1-2 semesters)to gain work/education and come back. 
ECON6820 in China
Non-state actors in Israel/Palestine
Skills courses (1 CR HR ea) are 3 Saturdays or 6 night classes. (Need 3)
Independent study option (thesis-spring or fall). 
Capstone in final spring/fall semester. 
Some weekend classes. 
Work in teams. Have a client. Policy, not history. 
The librarian is an energizer bunny and will help find endless resources for study work. 
Start with the 3 core courses. Addresses philosophy of security. 
Consortium options at other cooperating schools. Not Hopkins but others. Transfer up to 6 credits back to Elliott. Get pre-approved. 
Classes 5:10pm and 7:10pm. 
Look up class syllabus for reading assignments, papers, and due dates. 
Be proactive. 

Financial Aid
Public service loan forgiveness? Qualifying institutions? Look at FSA websites. 
Phi delta gamma for 2nd year need-based money. 
Direct federal subsidized (not credit based) then plus loans (credit based). Then private outside loans. Shouldn't need private loans. Federal should provide tuition and max living expenses allowed  
Over borrow and adjust later if it's too much. 
Reapply to scholarships/fellowships for 2nd year.
$138,500 is the max loan with direct fed loan. At $130k the school gets a notice. Lol 
Then "plus" loan.
Tuition increase 2-3% each year. 

Study abroad. Get approved. Tuition remains the same. Living expenses put in your budget. Plan ahead. 

I think that's about it. Let me know if you have any questions. 

Interesting. I'm a current student at GW Elliott School and I'm am 23. Everyone in my orientation was older lol...Then if you wish to delve into the SPS program, most were married military men lol.

The night classes are definitely an advantage. Many people also don't seem to take advantage of the study abroad programs either (job, life commitments, etc).Yet, I juts completed a study abroad program with the Singapore exchange partner though....and went over there alone. It was personally the best time of my life and I even went out alone to neighboring countries in Southeast Asia...

Edited June 22, 2016 by Guest