Great posts all.

So, couple of questions.

First, is Yale's IR program really so academic-centered as to be unpractical? Any idea to those who have already applied or know about all these programs? Does Yale only look for "academics"?

Second, is Harvard's MPP program with the IGA concentration not recommended for someone who's applying to MA IR programs such as SAIS, but not applying to any MPP programs because of too much econ/stats? I want to do an MA instead of an MPP because I don't want it to be quant-focused. In other words, would you recommend someone who is not quant-focused considering SAIS to definitely consider Harvard KSG as well because there's just as much math in some MA programs?

How much does GPA/other stats actually matter? Isn't it almost all about the personal statement?

Are there some schools, such as U Chicago, that will NOT give money no matter what? Some schools that are NOT worth going to at all?

Thanks!

Fletcher Early Notification/Chances
 

As this seems to be one of the most active IR threads at the moment, I was wondering, does anyone have an idea of when the Fletcher Early Notification decisions will come out? I heard a rumor somewhere about "the second week of December", but I was wondering if anyone had a more concrete idea.

Also, in terms of my chances at being accepted to the MALD. I'm coming straight out of undergrad, but I have sort of special circumstances with a fellowship that requires me to go straight to grad school. I'm at an Ivy League School, 3.7+ GPA, Dual Major, Born Abroad but now a dual citizen (with the US), have traveled pretty extensively, proficient in several languages including Arabic and French, have had internships at two US embassies abroad, and a number of IR related internships domestically. GRE 730 V 710 Q. Any thoughts? How about KSG with these stats?

traveler,

I'd say you have a good shot at any of the MA IR programs. Definitely a solid overall package, assuming you didn't completely bungle the essays. ;)

true superman,

[quote]First, is Yale's IR program really so academic-centered as to be unpractical? Any idea to those who have already applied or know about all these programs? Does Yale only look for "academics"?[/quote]

My impression is that Yale's program is very "academic." I don't know about its practicality, per se, and I think that depends on what you want to do with the degree.

[quote]Second, is Harvard's MPP program with the IGA concentration not recommended for someone who's applying to MA IR programs such as SAIS, but not applying to any MPP programs because of too much econ/stats? I want to do an MA instead of an MPP because I don't want it to be quant-focused. In other words, would you recommend someone who is not quant-focused considering SAIS to definitely consider Harvard KSG as well because there's just as much math in some MA programs?[/quote]

I think you should definitely give KSG a shot. It's quant, yes, but it has excellent resources. What, exactly, are you getting the degree for?

[quote]
How much does GPA/other stats actually matter? Isn't it almost all about the personal statement? [/quote]

My experience was that GRE mattered a fair bit, actually. I think fit is the most important, however. Scores are more of a "yes or no" thing, but they do help with funding.

UCLAri,

Thanks! I would use my degreeto go into international orgs, multilaterals, and maybe federal. I'm only applying to MAs, and wasn't considering KSG because it was an MPP...and I didn't want something domestic or math-y.

Do you mean that GPA matters a fair bit? Or did you mean GRE?

true superman,

I think the GRE matters more than the GPA, but both tend to be somewhat of a "yes" or "no" factor, as far as I can tell.

Also, I wouldn't avoid quant-heavy programs too much. A good quant training can help you with a lot of the NGOs, NPOs, and federal jobs.

American University has some really good programs for NGO work and is not a positivist school. Georgetown is another really good school for any IR related work as well. KSG gets you the Harvard connections, but it is not the best IR MA academically speaking.

I think that with IR MAs, the best thing is to have ALOT of people in the department versus a few well recognized heavyweights. That way, you can always find someone working on what you are interested in, and there will be connections to be made as a result. Most undergrads are pretty clueless about what is out there, so breadth is key. PAY ATTENTION TO REGIONS. If the really highly ranked program that you are interested in has no one that works on your area of the world, and doesn't have funding for language training/research in that area of the world (FLAS, Internships, State Department in resident, and national security language funds), don't go.

Almost done with my course work for a Phd in IR.

How is PKU/LSE program?
 

Any comments on LSE/PKU program?

I was wondering if anyone's heard of or went to the LSE/PKU program? Any comments on it? It requires two dissertations, so I suppose people go into academia after graduating?

Joint JD/PhD (in IR)
 

Are any people able to give insight on joint JD/PhD programs? I am about to start as a student at an ivy league university next year and plan on doing a double major in International Relations (regional concentration: Middle East) and Economics. I am 17 and speak English (obviously), Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese. In terms of grad school I'm really torn between pursuing a JD (assumedly at a top 5 law school), and a PhD in either IR or IPEC. I am very interested in academic IR research, international law, and international policy and hope to eventually work at IGOs such as the World Bank, UN, etc etc.

I know that many top law schools have joint JD/PhD programs which last about 7 years, most notably KSG and HLS (which would be ideal if I could get in). What do you find to be the worth of these joint programs? Would the extra time spent on the PhD be more easily invested in simply an MA or an MPA-ID? How seamless are the professional crossroads between IR and law?

Also, I am considering UK grad schools for my (hypothetical) doctorate. What perceptions do policy circles (both domestic and international) hold about the LSE, Oxford, or Cambridge programs in IR or economic development?

hekster,

Good point. I think I'll add that to the first post.

spacejam,

Sorry, I can't offer any insight. I'd be inclined to say that if you can stay in the US, then do so.

09910745,

If Foreign Policy mag is any indication, then the IR programs in the US are much better than those in the UK. One of my professors, who did his PhD in the UK (he's a Brit) recommended that I do my PhD in the US if at all possible.

As for joint programs, I think it's best to worry less about that right now and worry more about maybe honing in on what your interests are in the next couple of years. That is not to say that I'm deflecting your question, but that I think it's hard to give you a proper answer when you're so young (sorry to be condescending!)

At the risk of sounding condescending, 09910745, you shouldn't be "really torn" about grad school at 17. You have more than enough time to figure out what you want to do, so UCLAri is absolutely right. Time goes on, people change majors, change life plans, reevaluate their options, etc, etc. My dentist was a poli sci major, too.

I have an urgent question:

I want to apply to NYU's international relations graduate program, however I can not figure out the difference between the program offered under the GSAS and SCPS of NYU. Can someone advise me? When people talk of NYU's international relations program, which specific program do they refer to?

karina1617,

Have you called any of the offices and asked? I promise you that it won't affect you negatively, and that it's probably the best way to get the right information.

UCLAri, I would gladly have called, but the offices are all closed for the hollidays, while the application deadline is in 3 days. I am in trouble. Perhaps anyone does know at least something?

karina,

It looks to me like SCPS is with an "adult school," while GSAS is in the main faculty. I don't know enough about NYU to say this for certain, but I think that GSAS is probably the one most people think of when they're thinking of NYU. However, it also seems to me that the GSAS program is the more academic one.

UCLAri,

Thank you so much for responding. I do agree with you. I too have read all the info on the websites. GSAS's offered program is in political sceince with a concentration in international relations while that of SCPS's program is directly called "Global Affairs". I would rather not go to an "adult school", but I wonder if, when entering the job market, a degree in political science will not look academic, and thus irrelevant.