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UCSD IR/PS
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Date: January 9th, 2009 3:59 PM Has anyone interviewed with them yet?
What are your stats?
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Date: January 9th, 2009 5:50 PM |
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Date: January 9th, 2009 8:13 PM
the only IR degrees worth getting are from G-Town, WW, or JHU |
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Date: January 12th, 2009 3:35 PM |
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Date: January 13th, 2009 12:34 AM |
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Date: January 13th, 2009 4:15 AM
Depends on what you want. When it comes to politics, your assessment is correct. IR/PS is rather weak in that area. Want to work for a think tank? Congressman? Yeah, not worth it.
American and GW are a joke academically compared to IR/PS. But yes, I admit they are better for networking. On the flip-side they're pretty useless for the private sector.
And why are you connecting G-town to those other 2 dc schools? Its a nod above them.
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Date: January 13th, 2009 7:50 AM |
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Date: January 24th, 2009 1:34 PM
The only reason GW and American do well is because the students can be perpetual interns on the side. The downside is, if you neglect to intern or cannot find something good, you are almost instantly labeled as professionally incapable. You are not under that kind of heat at say, KSG or WWS.
But the number of employers who will either: value a UCSD degree because its a UC, think a major in *insert IR sounding area* that are a dime a dozen in DC is unique, or know about faculty or curricular strengths is next to zero. Seriously, the number of people in DC who have no clue about schools other than their own is amazingly high.
I am not knocking the education it can offer you, but be careful about the investment side of the deal. You would be better off taking a full ride to literally any other school that offers the courses you want, even if it is totally unknown for IR (e.g. University of Connecticut or something), especially so if the school is in a place where you could land some decent policy internships (e.g. George Mason). The only way I would pay full fare for off label school was if I could go part-time and hold down a decent job. |
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Date: January 12th, 2009 3:50 PM |
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Date: January 12th, 2009 10:25 PM
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Date: June 3rd, 2009 11:58 PM
First, MAs in IRs are more or less all the same. Even if you go to SAIS, you aren't gonna learn anything you couldn't learn couldn't learn with a public library card, a few good podcasts and dedication. So the difference between the best and the worst (academically) is minimal. You would be better off looking for schools where the faculty actually interacts with students (I hear American and UCSD are good about this and the others aren't...good luck getting a Harvard professor to talk to a masters student).
Second, wake up and realize the reality of personal finances (most undergrads are still on daddy's payroll so they don't get this). I believe, anything over 50K in loans for a masters in IR is INSANE. Out of school you are SUPER lucky if you make high 60s/low 70s, you can make 50 if you have past work experience and for those with no experience you are looking at 30-40. You will spend the rest of your life paying off loans (plug in your numbers here and see what I mean http://www.chasestudentloans.com/student-loan-resources/loan-repayment-calculator.html).
A lot of people talk about "networks" and, yes, I do believe these matter and are important. But realize, everyone is gunning for an entry-level position at all these "awesome employers" (top think-tanks, cool government agencies, top consulting firms, etc...) and all the top (by top I mean the FULL members of the APSIA) schools have access, via alumni, to these type positions (the exception to this was SAIS and SIPA would slip some people into Wall Street every year, but that's gone now anyways). I know we see guys like Geither that went to SAIS and think that matters. The reality is, once you are in the door, where you went to school matters ZERO (anyone with real work experience knows how true this is).
So, my choice was simple. UCSD is the "best" ranked public school. So it cost the least by far and the difference in network is minimal. I agree that not being in D.C. is a huge drawback, but all schools have hurdles. I look forward (when I start my job search in a few years) to having to compete with people whose resume include their undergrad on-campus job and a graduate unpaid internships. My two years work experience at a Big 4 accounting firm working with a ton of Fortune 100 companies is head and shoulders better than the that. I don't mean to sound arrogant but want people reading this to realize rankings aren't everything.
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Date: June 4th, 2009 9:12 AM
I agree with most of what you say, except the library card comment. I've taken a number of quantitative classes and language classes that I really would not have been able to study on my own - it took a professor pushing me hard to be able to learn it. Furthermore, when you learn on your own you don't have your ideas criticized by classmates/ professors. The big problem with well-read, self educated people is that they can be dogmatic since they have never had their ideas challenged. |
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Date: June 4th, 2009 3:57 PM
And, yes, just reading it isn't the same as discussing it. I was just trying to make a point. :-)
The more important point I was making relates to the idea that the D.C. programs are worth 80-100K in debt.
I just found out yesterday that I will probably be receiving 10K a year in grants from the school based on need base aid (freaken awesome!). If so, that will bring my debt when I graduate to between 20-30K. The ONLY school I would have gone to over UCSD is KSG, because I do that that school is worth the debt. But, I had no chance of getting in. All these other schools, SIPA/SIAS/SFS are not worth 80K in debt. I would challenge anyone that thinks they are to tell me what job you can get out of there (that you can't get from UCSD) that makes it worth the debt. And DO NOT say that while you are taking classes there an unpaid internship at some obscure government agency or some unknown ideological think tank makes a difference when you are looking for a job out of school. If you think that, you don't know sh*t
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Date: January 13th, 2009 9:43 AM In terms of prestige, check the Foreign Policy rankings for IR programs if you want - this is not gospel by any means, but the best list I've seen so far |
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Date: January 14th, 2009 10:36 AM Plus they have a dedicated career service center that works with you weven before you start classes! Even if I wanted to work in DC, I dont think that having an IR/PS degree would make me less of a candidate for jobs.
I am intested in Int'l Development in SE Asia and CA is the place to be for studies on the Pacific Rim---especially since UCSD is the only school whose program is concentrated on the Pacific region and Latin America. |
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Date: January 14th, 2009 12:33 PM |
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Date: January 20th, 2009 2:55 AM
The two professors focused on SEA rock too.
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Date: January 14th, 2009 10:36 AM Did you apply early decision or regular? Have you interviewed with them yet? |
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Date: January 19th, 2009 10:42 PM
If you do not mind, I would like to chat with you through e-mail. I did let the admissions office know that I wanted to contact a current student but all the staff seem to be busy. Please let me know. |
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Date: January 21st, 2009 11:38 AM |
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Date: January 22nd, 2009 4:07 PM |
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Date: January 14th, 2009 1:30 PM But I really dont care that it is not as prestegious as the Ivy Leagues. IR/PS a good program and it's not any less of a program because it does not have the Harvard or Yale name attached. It's all about what you make of your education and how you get yourself out there, etc. |
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Date: January 15th, 2009 4:58 AM It's less of a program because the quality of faculty/students it attracts, when compared to top tier schools, is second rate. |
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Date: January 20th, 2009 2:53 AM
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Date: January 22nd, 2009 3:00 PM
I've applied to IR/PS for the Fall 09 year. I interviewed recently as well. It's my second time interviewing/applying with them. I was admitted last year, but didn't end up going to grad school.
The interview is fairly casual, I think. I had a great feeling about it both times.
My stats? 3.6 from a mediocre undergrad. Major in IR, minor in East Asian Studies. A couple of decent internships (State Dept and UN). 2 years abroad. Strong Mandarin skills. 710 -Quant, 600 - Verbal, and 5.0 - Writing.
Last year applied to UCSD, GW, SIPA, Fletcher, and SAIS. Admitted at UCSD and GW. This year I applied to the same, and I'm expecting the same results. But, I will actually enroll this time.
GradSchoolLOL: Before you say it, I know already. Thanks for looking out for me though. |
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Date: January 22nd, 2009 3:07 PM
I hope we hear from them soon. It is already mid-January. |
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Date: January 22nd, 2009 4:09 PM |
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Date: January 22nd, 2009 7:54 PM
kmita: I would also characterize my stats as decent. I'm not an amazing applicant and I'm unlikely to be offered any funding.
My work experience is definitely a weak point. I went abroad for a year after graduating and did a mix of studying/work/internship. I returned to the US this summer and have since been working at a job that is completely unrelated to IR and is essentially a waste of time. Which is why one might feel inclined to take the debt, and get the MA degree... clinging to the hope that they may do something more interesting... |
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Date: January 22nd, 2009 10:11 PM
Just outta curiosity, were you fresh outta school when you applied the first time around?
Also, was your one of your two years abroad a study abroad year?
I thought you had decent stats as well...I'm pretty confused as well with regard to what admissions staff are looking for. On one hand, some people make it out as if you need to have some amazing WE to get into SAIS/SIPA etc. but I've also met people who have good experiences abroad, but nothing spectacular. |
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Date: January 22nd, 2009 10:24 PM
You might be right. Work experience may have hurt you for some of the other schools on your list. I am sure wherever you go, you will prove your value. The brand recognition of the school is important to an extent but your personal drive and effort is what matters most.
Good luck with the rest of your application process. Since I am an applicant for 2010, I will be walking through the same rigorous process at this time next year.
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Date: January 22nd, 2009 10:38 PM
let me know if you hear anything. |
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Date: January 22nd, 2009 11:36 PM
Did u interview on campus? how long did it take for them to contact you after you submitted your application?
where else are you applying? |
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Date: January 23rd, 2009 7:16 AM
I applied to UCLA, NYU, and Columbia. Although UCSD is my first choice b/c I am interested in International Development and Asian Studies, so I would do my regional concentration in SE Asia or China.
How about you? Have you heard back from UCSD? |
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Date: January 24th, 2009 4:19 AM
It sounds like you're going to get in...so congrats! I agree with what you said in the other thread-don't worry about name all that much-IR/PS sounds like a good fit for your interests and,of course, it'll be a lot cheaper. |
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Date: January 23rd, 2009 1:39 AM |
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Date: January 23rd, 2009 7:19 AM
Where else did you apply? Let me know if you hear from them. I remember getting an email saying that they hope to get priority decisions out by mid-January. |
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Date: January 23rd, 2009 6:00 PM |
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Date: January 23rd, 2009 6:09 PM |
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Date: January 23rd, 2009 12:39 PM |
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Date: January 23rd, 2009 4:25 PM
And one of the two years of my abroad experience was in fact from study abroad. I spent my junior year in China, and returned for another year after graduating and applied to UCSD that fall.
As far as my chances with the "reach" schools like SAIS, SIPA, and Fletcher... Well, I think the grad application in some ways is a crap shoot. You hear of people being rejected from GW, but in at the aforementioned schools. Unfortunately for me, the schools have been fairly consistent in handing out rejections. Ah well.
hamfighter: I wouldn't count yourself out yet. I'm not sure what the thought process is for interviewing people. What are your stats like, out of curiosity? |
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Date: January 23rd, 2009 4:46 PM Who did you interview with? I just emailed Jason Packson, Admissions Counselor, and he said that they are still interviewing applicants and that we would know in the first week of Feb! What ever happened to mid-January?
I am going out of town for 10 days with very limited access to email and was hoping to hear back from then before Feb :( |
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Date: January 24th, 2009 8:36 AM
I'm obviously curious to hear back, but I'm not so anxious. What's the point really? We won't be told about financial aid with the acceptance letter. I guess if you're financially set and just want to be admitted, that doesn't matter. But I'm not, and it does.
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Date: January 23rd, 2009 6:09 PM |
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Date: March 30th, 2009 4:21 PM Have you heard back from SIPA?
Are you going to Admitted STudent day at IR/PS? |
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Date: March 30th, 2009 4:31 PM
I'm not going to IR/PS admitted student day. They offered me no funding, so I'm going to go with GW because of the location. I was also wait listed at SAIS, so in the off chance I'm admitted to their program I at least won't have a problem switching cities.
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Date: March 30th, 2009 4:40 PM
Did you get funding from GW? I would tihnk that GW would be way more expensive than IR/PS. |
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Date: April 1st, 2009 9:24 AM
Yes, GW is probably going to be considerably more expensive. I'm just trying to continue that American mentality of "I'll pay later." |
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Date: April 1st, 2009 10:24 AM |
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Date: April 1st, 2009 11:35 AM
i found out yesterday from SIPA via Web site (no email yet)...waistlisted. I will not wait though. |
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Date: February 1st, 2009 12:29 PM
Oh well. |
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Date: February 1st, 2009 2:32 PM
I will be applying this fall for various schools but based on all of your comments, waiting for a simple "yes" or "no" seems to be a nerve racking experience. Gosh, my stomach is going to go crazy at this time next year. |
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Date: February 2nd, 2009 7:44 PM |
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Date: February 2nd, 2009 9:15 PM
I applied last year and wasn't scheduled to interview until March, so, don't give up hope.
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Date: February 2nd, 2009 10:56 PM |
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Date: February 3rd, 2009 1:50 PM
kaygirl, where else did you apply? |
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Date: February 3rd, 2009 2:03 PM
I'm anxious and confused, but I can wait. But let me know what they say!! |
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Date: February 3rd, 2009 2:07 PM I wonder how kaygirl found out already.
Kaygirl, you applied for IRPS priority deadline? |
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Date: February 3rd, 2009 3:07 PM |
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Date: February 3rd, 2009 3:09 PM |
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Date: February 3rd, 2009 10:15 PM |
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Date: February 4th, 2009 8:18 PM
Although I was expecting to be admitted (because I had been before), it's still a relief to see. |
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Date: February 5th, 2009 1:26 AM |
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Date: February 5th, 2009 11:16 PM |
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Date: February 6th, 2009 3:37 AM |
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Date: February 9th, 2009 4:28 AM (from their FAQ) I wasn't admitted and would like some feedback. How can I obtain that?
We'll be happy to give you feedback on your application after the admissions process is over. Please submit your request via email. Please note that we will respond to such requests in June.
i applied to a few schools and have been really impressed with UCSD's admissions team. they are really attentive to prospective students, answer emails quickly, go to all the grad fairs, online chats, message boards, etc. normally it's so hard to get contact of any admissions staff. they even offer feedback if you were rejected.
good luck to all |
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Date: February 9th, 2009 8:40 AM
Maybe that's just the way it's been for me, but the email did read like it was automated.
But I agree with your impressions of the admissions team at UCSD. My phone interview with them was really good and the person doing the interview was very friendly. |
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Date: February 9th, 2009 5:40 PM |
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Date: February 10th, 2009 11:00 AM
No worries though. |
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Date: February 13th, 2009 12:13 PM |
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Date: February 13th, 2009 1:06 PM
If it's between UCSD and GW, then there's a strong chance I'll be in sunny San Diego come this time next year. It'll probably be based on how much/little funding I get. |
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Date: February 13th, 2009 1:42 PM UCSD is my first choice though. I was really intriqued by the IRPS program.
Where are you from anyways? I am coming from DC and will accept UCSD's offer.
Also, what will you concentrate in? I am going to choose b/w the Int'l Developmet and Nonprofit Management or Int'l Management career track and a regional specialization in SE Asia (language will probably be Bahasa Indonesia). |
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Date: February 13th, 2009 2:23 PM
But the IR/PS program is certainly tempting. I'm looking to just do the typical IR concentration and specialize in East Asia, specifically China. I've got a decent handle on Mandarin already, but could certainly benefit from more class time. That's actually one of the things I like about the IR/PS program, is that the language portion is a big part of the curriculum.
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Date: February 24th, 2009 8:03 AM |
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Date: February 24th, 2009 2:43 PM
Are you going to admitted student day in April? |
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Date: February 24th, 2009 5:57 PM
I haven't quite made up my mind on admitted student day. It'll probably depend on what other schools I'm admitted to, if any. |
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Date: February 24th, 2009 10:44 PM Econ prep=waste of time.
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Date: February 25th, 2009 10:20 AM Are you making that a general comment or do you have experience with the prep class?
I am actually going to write student affairs to make sure that I am requied to take Econ and not QM. I was an econ minor and did well in undergrad--so I am a little confused here. |
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Date: February 27th, 2009 8:36 PM
Econ, on the other hand, is rather boring and not very useful (especially if you've taken even intro-level econ before). Also isn't really a bonding experience because a) a lot fewer people take it b) you don't really work with others since the work is pretty easy.
Definitely write to student affairs if you were an econ minor. Maybe they made an error. If you took some stats classes and/or math beyond calc. you should be able to get out of QM prep as well.
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Date: February 28th, 2009 1:35 PM |
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Date: March 3rd, 2009 7:50 PM |
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Date: March 7th, 2009 9:21 PM Did you intern anywhere last summer? |
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Date: March 10th, 2009 1:02 AM
As for an internship, I had a rather lame one here in Socal. In hindsight, I should have tried to find one abroad, even if it weren't related to my career interests. |
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Date: March 11th, 2009 10:20 AM I am choosing SE Asia as my region since I am closer to getting my fluency in Bahasa Indonesia. ALthough I am interested in Mandarin. I took a few courses already. |
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Date: March 7th, 2009 10:52 AM
Anyone hear from them? |
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Date: March 7th, 2009 12:08 PM
I also corresponded with the UCSD Financial Aid Office. If financial aid is neccessary for you like me, this also may be helpful. They will have a form on their website soon to appeal your EFC number if your income drops significantly due to being in school, rather than working full time. This will hopefully help you get a better financial aid package. Look for the Student Contribution appeal form. |
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Date: March 7th, 2009 9:21 PM |
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Date: March 8th, 2009 9:38 PM |
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Date: March 8th, 2009 10:19 PM
I also Got accepted into UCLA and will check out their campus that same weekend, but on Monday.
Where else did you apply? |
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Date: March 10th, 2009 12:51 AM
IR/PS was the only IR grad program I applied to. I am interested in environmental policy and applied to other environmental management/policy-related programs in CA. I live and grew up in CA, want to eventually do something in Latin American environmental policy so IR/PS was a good fit. Just got to figure out the financal aid! |
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Date: March 10th, 2009 12:57 AM
I was not aware of this until the summer before I started IR/PS. IR/PS should really hype this up since it could be a great recruiting tool, for Californians at least.
Also, getting a readership or some type of TA position is a great way to fund your education. I was able to do that for 2 of my 6 quarters here.
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Date: March 10th, 2009 2:29 PM |
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Date: March 10th, 2009 9:11 PM
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Date: March 11th, 2009 11:09 AM |
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Date: March 11th, 2009 3:27 PM
I also wish they'd send out at least some information on funding. How can I make a decision without knowing anything about financial aid... |
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Date: March 11th, 2009 5:15 PM
The Financial Aid Office does not consider you for any awards until you have already accepted...It makes things really difficult. |
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Date: March 11th, 2009 9:59 PM You havent told your employers about grad school? How come (if you're sure you are going to go). I had to tell my supervisor b/c I had her write me a LOR.
You should come at least for 1 day---it could influence your decision.
I am just going on the Friday. |
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Date: March 12th, 2009 9:06 AM
I'll probably tell them after I hear back from everywhere. I agree with you though. I should probably go to at least one of the days, but I'm going to hold out until I hear back from everywhere. I think being admitted to one of the "name" schools would trump IR/PS even with it's beautiful San Diego weather.... |
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Date: March 12th, 2009 9:20 AM |
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Date: March 12th, 2009 10:41 AM |
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Date: March 12th, 2009 11:52 AM |
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Date: March 12th, 2009 1:31 PM
I'm friends with some alums of the program. They had an overall favorable opinion of it, but I did hear a few times that their view of the student body was mixed. Meaning, there were some remarkably bright and accomplished people in their class, but a lot of mediocrity as well. This is a somewhat anecdotal example, but when speaking with people from those top 5 schools, you hear the opposite being said. But that goes back to that idea of "wanting to be among the elite."
With that said, there is much about the program I do like. The pacific focus is good for my interests, and I like that the language portion is a big part of the curriculum. I wouldn't be unhappy at San Diego. Maybe just more happy somewhere else.
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Date: March 13th, 2009 1:19 PM |
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Date: March 13th, 2009 1:33 PM
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=TTT
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Date: March 13th, 2009 11:36 PM msn: bbilosophy@hotmail.com |
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Date: March 14th, 2009 1:36 AM
Anyway, I love my classmates for the most part. IR/PS has been good to me. Administration kinda blows (perhaps due to being a UC more than anything else) but faculty is generally good, and I've got what I wanted out of it.
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Date: March 14th, 2009 7:07 PM any advice as to where to live? i think i've crossed off trying to live on campus. i have heard hillcrest is a nice area. any advice? |
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Date: June 4th, 2009 4:06 PM
I'll be attending IRPS in the fall. Yesterday I recieved my "preliminary award notification" and I'm getting 10K in UCSD grants. I called to ask about it and they said I will not know if am officially getting it until the official notifications go out and I'm pretty curious to see if that works out. If I get it both years, that will bring my loan amount to only 20K for the whole program. Which would be awesome! I disagree with the idea that SIPA/SIAS/SFS are in a different league than IRPS. Even if they are slightly better, I do not believe they are 80K better. |
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Date: January 15th, 2010 2:49 PM |
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Date: January 31st, 2010 7:25 PM |
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Date: February 1st, 2010 4:14 PM
"Interviews are requested by the committee for a select few students. I believe most are not interviewed and I do not think they have requested any interviews at this point. I understand it more as, if they have 10 spots remaining and 20 applicants who seem equally qualified, they will interview them to decide on the 10."
Definitely made me feel a lot better. |
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Date: February 1st, 2010 5:59 PM
Are you an international student? If not, where in the U.S. are you based? |
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Date: February 1st, 2010 7:25 PM |
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Date: February 1st, 2010 8:18 PM
Was your online application status updated as well on UCSD's website? |
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Date: February 1st, 2010 10:19 PM |
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Date: February 2nd, 2010 1:22 AM |
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Date: February 2nd, 2010 8:46 AM |
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Date: February 2nd, 2010 10:39 AM |
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Date: February 3rd, 2010 8:22 PM |
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Date: August 30th, 2010 11:42 PM |