<p>I applied to several IR programs and was accepted at 3 out of 5. I have decided on a school, but am not able to work up any enthusiasm whatsoever for starting this fall. I was really set on going to a school in the DC area, and applied to 3 there, but the only one I got into did not offer me enough financial aid to be able to afford it. </p>
<p>So, I decided on an in-state school that has a decent rep in public policy and IR, but is not one of the top of the top schools in IR. It's still looking like it will cost about $30-40k over 2 years and I'm just hesitant to spend that type of money when I just feel blah about the program. I did my bachelor's degree at the same school and had a great experience, but I really wanted to go somewhere new and especially somewhere farther from my parents, who manage to get on my last nerve when I'm near them. So, I feel somewhat stuck. </p>
<p>Having gone through the application process already, I think that I could boost my GRE and probably put together a stronger personal statement. However, I don't honestly know that it would make a difference in where I got in or in getting financial aid. Part of me thinks that if I'm going to spend 30-40k and two years on a masters, I should be excited about it. The other part of me thinks that I should just suck it up and do it. I honestly think that my career prospects would be similar at said state school and a DC area school since the grads from the state-U and the DC area schools go to work for a lot of the same agencies and companies and have similar starting salaries. But, I just don't feel excited about my decision.</p>
<p>Anyone have any experience with this feeling? Any thoughts? Is it normal to have this lack of enthusiasm at this point?</p>
<p>IR Diva,</p>
<p>I don't really know what to say about your situation. That sounds very tough to deal with. I hope that you find your way.</p>
<p>Is there something else you would like to do instead of school right now? If there's something you've been dying to do (like the Peace Corps for a lot of people), maybe you should do that and then come back to school when you're pumped up for it.</p>
<p>I worried a lot about money also as I was in a similar situation. Ultimately I figured it was worth the debt because I feel ready to take advantage of the access and connections and quality of professors and fellow students and visitor lectures that I'd be paying for. I did not feel that way in undergrad and therefore am glad I went to an in-state public university for it. But it's different now. If you feel the same way then don't worry about the money. Didn't student loans cover your attendance?</p>
<p>Thanks for your nice post, Volscio. I looked at your other posts and congrats on getting in at MSFS. That was actually my first choice, but I didn't get in. I did get in to GW, but the financial aid package they offered was almost all loans, and I just can't see taking out 80-100k in loans when I know I'll likely be working for a non-profit after graduating. </p>
<p>I'm debating about taking a year or two to strengthen my resume and re-evaluate career goals. Haven't decided, but we'll see. I'm actually feeling a little more confident about my school choice now, so maybe it'll work out after all.</p>
<p>Thanks again for your post.</p>
<p>So what is the school choice you're mainly thinking about? For me it was MSFS or UT Austin LBJ... LBJ had an awesome open house and the professors were very interesting and I had free tuition plus a scholarship there. I knew that I'd get a lot out of their program if I went (I particularly liked their policy project courses). So it was a tough choice.</p>
<p>Another good aspect of waiting a year or two is that you can look into other programs. I learned a lot before I applied but to be honest if I did it again I would have applied to more public affairs programs along with my IR picks, including the MPP program at Georgetown which seems to give better funding. Maybe this would be the same situation for you?</p>
<p>I'm excited now but I really struggled with my decision at the time.</p>
<p>I hope everything works out. Feel free to message/e-mail me if you want to talk further or if you end up going to GW and want to hang out!</p>
<p>Also, maybe you could go travel a bit overseas to get a fresh perspective on things?</p>