<p>Hi! Im currently deciding between Georgetown (School of Foreign Service) and Princeton (Wilson School hopeful).</p>
<p>Im going to be studying international affairs, focusing on political economy. I know both schools, especially considering their programs, would be incredible for the fieldcould any of you give me advice concerning them?</p>
<p>With Georgetown, Ill be in DC and the School of Foreign Service has such an outstanding curriculum concerning Intl Affairs. Beyond that, Georgetown offers language certificates (right? If so, how exactly do those work?) and I could do the accelerated masters to graduate with a bachelors and masters in five years (does anyone have more specific information or personal experience with that?). I feel like I know the Georgetown community more right now, mostly because Ive been able to speak with so many other admitted students through their Facebook group. But at the same time, does the rigidity of the SFall the requirements, etcinterfere? For example, their website warns against attempting to study multiple languages simultaneously, which kind of worries me.</p>
<p>With Princeton, Ill have pretty good access to NYC (and decent access to DC) and their academics for the field are outstanding. Most of what I know about Princeton is anecdotal from talking to current students, but I love how flexible their academics are. I feel like I could be much more personal with creating my classes and major at Princeton. But with Princeton, I would lose the opportunity to get the masters so readily as well as the experience of living in the nations capital. Also, through looking up the Wilson School, it seems like it focuses more on domestic politics than international affairs until the graduate levelis that correct or am I wrong?</p>
<p>I know I would get a phenomenal education in the field and have a great experience at both schools, so Im incredibly thankful to have to make this decision. Ill hopefully gain a better personal understanding of these schools as I visit more this month and attend their events, but it would be so helpful if yall could give any insight or opinions you might have. Thank you so much!</p>
<p>S felt the same way about WW. Don’t know if the program actually does have more of a domestic focus. Anyhow, S chose SFS and never looked back. Its a phenomenal program.</p>
<p>Just from personal experience, I have loved the SFS core. Your first two years truly do prepare you for upper level courses. I, like many more humanities prone SFSers, complained my way through four semesters of econ, but in retrospect I recognize how important it is to have that foundation. Outside of a few classes (Political and Social Thought, IR Theory, Comparative Political Systems, Problem of God, Map of the Modern World and of course Econ) you really do have a lot of room to tailor the core to your regional and thematic interests. Again, the classes you are required to take are required for a reason. I can’t imagine sitting through an upper level seminar without an introduction to political philosophy or IR theory. The SFS also makes up for its core requirements by loosening the major requirements. Once you are a junior or senior you have an immense amount of freedom. I rarely distinguish between my “major classes” and “electives.” In regards to taking multiple languages, it is very common. I wouldn’t recommend starting two intensive languages (language classes that are 6 units in their first two years, like Arabic or Chinese) at the same time, but lots of people take a language they have studied before and then pick up another with no problem. You will have less room for other types of electives, but it is definitely doable. Keep in mind of course the language requirement is proficiency, not a certain number of classes. Some people do wait to pass proficiency (usually after freshman or sophomore year if they have studied the language before) to start another language.</p>
<p>I think visiting will clear things up for you - at least it did for my D. She had her heart set on SFS but after GAAP weekend knew it was not for her. This seemed to be a similar experience for several other prospies she met on the admitted student website. Most were set on attending, but GAAP was such a disappointment - it’s too bad the University did not put more thought into holding on to their admitted students.</p>
<p>Dandemon, could you also send me the PM concerning her experience?</p>
<p>Also, can anyone speak about the admissions process to the accelerated master’s program? I recognize the academic requirements, but beyond that what do they look for in applicants?</p>
<p>Sorry, Dandemon, but could you send me that PM, too? I didn’t get to go to GAAP weekend, so I’d like to know what the people who did attend thought of it.</p>
<p>I have to totally disagree with Dandemom. I’ve been a GAAP volunteer at the past two Open Houses and people LOVE the GAAP weekends! I’m sorry if your daughter had a negative experience but that is definitely not the norm.</p>
<p>I COMPLETELY disagree with Dandemom. My son attended the GAAP weekend for the SFS Program and he had an incredible experience. The information sessions were very informative and you cannot beat the SFS Program if you are interested in International Relations. At the time my son was trying to decide between Columbia, Dartmouth and Georgetown SFS. After his experience and talking/hanging out with other SFS students he was sold. He came back and immediately sent in his deposit to Georgetown. BTW, the parent information sessions were outstanding as well!</p>
<p>Go to Princeton! Definitely. The campus is beautiful and the quality of the education there is excellent. Princeton is an excellent choice that you will not regret, trust me, so many opportunities are waiting for you and you’re one of the few that has that chance so take it!</p>
<p>I have a similar question. How does Brown’s international relations department compare to Georgetown’s SFS? I would like to specialize in Middle Eastern studies and their Contemporary Arab Studies program would be great. Overall, I like Brown better, but Georgetown is better for what I want to study. Which one should I apply to early?</p>
<p>My son and I attended the GAAP program in mid-April. He was 95% set on a different school in the Chcago area but felt he owed it to himself to at least attend the GAAP program before finalizing his decision since he was accepted. At the end of the weekend I saw a total change in his views of the two programs and campuses and he determined that Georgetown was the best fit for him. We found the program informative for parents and students, the GAAP volunteers more than friendly and helpful, and the program well organized and efficiently run. In summary, the student spirit and love for the school made the difference.</p>
<p>If it’s not too annoying, would you mind sending me the PM as well? As someone who has worked on GAAP, I’m always looking for opinions - especially for those for whom it wasn’t as great an experience.</p>