<p>I posted a few months ago and got some really helpful responses, so thanks to those of you that helped me out before! I'm considering accepting an offer at Monterey, but was wondering if anyone has any more information about this school's reputation in the field of IR...they are offering me a 1/2 tuition scholarship and I like the location and coursework offered, but I'm not sure about how well regarded the school is. I don't necessarily care about going somewhere 'elite' as much as somewhere that's well respected with good job placement. I'm planning on working in the NGO field on refugee and conflict resolution issues.</p>
<p>I didn't get into Fletcher early admissions, my top choice, which I assume means my chances of getting in at all are very slim.</p>
<p>Still in the process/waiting to hear from Carleton, LSE, King's College, SOAS and Georgetown. Monterey wants a response by February 1st so any information would be very helpful, thanks!</p>
<p>I'd ask Monterey if they'd consider extending he deadline....any one of those school would be better career-wise....I do know of someone who went to Monterey and has a decent job in DC at some enviro NGO, but practically speaking, Carleton, LSE, King's College, SOAS or Georgetown would be better. </p>
<p>I'm applying to Carleton too, so good luck!</p>
<p>And seriously, if your GPA is over a 3.5 from the US, you are sure to get into either Kings or SOAS, probably LSE if you applied early enough....</p>
<p>Carleton is only a good choice if you want to save money or work in Ottawa. profs at Canadian universities who have good students who want to work internationally in public affairs invariably counsel them to study in the US. Take my word for it, I have been told about a hundred time by profs that if I plan on studying IR or Public Admin, I should head south.</p>
<p>Thanks guys, I think I will try and see if Monterey will give me extra time. I don't want to lose my place there, but I'm also reluctant to pay the $500 non-refundable deposit. </p>
<p>Rory123, I have a 3.4 GPA...so slightly below the cutoff for LSE, but above King's and SOAS. There are some extenuating circumstances, as most of my bad grades were in my freshman/sophomore years and I started college at 16...so I'm hoping they will take that into account, but I know schools in the UK are much more concerned about academic record than the US.</p>
<p>jmleadpipe...are you in Canada? I'm curious about what you say about Carleton, I know it's not as well respected as G-town/Fletcher etc. but do you think that really makes a difference in the NGO field? And would you advise against Carleton because of it's reputation or is it the quality of teaching? The main reason I'm interested in Carleton/Monterey is the low cost. Seeing as I plan to work in the NGO field, it doesn't seem worth it to go $70,000 into debt for a Master's.</p>
<p>Any other info on Monterey out there? Thanks...</p>
<p>My prior post was probably too hasty. If you want to save money and work for an NGO, run, don't walk, to Carleton. It is dirt cheap, and enough people outside of Canada know about it that it won't hurt you to have gone there. The issue I was bringing up with Carleton is that it doesnt have anywhere near the name or reach that Fletcher or Georgetown does, so if you were planning on working in US government, it might hurt you. If you simply want to parlay your IR degree into a job at an NGO (which you dont really need a masters for anyways) a Carleton degree will be fine.</p>
<p>You're absolutely right about the cost, though. Going 70K in the hole for a job at an NGO is ridiculous.</p>
<p>I am an HS student trying to scope out life after college. I applied to Middlebury (reach) and have a pretty good shot at Bates or Macalester for undergrad - but I think I may economize and go with my favorite state school to save $ for grad school. I was wondering whether the Peace Corps Masters Program at MIIS charges $ for tuition. While I realize that I won't be spending money on room/board while on peace corps tour, it would be really great if my service also meant free or reduced credit costs. </p>
<p>I know that MIIS offers half-tuition scholarships upon return, but what about for the credits you are earning while working for the Peace Corps?</p>
<p>It's a good school with some great faculty - their Center for Non-Proliferation Studies (CNS) is pretty good. I have a classmate from undergrad at NYU who attends Monterey and seems to like it. It's not on the new Foreign Policy rankings (previously it was 18th or 19th) but I don't think that matters much to be honest.</p>
<p>I was admitted to the Korbel School at DU and am awaiting news from Fletcher - so good luck!!!</p>