- Georgetown has accepted me without a scholarship offer. Debt = $288K
- GW has offered a $105,000 scholarship plus the Stafford and the Graduate PLUS loans. COA = $129K
- W & M has offered me one that amounts to $31,000 a year (including the graduate fellowship), but I'm still waiting to hear back on their needs grants. COA: $71K
- Fordham has offered me $35,000 a year. COA: $71K
I am planning on renegotiating with Fordham, and negotiating with GW and W & M.
St. John's has offered me a full scholarship...I think you guys will have fun picking that one apart, lol.
My numbers: 3.75 UG GPA / 167. I got a 162 on my first go. I am an URM Hispanic, the son of immigrants.
Those are the hard data points. I reside in the NYC area, and plan on working either here or in D.C. Basically, the Northwest region of the US. My primary interest is in federal government work and working with an international NGO like Human Rights Watch. International affairs is my passion. These two cities have huge amounts of NGOs and Federal Agencies, so I see no reason to move outside of it. In the future, I wish to work for international tribunals or the ICC in the Hague. But since this isn't a dreamland, I understand that I may not be able to do this either ever or in the near future. I do want to work in international affairs, though, as I like global issues, traveling, and seeing other cultures (plus why not help the world and leave it a better place than I found it?). In terms of quality of life, I am comfortable with both city and small-town living. It doesn't really matter to me.
Assuming I will have to take out loans to cover the sticker prices or the remaining costs, which school would be the best fit? Any advice would be appreciated. If you wish for more information, I will provide it. Thanks in advance!