nstets

In my mind there's no question, take the class you are actually interested in. It sounds like you have a basic experience with quant/Econ, and the class could improve both your SOP and (maybe?) get a recommendation from a professor. True passion for a subject seems much more important than simply checking off more quant classes.

I got in off the wait list last weekend!! Berkeley was my all time top choice, for the school and the city, so I'll be joining you enrolled folks in the fall! Now to find housing...

Previous Schools : Top Women's College Previous Degrees and GPAs: 3.55, with similar stats for the last two years and major GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): 166/161/4.0 Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): 2 years working for the state legislature, 1 year at a small criminal justice research group Math/Econ Background: My major in undergrad was combined Math/Econ, so plenty Foreign Language Background (if applicable to your program): n/a Intended Field of Study in Grad School: Public Policy, specifically focussed on policy analysis Long Term Professional Goals: More of what I have been doing, policy research. More firm opinions on this front probably would have helped applications... Schools Applied to & Results: Waitlisted at my top choice, UC Berkeley, which hurts. Accepted at the MSCAPP program at U of Chicago and MPA at U of Wisconsin. Also got full funding at the U of Minnesota MPP but ultimately I don't think that program is a good fit for my interests. Ultimate Decision & Why: Still undecided. Wishing on a dream to be accepted off the wait list at Berkeley, but it's a stretch. Otherwise I have to choose between Wisconsin and Chicago. Chicago probably has a more prestigious program, but Madison would be an easier place to live (I am bringing my husband and small baby with me, so livability is a big factor in my decision). Advice for Future Applicants: Can't say I have a lot of advice to give, but the process itself was useful to me.

I was wondering if anyone knows when the visit day is for Chicago - I can't seem to find any information for it.

Yup I just got waitlisted too. It's by far my first choice (for both the location and the program), so it's a bummer, but I'm happy I wasn't rejected altogether.

It does seem strange they're doing it this way. It's nerve racking. Every email I get makes me jump.

Just got the email to check my application status, and I was admitted to the MSCAPP program! No funding. Hope you all find out soon.

Seriously... Berkeley is my #1 choice, and the wait is killing me. But my last name falls near the end of the alphabet, so... hopefully that's why I haven't heard?

I just found out today. I was checking the website a lot, it went from "Submitted" to "Final Review" to "Decision Made" over the course of a week, and then finally today I could actually see that decision. Felt like it took forever. My first acceptance though, so I'm excited.

I got a similar message "Your program has recommended you for admission" but the Graduate School is still reviewing my file. I know it's not an official acceptance yet, but I am cautiously celebrating. It's great that they keep you so updated, so at least you know what's going on.