Prospective MPP candidate saying hi and asking for advice!

[Charizard_MPP]

Hey guys,

I have been a silent lurker on this site for a long time! I've finally decided to post with the traditional "what are my chances" post! Hoping I can get some advice on here for my applications to MPP programs. I understand that no one here is an expert and can give perfect answers, but some direction about how my profile stands will be very helpful in deciding  

I am looking to apply for fall 2018 for MPP/MPA programs to mid-to-top-tier colleges such as SIPA, IHEID, LSE, LKYSP, Fels', Sanford.. Still working out this list of course, but essential a course that focuses on overall development policies, good combination of theory and practice and a flexibility in courses, esp quant (ie, not quant heavy). 

My application background is as follows:

Undergrad school: B.A in Economics (major) with sociology and political science majors from top 5 arts college in India

GPA: 3.6 with an undergraduate thesis

Other qualifications: Diploma in leadership and liberal arts from a competitive and renowned fellowship program

Work Experience: Currently 1.5yrs in a not-for-profit (social enterprise incubator and investor), 1 month of development consultancy work in Vietnam and 1 yr as a co-founder of a social enterprise

GRE: 160V/158Q

Volunteer/Public Service experience: none since graduating college. I was much more involved in volunteering in college (head of social action club, publications, and editor of a few department magazines) and internships in think tanks 

Look forward to hearing from all of you and learning more as we go through this grueling process soon! Thanks! 

[MPP19]

23 hours ago, Charizard_MPP said:

Hey guys,

I have been a silent lurker on this site for a long time! I've finally decided to post with the traditional "what are my chances" post! Hoping I can get some advice on here for my applications to MPP programs. I understand that no one here is an expert and can give perfect answers, but some direction about how my profile stands will be very helpful in deciding  

I won't be the right person to answer because I will be applying too. I have a bachelor and a master's degree in economics from Brandeis University. I am teaching micro and macroeconomics at the American University outside U.S., and I have public service experience too. I will be working on my application for HKS, SIPA, and Duke.

Good luck with your application Charizard_MPP!

 

[3dender]

You may not get many bites on your question because there's a really long thread devoted to this issue -- it may answer your questions if you read it first.

This one: http://forum.thegradcafe.com/topic/23492-the-am-i-competitive-thread-read-me-before-posting/?page=37

 

[MasterPublicPolicy]

Not so much a response about your competitiveness, but have you considered Cornell CIPA? It sounds like that would give you the flexibility you want in terms of quant..