canhardlywait

FYI - I received an email this evening from Wagner with scholarship information (75% tuition waiver). The email basically said "congratulations" and the stipulations of retaining the scholarship for the second year.

Hi Sosh, I received the second official contact via email on Wednesday, which had funding information (fellowship; 17k first-year, 14k second-year, waiver of out-of-state portion of tuition), the quantitative prerequisites, and next steps. Orientation information will come if/once you accept their offer (April 15th deadline).

Orangedonkey, It's strange what you mentioned about the difference in students in the MPP vs. MPA at USC. I actually got the exact opposite impression from people I met with in the admission department. I got the impression from what I was told that on average, students in the MPP are younger than their MPA counterparts, and that MPA students have had, on average, more experience, typically in public service/administration roles. Could you direct me to where you found out your stats so I can get some more information on this?

I can't really speak objectively about this, but personally I don't see too much of a difference between the two in terms of prospective job marketability. I am leaning more towards the MPA with a public policy focus because I am still unsure about what exactly I want to do in the long-term. If I want to continue in academia in the long-run I will likely have to return to graduate school to get my doctorate degree. By doing the MPA with a focus in public policy, I hope to achieve a balance between still having a research-focus, but hopefully receiving more concentration in public administration than I would in a MPP program, thus, holding a few more doors open. It also alligns more convincingly with my personal statement. I also looked at the differences in the student population of both programs (at schools that offered both), which gave me somewhat of an idea about the types of people who chose which program (it seemed that at the schools I was looking at the MPA students were more likely to have more work experience and come from gvt. jobs, except for WWS where the one-year MPP is geared towards professionals later in their career). In saying that, I really don't know how much of a difference an MPA will have versus an MPP in regards to job placement. Sorry I'm not that much help. Hopefully someone else out there has some more objective (and convincing!) information for you!

While we're talking about USC, can anyone who's been admitted and received (or know about) the Dean's Merit Scholarship, if they don't mind, let us know what exactly that entails? Is it tuition plus stipend, or just tuition (or less)? Thanks!

I'm not sure exactly when we'll hear about funding, but the acceptance letter said we'll receive notification of financial aid/scholarships (if applicable) 'around March'. So I guess that means we could hear funding decisions any day from now until the deadline. Orangedonkey, In regards to placement after graduation, here's a link to the NYU Wagner recent graduate employment statistics which shows which sector students end up in after graduation. http://wagner.nyu.edu/careers/stats.php As for International Student placement, I don't think with a graduate degree this is such a big issue for foreign students; a graduate degree will put you in the 'top-tier' for receiving a H-1B visa. For-profit businesses can usually afford to help you apply for the visa, and H-1B visas applied for by non-profits don't count towards the overall H-1B quota. In short, I don't think your chances of getting a job will diminish because of your international status. You may find some business/organizations welcome the diversity.

Word. Sorry, I don't really have anything constructive to add, just wanted to join the pity party!

Yes, its College Park... I heard that the green line is a pain (with the train then bus route)... and not the safest at night...but I could be wrong?

I see on the results page someone was accepted into the MPP program with funding at USC. Congratulations! If you're posting on here, could you please let us know any details on admitted student days/funding/etc? Thanks!

What types of things did you hear Odonkey? Are they not very generous with financial aid (hence making it expensive)?

I'm so glad everyone seemed to get in! Especially you crazydave, as it was the only school you applied to! I won't be able to make it to any of the open days (out of the country) unfortunately. If any of you end up attending the admitted student days, would you be able to 'debrief' for those of us who can't attend? I appreciate any insight any of you have since I can't be there.

I got my first notification today! I have been offered admission to the public affairs program (MA) at UT Austin. I received an email today which said to expect the official letter in the mail by the end of the March. 1 down, 4 to go. Good luck everyone!

That makes a lot of sense. Assuming they are sending out emails on a rolling basis with 'back-up' applicants notified towards the end of the notification period, I'm guessing this would mean they won't notify people of rejections until the very end of the 'roll out' period. Ouch. I feel for you, crazydave. I have applied to 5 programs, and at least I can comfort myself with the fact I have five shots at it!

Any idea why they are sending out the notification emails in batches? Is this because they're personalized or they're making ongoing decisions? This is torture knowing that emails have gone out and I still have nothing! Good luck everyone! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Off topic, but I second what someone else has already stated, and wonder if there is a way this discussion could be moved to the Government Affairs forum. Moderator?

I'm curious too about any one's thoughts on the optional essay. I ended up writing it, but of course did not put in the same amount of effort I afforded my personal statement. I'm still waiting to hear from NYU (and all the others).