Hi all:
Wondering how realistic any of the schools mentioned below would be, based on my profile. I realize a couple of them are stretches (G'town, GWU). Are there any other schools you would recommend based on my profile/interests?
Program: MPP or MPA with policy focus
Schools being considered: NYU Wagner, Maryland SPP, Georgetown McCourt, GWU Trachtenberg, George Mason SPP
Career goals: Interested mostly in macro-econ policy issues. Want to come away with a strong quantitative background that could also be applied in the private sector, potentially in a consulting role.
Undergrad Institution: Davidson College, 2009 (currently #11 national liberal arts college)
Major: Political Science GPA: 3.15
GRE score: Taking in the near future, but hope to score high, as I'm a strong test taker and have done well on practice tests
Years since undergrad: 5+ Work experience: Since graduating I have worked as a paralegal within an immigration law practice (5+ years of experience). Was originally at a "Big Law" firm, have been at a smaller firm for the past year. Also worked as a research assistant to a well regarded comparative politics professor at Princeton during undergrad. Was Editor in Chief of the weekly student newpasper at Davidson.
Coursework: Intro Calc, Econ 101, Int'l Econ, Stats for Poli Sci.
Language skills: English, Intermediate French
Overseas experience (work, study and teaching): Study abroad in France
Statement of Purpose: Working on it.
Extra Essays:
Letters of Recommendation:
1) Undergrad Poli Sci professor with whom I took several courses
2) Above-mentioned Princeton prof for whom I did research work
3) Attorney supervisor from previous law firm
Concerns: GPA, whether work experience will be considered relevant at all