Pt.r

Is there room in Jackson for student interests in domestic economic and social policy, rather than "global affairs"? Or is everyone there really IR oriented?

Thanks for this very informative response! The problem is that I am supposed to receive my degree only by September. I might be able to receive my degree earlier, by August, but probably not before my visa appointment. Do you think that's solvable?

Hi everyone, I'm not familiar with US visa regulations. My question is: since I'm still in undergrad, my admission for grad school will most likely be conditional upon completing my undergraduate degree. Will I still be able to apply for a US student visa, or is unconditional admission obligatory? Thanks!

Hi, I'm applying for MPP programs this year, most of which begin late August - early September. By that time I will have finished my B.A. However, universities where I come from take a few week to, what they call here, "close the degree", and grant you a diploma. So I'll only receive my official degree transcripts in late September. Do you think this might pose a problem, or will schools be tolerant as I'll have completed my undergraduate duties?

Hi, I know this is a VERY broad (and somewhat superficial) question, but what programs would you consider to be the top US MPP/MPA/etc. programs for domestic economic policy and for domestic social policy? Thanks!

Thank you PeterQuince. This is extremely helpful

Hi, I’m trying to gather information about WWS MPP and HKS concentrations. More specifically, I’d like to know: 1. Will I be able to switch concentrations at some point after admission? 2. How important is the compatibility between my concentration choice and my SoP’s, essay, policy memo, etc? for example, if I have some experience in a given area (let’s say, domestic policy) but would like my gradschool degree to lean more towards, let’s say, IR, is that not a reasonable aspiration? If I present and explain this change in direction on my application materials, will it smoothen the “transition”? Or is it expected to nonetheless hurt my chances of getting admitted? 3. Can anyone elaborate further about WWS and HKS concentrations? I don’t have specific questions, I’d like to hear any additional information and thoughts you might have. Thanks!

Thank you all! I am pleased to read your answers and I hope that schools to which I intend to apply will see things like you do. If someone has a different opinion I’ll be happy to hear it as well. Thanks again

Hey everyone, I’m an Israeli citizen currently considering applying to some top MPP / MIR programs in the US. During my undergraduate studies, I worked about a year and a half in Israeli government, in part time student positions. However, It seems to me as if most top schools require some more relevant work experience than that. And this is where my military service enters the picture. I served for about 3.5 years in the IDF. I have definitely gained valuable experience in security affairs. But I am still concerned that my military service won’t do. First, it might count as experience in “security”, but I’m much more interested in economic policy (and that’s consistent with my government experience + BA degree, all relating to economics). Secondly, military service in Israel is obligatory (a minimum of 3 years for men). Any Israeli citizen could basically say he has 3 years of relevant work experience, and I’m concerned about schools filtering this kind of obligatory military service out of the equation. So, what do you say? Do you think I have enough relevant work experience to be a competitive applicant? Will they count my military service as relevant work experience? Thanks!