Hopefully_MPP)

I would say that Q and V parts of GRE are much more important - I've got 3 on AW section and still received a full-tuition scholarship to one of the top schools. In general, I get a feeling that there is no element that will determine your admission and/or fin. aid - adcoms look at bigger picture and synergy between elements of your profile. There are always place for contingencies - good luck! PS there are plenty schools who are good fit, still first-second tier, but less known than Harvard brand - check them out. There is a lot of work, but it's one of the most important decisions in your life.

ironhidalgo, would you mind sharing with us some of the interesting questions/answers with team Harris? I am having a skype conference with one of them in a few days, but I would like as many sources of information as I can get. Also, people who will attend On the MaPP, can you share your impressions? I am really curious about your opinion, as I am unable to visit. Thanks!

Hey gatsby, I am also considering going to Chicago and have the same concerns. I contacted team Harris, and also received an email from a current international student (I am international myself). I am sure it will be useful to contact team Harris (they seem really open to inquires) and ask this questions. It's interesting that Harris has a lot of international students, but still only 5% of international alumni placement. Probably it means that internationals are happily accepting local jobs inside the US, or go to work with international bodies inside the US - UN, IMF, WB. I will ask this question too, so, hopefully I will give you detailed answer later. Please let us know if you will find something interesting. Are you planning to attend "On the MaPP"? I hope to see you at UChicago this Fall =) Good luck!

Hey guys. I thought it might be useful to meet others who are accepted/rejected, and share plans about matriculation, visiting campus, financial aid, etc. Please, list your GRE, GPA, U.S. or international, work experience, when did you apply and received the email.

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Dear GradCafe users, Thank you for your posts and all the information. I really need your advice about MPP/MPA programs in the US, that will be a good fit for me. I am an international student, so I don't have the opportunity to visit campuses, and I am not that familiar with grad schools in the US. I am very interested in social policy (inequality, social justice), but not only from quantitative side, but, also, from more theoretical point of view (pol theory or pol philosophy for example). Can you give me an advice - which programs are just hands-on and nothing more, and which programs can provide theoretical focus on social justice. For me program's location or network opportunities in D.C. doesn't matter, but some international exposure will be great. Thank you friends, your advices are very important for people like me, who are not very familiar with different programs. PS My stats are looking like this Programs Considered: Harris, Heller, Sanford, CIPA, Ford, GWU MA in philosophy and social policy Undergraduate institution: Leading law school in Eastern Europe (post-Soviet country) Undergraduate GPA: 3.97, Undergraduate Major: Law Study Abroad: 1 year non-degree studying in the US state university with full fellowship from an international NGO (economics, pol sci) GRE: taking it in 2 weeks, now it's around 160 both sections Years Out of Undergrad (by enter date): I am applying straight from the undergrad Years of Work Experience: 4 years part-time Describe Relevant Work Experience: 2 years working in the law firm part-time, Law clerk in the district court, fellowship for a summer internship in a think-tak in DC, 2 years volunteering in the local democracy-promoting NGO; now, for 1 year, I am the president of this NGO. Languages: Romanian, Russian, Ukrainian, English, Mandarin (poor) Do you think that absence of full-time employment after graduation will hinder my chances?