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For the couple people who were asking about concentration... don't worry about it. Except for IGA, most of the programs are pretty loose with their requirements, and you'll have plenty of opportunity in year two to take classes across concentrations. I really haven't even given much thought to my concentration yet, and potential employers are indifferent.

Can someone with some fb skills please create a "Harvard Kennedy School MPP '16" group like all the previous classes? Thanks!

I asked a staff member who was helping me with my deferral last year, and they said they thought it was around 15%.

The programs are meant for two different groups. The website spells it out pretty well, but basically if you're in your 20s with little prof experience, go MPP, if you're older and/or have more experience, MPA. Obviously thats a generalization though. I don't think there is a huge difference in acceptance rates, but again the programs are for two different audiences. Message me if you have any questions about the MPP app process.

I would do UW hands down, I think it will open a lot more doors for you.

Even if they average them, your scores are good enough (assuming your written was decent) not to keep you out of anywhere

Guy, you're very well qualified. As long as you're in the 160/160/5 range on your GREs I would say you have better than 50/50 odds.

Yeah I think you're right. I didn't put down any salary info and it didn't seem to affect anything.

eh if you're only 3-4 hours away it might be worth it to check out cambridge. hks isnt much to see, and like I said, you won't learn a ton, so I'd go only if it was convenient.

Hi all, I applied to HKS last year and this forum was a lifesaver, so I hope I can be of any help at all. You all seem very well qualified, more-so than myself, so you should feel good. Quals: 3.92 from mid-level undergrad biz school, 163/164/4.0 GRE, 5 years Navy reserve with 2 deployments, but no other work experience. Good luck!

JCT, I'm also navy enlisted with similar profile as you. 3.9 from mid-level school, low 160s gre's (only 4.0 written though). I'm sure if you can get one decent academic rec youll be in good shape. I went through this last year, and my enlisted experience for sure got me into SIPA and HKS where I was pretty borderline. I'm sure you'll get into most, if not all of those schools. Good luck with the GREs

I would get a MB Pro or Air. I'm not a diehard Apple fan or anything, just think those are by far the best laptops out there right now. Almost all of my friends starting grad school went with an Air because its relatively cheap, light, super long battery, powerful enough to handle any basic-moderate task with ease. I personally thought it was worth it to spend a few hundred more and get a MBPro because my eyes are kinda shitty and the retina screen causes infinitely less strain for me after spending 6 hours writing a paper.

Talon, I agree with Mr. Green on all his points, and will just tack on a bit from my experience last year. I have interests similar to your own. Ultimately I decided to go for a public policy degree and focus on international finance. This way I will be able to take IR and finance classes to help with marketability in the private sector after graduation. It sounds like you already have pretty outstanding experience, so that should put you a step ahead of many grad students as well. I'm sure you're already well aware, but I'd look at SAIS, Fletcher, SIPA, Walsh, GW, American, HKS, Goldman, Maxwell, UMich, UTAustin

Hi, I live close by so I checked it out before starting application process last year. Here's what I would say: I wouldn't go to much trouble to attend. You won't really learn any more than you would by following the HKS admissions blog or asking a student on this forum or emailing the adcom. It will have zero impact on your application. However, if you're unfamiliar with Boston and unsure of whether or not to even apply, then it might be worth it.

I would go with Heller. Admittedly I know less about LBJ, but Heller is very strong in their gender studies and enviro policy. They also pride themselves on being internationally focused (2/3 of class as mentioned above), and although they aren't quite as established or large as LBJ, the Brandeis name is very respected in int'l aid. Waltham isn't quite as cool as Austin, but it's easy to shuttle in to Boston, and there's a lot of great stuff within an hour or two drive.

thanks, appreciate the advice!

Hi all, Wanted to ask for people's opinions since I've realized how little I know about grad school since joining these forums... Would you do HKS MPP for 40k/yr or SIPA MPA for 30k/yr? Neither worth the money? Greatly appreciate any input.

Nope, doesn't seem like anyone here has, hoping that means notification was delayed until next week and not that we all just didn't get it... : )

So here's my best understanding (though I don't even qualify): If you are at the 100% benefit level for the post 9/11 GI Bill, private schools that participate in the YRP will kick in money above and beyond what the GI Bill pays for (since private schools are obviously a lot more than the public school rates that GI Bill pays). The gov't will then match those additional funds. It's important to note that you must be at the 100% level (3+years qualifying active service) and schools often have very limited slots for the YRP. Example: Harvard Kennedy School offers up to 30 spots at $7,500. With the gov't kicking in another $7,500, plus the $19,000 that the GI bill pays, you're looking at $34,000 paid toward tuition plus obviously the monthly housing allowance to cover rent and what not.

Anyone hear anything yet regarding these fellowships?