zpal91

While I'm not going to say that the rankings are completely relevant, I'm also wouldn't say that they are completely irrelevant. I also disagree with the placement of some of these schools. It's hard to form accurate rankings of anything, but comparing schools with completely different focus is especially hard. I think we should acknowledge that most of the heavy hitters are present in the top tier of the ranking. No one should decide where to go to school based on the rankings, but I think that looking for which school to consider based on the rankings is perfect fine.

I attended ASW and typed out a document. If you want it, shoot me a PM with your email.

I'm assuming that the half tuition scholarship to Heinz makes UT only marginally cheaper... Hmm.. Is any skills you specifically want to get out of your degree that is offered at one school, but not the other?

Hello! I had a question on grad loans. So I mainly need assistance for housing. How does this work? Do my loans release to the school then the school releases the loan to me?

Can someone explain the idea of data mining in respect to public policy? Also, I understand the idea of gathering data, but what's the analysis part,

Have y'all gotten financial aid responses yet: workstudy eligibility, etc? From the website, it seems that there are a lot of opportunities to work on campus and in the Pittsburgh community. I am under the impression that the living expense estimates are inflated. Keep in mind that they factor in insurance, an expensive laptop, travel, and probably a high estimation of housing costs and meal costs. I think that they want to make sure you can spend/take out as much money to live comfortably while you study. You could probably cut costs here and there. I would say go for the money holding everything else constant. I'm not sure, but it seems as if the schools have really different curricula, so you might also want to think about your exact goals and which school will prepare for those goals best. Personally, I love Heinz' course offerings. It's exactly the type of education that I want, but to each his own.

I don't think anyone argued the fact that SIPA isn't a good school. It's just lacking in certain aspects, but what school isn't? Also, I wouldn't be so quick to say that this forum offers one point of view. There have been people on both sides of debate and from the inside of SIPA and outside. In general, the forum is good for gaining insight on schools, but ultimately first hand research of the school is probably the best the most trustable source. You can't just let people make your decisions for you. Personally, I talked to a SIPA representitive at a grad school fair and he bluntly told me that SIPA expects it's first year students to pay the vast majority of the attendence costs for the first year. He said that 5% of students receive aid ranging from 5,000 to full tuition for their first year and that people would eligible for some aid for their second year contingent on a really high GPA. Pretty scary to know as a prospie. He didn't even attempt to dampen the my shock by informing me of fellowship opportunities. Even if it's highly reputable for whatever reason (location, association with Columbia, etc) I didn't feel like paying $60,000 and then competing with super talented students for a chance to receive some kind of funding when there are peer schools that are more generous with their merit aid.

Why is it the hands down best public policy school? There are so many claims of this, but no one really explains.

What does this even mean? I hear so many claims that certain programs are quant heavy. What makes a program quant heavy? Which programs would you say are quant heavy and why?

Well Heinz is ranked higher than those schools on USN, but I know that we're taught not to trust rankings. I know that the curriculum is suppose to be "quant heavy" like the other schools that you mentioned. They offer a wide array of quantitative courses with varying degrees of difficulty. That said, Heinz does state that it aims to provide a generalist curriculum. Ultimately the programs are probably all at the same level and if you got a good offer from Heinz you should definitely consider it. Although the other schools are bigger, so they may be more well known. I recommend looking up the courses that they offer and seeing if they fit your expectations for your degree. http://www.heinz.cmu.edu/school-of-public-policy-management/public-policy-management-msppm/two-year-program-pittsburgh/index.aspx Also, I recommend that you search "Philosophy of the MSPPM Program" on google. I found it interesting. Good luck with your decision, but hope to see you in the Fall!

You've probably said this already, but what exactly do you want to do? Do you even want the education associated with an MBA or do you just want the title? Not trying to attack you personally or anything, but it's kind of funny that someone would base their personal adequacy or security on a degree title. It's especially funny when you only really talk about the stereotypical perceived social benefits of having an MBA. I really hope that you aren't serious with your posts.

We're given like 42 credits of electives and you're able to take classes offered through the other CMU schools. That's what I read at least.

Hey everyone, Received my acceptance to the two year MSPPM program in Pittsburgh and I've already sent my admission reply to attend Heinz in the Fall! I'm receiving a full-tuition scholarship and a nonworking stipend contingent on high academic performance. I'm fresh out of undergrad and I rather not discuss my stats. I cannot wait to meet everyone! I'll be flying down for admitted student weekend, but we should make a Facebook group.