happygomucky

Hey all, Would appreciate your advice - I'm a serving european diplomat with 5yrs experience interested in doing an MPA/MPP. I'm particularly interested in the interplay btw diplomacy and development in fragile states, especially in Africa but I'm also interested in a lot of 'macro' diplomatic issues eg engaging non-state actors and the future of economic diplomacy. Here are my stats: Undergrad - Oxbridge (UK) - Geography/Politics GPA: Not sure - a UK 2:1 - according to a rough guide this translates to 3.1-3.33? GRE: not taken yet - would expect to do well in the AW and vocab and fairly badly in the quant. I am studying! Years out of undergrad - 7. 1.5 in PR/Campaigning in a major national NGO and a major international one. 5.5 years in European diplomatic service - including postings in Africa and Latin America and thematic experience of public diplomacy, conflict, UN, EU and economic diplomacy. Schools I'm considering: - Princeton WWS - HKS MPA2 - Fletcher - Yale Jackson (I think I prefer the smaller classes and schools so for now at least I'm discounting Colombia.) Languages - English, French, Spanish Quant: currently studying for a postgraduate diploma in economics from the university of London - doing courses in international finance, macro, taxation and international economic crises. But am not a quant 'natural'. SOP: Obviously I'll highlight my experience and career plans LORs: I'm a bit worried because I have no contact with my old uni, though I should be able to get good recs from senior colleagues. Goal: to either go back to my organisation, but in more focused roles; or to move across into other international organisations/development organisations (prob UN or EU delegations),I'd also like some experience of the private sector. My main questions are: - I'm worried that with my work experience I fall between two camps - on the high side for many MPA courses (might just be these boards but there seem to be many candidates with 0 or at best 1-2 yrs experience), but not enough for many 'mid-career' courses. Am I better off holding off a few years to fit more neatly in the 'mid career' bracket? I'm looking at starting A/W 2014 or 2015. - I'm considering combining with an MBA. Does anyone have any experience of this? Definitely within my organisation MBAs are highly valued - probably more than MPAs - I'd be keen to benefit from both. - and of course, do I have any chance with the unis I'm considering given my GPA in undergrad? I was very focused on building work experience/being involved in student politics during my undergrad and wasn't too focused on grades! Thanks for your advice.