JESC 2012

Hi, I just stumbled across this post. I am very interested in learning how you got into the field of public policy. What was your undergrad major, how has your experience been thus far? I really am interested in going into public policy so any advice would help and you seem to be doing a lot of the things I'd like to do. I heard great things about Duke and UMich. To me they seemed to stress quantitative skills, but the people I spoke to say that helped them in terms of their career. Also I know idealist.org host several graduate fairs throughout the year for MPP/MPA programs. It really helped me in my selection of programs especially when I was unable to visit the schools. Have you considered UC(Harris)? I spoke to an admissions counselor and she really stressed work experience and in a city like Chicago I am sure you will have no problem being a scholar-activist here. =)

I would say get in contact with the admissions counselors for each of your programs and talk to them. Maybe in your personal statement write why your grades this semester are not reflective of your capabilities as a student. I am in a similar situation and was told to submit an addendum along with my personal statement. Hope this helps.

I have a friend who works in admissions. It is for undergraduate however, I have talked to a lot of professors about my own personal statement. I would say graduate schools want to know why YOU are interested in their program. It is all about being a good-fit for the program . So you have to research each program carefully. A good resource is this website http://admissionsource.wordpress.com/2007/10/01/everything-i-wish-somebody-would-have-told-me-about-graduate-school-admissions/. Also a book by Donald Asher called Graduate Admissions Essay; Writing Your Way into the Graduate Program of Your Choice is a good resource if you have access to it. Also since you have a unique history you may want to tailor it especially if it is the reason why you want to go to graduate school. On another post someone mentioned If your identity has driven you to do specific study in related matters, then there is no harm in mentioning that. Since you have done well academically, focus on getting great letter of recommendations from former professors as well. http://graduate.indiana.edu/pdf/GradSchoolGuide.pdf (this also helped a bit for me anyway) Best of luck to you.