[UW Evans 2014 Admitted Thread]

I also got my acceptance today! Any RPCVs apply for the Coverdell Fellowship? I got a good financial award but the email didn't mention anything about the fellowship. Is that a separate notification?

[UT LBJ - MPA Admitted Thread, Fall 2014]

Me too! Got a $50K fellowship over 2 years, which will cover in-state tuition with an extra $1100 or so per month. Good luck everyone!

[UT LBJ - MPA Admitted Thread, Fall 2014]

Just received notice of admission to UT-LBJ for MPA. The email said financial support decisions will be finalized within the first two weeks of March...here's to hoping for some $$$!

[Any advice for an engineer, RPCV, and hopeful MPA applicant?]

Thinking of applying to some top MPA programs for next year. A few questions first:

 

1.  I'm worried about quant preference/pre-reqs. I have a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from a good research university (UT-Austin, GPA: 3.67), but I have never really taken an economics or statistics course (unless engineering economics and engineering statistics count). I haven't taken the GRE yet but I expect to do well on the math portion. Is an engineering background and good GRE quant score enough to show strong quant skills? Or will I be hurt without micro or macro econ under my belt?

 

2.  Will having an unrelated bachelor's help me stand out or hinder my chances of getting into good programs? It's not actually that random of a switch; I got really into working with Engineers Without Borders as an undergrad and then decided to do Peace Corps following graduation (2 years teaching high school math and science in Tanzania). I loved it and extended my PC service for a 3rd year, currently working with the UN World Food Programme. Anyways, I think I can weave this career development into a decent narrative for my personal statement that makes it clear why I want to now get my MPA, work with NGOs, etc...will that be explanation enough?

 

3.  Many schools prefer or require 2-3 years work experience. Does Peace Corps count? It's hard to call it just volunteer experience when you do it full-time for 3 years but I also don't know whether it can be classified as "professional experience" in the eyes of universities. I had a part-time and summer engineering internship for 2+ years as an undergrad, as well as silly jobs like waitressing, but I haven't exactly had a career yet.

 

Thanks for any and all input!

Kathryn