namrata

Hi quarex and erin85...thanks for your inputs! I have made up my mind to go to U Maryland. If some of you do end up there or anywhere else in Washington DC, do let me know. Thanks again!

Since there is a lot of discussion going on about DC-based schools, I would like to get your views on U Maryland, College Park vs GWU. I had applied for PhD programs in Public Policy, and am in at GWU and U Maryland-CP with funding. At GWU I have a very lucrative fellowship for the 1st year but slim chances of renewal as it is offered by a foundation on a yearly basis. Also, GWU is extremely uncertain on the chances of funding from other sources such as RA or a TA for subsequent years. It seems most students take up jobs outside campus to fund themselves. On the other hand, I have guaranteed funding for the entire duration of the PhD program in the form of a RA from U Maryland-CP, and the advisor assigned to me and the students have been immensely helpful. I am an international student from India, so it was impossible for me to attend the welcome weekends. But the interest and helpfulness shown by the faculty and students at U Maryland-CP has really impressed me. I received personal emails from Carol Graham who is the Director and an expert in international development which is my interest area though she is not my advisor. I personally think the networking and job opportunities being in DC are going to be great. Couple of my top schools Chicago and Columbia, put me into their Master's program without funding. I already am a double master's student, so am not inclined towards these offers. The choice for me now is U Maryland-CP vs GWU. Any thoughts?

Faculty and department fit...these have been my criteria. I applied to Georgia because of one faculty member, but overall the department doesn't impress me much...that's why it was my safety school. I was just curious to know what the rankings mean as we international students rarely get a chance to visit the schools or meet prospective advisors in person. Thanks anyways!

I applied to University of Georgia for the doctoral program based on the 2004 rankings. It is my safety school, and I wasn't thinking about it too seriously until I saw that it's ranked at par with Princeton in the latest rankings!! Is it really worth going to Georgia if they offer a full ride??

In my case, I haven't heard anything from the school yet...good or bad. My application status is still under review. But as I said before, I have applied to the PhD program. Maybe their timelines are different (keeping my hopes alive). I wrote to LBJ yesterday just asking when the PhD decisions will start to roll out. But no response yet.

Well, now I really don't know what sense to make out from the application status page. I haven't written to them at all. Guess I should do it ASAP. Thanks for the responses though.

Hey sosh and Jay, Just one question...did your application status on the website change after you were accepted? Mine still says that "We have received all your credentials...Your file has been forwarded to the graduate committee for review". I don't know whether to look at it as a good sign or consider it as good as gone.

Hey sosh, Even I am waiting to hear from LBJ. However, I have applied for the doctoral program in PP. If there's anyone who has heard from the PhD admissions office please do write in. I wanted to write to them, but then was told to wait till the end of this week because of the spring break.

I thought I could get some advice and your opinions on the International Development concentration at Maryland. I have secured admission for PhD at their School of Public Policy and would be under the tutelage of Carol Graham. I am still waiting to hear from UT Austin LBJ, which I think is a great school. The only drawback, if at all, is its location. Is that really a deterrent? Has anyone applied to LBJ and heard from them?

Hi unknownscholar, I actually got through GWU, but have been waitlisted for a fellowship..whatever that means. I see no reason why someone, esp an international student like me, would spend a fortune to get a PhD. How can they even expect that! Another thing that is bothering me about GWU is that I haven't heard great things about the school on this forum. I also have an admit from Maryland and they are offering me funding. But the exact figures have not yet been sent to me. I am just hoping for some good news from them. Fingers crossed! LBJ is actually quite high on my list. Geographical location apart, I think it's a great school with great faculty. That's why I am getting a bit anxious about the result. I wish you luck and hope that you get into the school of your choice.

Hi unknownscholar, I guess I will just write to them. I see that you are interested in a JD. Did you apply to LBJ as well?

Has anyone who applied to UT Austin LBJ for a PhD in Public Policy heard back from the school? The online status of my application still says "Your application has been forwarded to the Graduate Committee for review". Also, I did see a couple of results posted - 1 reject and 1 accepted. They haven't given any timeline as well. Do they communicate the decision only by snail mail? I am an international student, and it that's the case then it may take some more time. I am itching to write to them and ask.

Hi, I am an international student and got through the PhD in Public Administration & Policy program at GWU, but am yet to receive the official letter giving the funding (hopefully) details. I see that that there is one other poster on the results page who has made it to this program. It would be great if the poster or anyone else who is aware, can shed some light on the sort of funding package GWU offers. Thanks!

Hi brlbrl, My interests are mainly in 'poverty analysis', 'gender and public policy' and 'social impacts of science & tech'. So it's more macro and relevant to developing countries (guess that was natural). I applied to the Economics track at Duke. I haven't received a reject as yet. So will keep my hopes alive for Duke As you said, fingers crossed for the remaining schools!! Cheers, Namrata

Hi brlbrl, Thanks! Here's my background although I have not secured any admits yet. V 660/Q 760/AWA 5.0 M.Phil in related field from top social science institute in India, MA in related field from top 5 university in the UK, 3 years mixed work-ex in consultancy, NGO and international organization, on-the-field developing country experience, publication Awaiting - Duke, Maryland, GWU, Chicago, UT Austin Have applied to a couple of top schools as well but not much hopes there. Any idea whether Duke is still sending out PhD admits?

Can students who have secured admission to the PhD in PP/PA programs share their backgrounds as well?

Hi brlbrl, Congrats on getting into Duke! I am an international student applying for a PhD in Public Policy. I have applied to Chicago, Duke, GWU, Maryland and UT Austin. Haven't heard back from any of them For Duke even I had applied to the Econ track. So don't know whether I should still be hopeful. I see that there is one more person who got admitted and that leaves little scope for me I guess. Do you mind sharing your background? Cheers, Namrata