devly

I suggest doing a Master's degree and write a thesis. Try to publish it in a peer-reviewed journal and showcase this when you start applying for a PhD. You have substantial work experience in the government, but your academic background in IT and business might not be viewed as good theoretical foundations in public administration to be qualified for pursuing a PhD. Also, strongly consider Fletcher. I met someone who finished a PhD there, and she said it is doable in 3 years. So this reduces expenses out of your own pocket if you have limited funding. Good luck!

Programs: Programs with international development (ID) component: MPP, MPA, Urban Planning Schools: American U/SIS: MA in International Development (two years), Australia National University/Crawford School: MPP (one year) Considering applying to: Rutgers/Bloustein School: M. City and Regional Studies (one year), American U/SPA: MPP Admission round: Spring 2014 Undergraduate institution: A good university in Southeast Asia Undergraduate Major: Environmental Science Undergraduate GPA: around 3.6 when converted (cum laude) Graduate institution: A good university in Germany with full ride + stipend Graduate Major: Environmental Policy Graduate GPA: 3.3 Dropped PhD after a year but came out of it with a co-authored peer-reviewed article (this is entirely separate from the graduate degree) GRE: 156 V 151 Q. 4.0 AW TOEFL: Will take if required by university Years Out of grad school (if applicable): 4 Years of Work Experience: 5 years Describe Relevant Work Experience: 3 months in an NGO 2.5 years in economic ministry 2 years in an international organization in Washington DC Internships and volunteer work: 6 months with a think-tank 2 months in a radio station (worked in English) 1 month with an environmental NGO 2-day volunteer work in house construction Co-founded a professional organization in my home country Study Abroad Experiences : 3 years in Germany 2 months in Peru to learn Spanish (not part of curriculum) Languages: My native language (not a major one like Chinese or Hindi) English: Fluent German: Advanced Spanish: Beginner Quantitative: Algebra, basic econ, basic statistics. No macro and microecon. This is the primary reason I'm going back to grad school- strengthen my quant skills, and broaden my sector specialization. SOP: Pretty strong writer, good narrative. LOR: 1 from former supervisor in most recent job 1 from former thesis supervisor 1 from former supervisor in government work (if needed) Other remarks: Preference for AU because of DC location so I can maintain my network. I also want to build my career in DC. Not considering Gtown, GW, SAIS because of prohibitive costs. Financial aid is a huge factor in my decision. I'm averse to student loans. If I don't get much/anything I'll be partial to one-year programs. I don't like standardized tests Questions: How will my first Masters and dropped PhD be viewed as part of my application? What are the pros and cons in applying for spring admissions? Should I take the TOEFL/IELTS? Or should I just mention I graduated from universities where English is the language of instruction? What other universities I should consider? Thanks a lot!