steiner-5

I was referring to the actual practice book put out by ETS which produces the GRE. I found it very helpful in terms of seeing what kind of questions will be on the test. Check it out here http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem.1488512ecfd5b8849a77b13bc3921509/?vgnextoid=e7e42d3631df4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD&vgnextchannel=d6e7e3b5f64f4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD I'd use it in conjunction with kaplan's math workbook and the barron's general workbook. Kaplan will teach you the math, and barron's will give some good pointers as well for the whole thing, but the practice tests are bs in my opinion. The ETS tests predicted what I would get within 20 points.

Hi all, I am starting to work on my resume/CV for the six schools to which I am applying. I have been out of school working in the private sector for about 6 years, so my resume as it stands is geared to my current field (Finance). From what I understand, a CV for the applications should be more free-flowing and is non-insistent on keeping it all to one page. Are there any stylistic tips I should be aware of? Also, all the MPP programs I am looking at have strong quantitative bents. One of the programs asked for a "Quantitative Resume" in addition to the regular one stating all of the quantitative classes you've taken and what concepts were covered. They explain that it can be hard to tell from the transcripts alone what each class really taught. Would it be prudent or advantageous to include a "Quantitative Background" section in my CV for ALL the programs? Obviously they will see "Intro to Mathematical Logic" on my transcript (which is super vague), but on a resume I'd explain it Introduction to Mathematical Logic Symbolic logic as a precise formalization of deductive thought. Logical correctness of reasoning. Formal languages, interpretations, and truth. Propositional logic and first-order quantifier logic suited to deductions encountered in mathematics. Goedel

I'm limiting myself to six. I'd sooner die than apply to 10+ schools!

I agree with the above poster. The ETS tests and powerprep seemed to nail it. My inital score on powerprep before studying was 750 q, 650 v. My final score using powerprep right before the test was 780 q, 690 v. My actual GRE score was 780q, 680v. I'd say that's pretty much as accurate as a predictor as you can expect. I ran out of time on the quant so I had to blindly guess the last three questions. If you can make good use of your time, you will be ok. The paper ETS tests in the book are also good. I took all five and all the quant scores were 780, except for one 790. The verbal scores were more dispersed, but the average was about what I got on powerprep. For me I think eye fatigue was a major factor in my verbal score because at a certain point I just wanted to be done with it. IMO, reading comp is SO much easier on a paper test. I finished with 12 minutes left, so I should have probably taken my time with the reading comp. If I were scoring that low on the quant, I'd strongly consider doing a test prep class. Some of the smaller local ones can be not too expensive (I took one for $400 for 6 three & a half hour sessions). Learning how to take the test is at least as important as knowing how to actually answer the problems. I know that while my overall score improved only 60 points, some of the other students who got really low quant scores were able to increase 150 points. IMO, the math part is the most stressful of the GRE because you only have 45 minutes for 28 questions and they get harder as you get them right. You will not have the time to actually do the calculations longhand, so you've got to get to the bottom of what concepts they are trying to see you know. A class could help you. Either way, good luck!

Congrats on getting in! I don't know what your financial situation is, but a question I think it is important to ask oneself is "what do I want to get out of this program?" Some people literally just need a master's so they can get a bump in pay or what have you. In that case, it seems foolish to spend 4x the money. However, others really want to use their experiences in school to gain further insight into the field and to contribute to it in a more meaningful way. Something one should really consider is that these programs are interdisciplinary in nature, so you will have a diverse student background in terms of what these students studied before the program. As such, (as much as I hate to use this term) the "quality" of student attending the school becomes very important. I can't speak to the relative strengths of the student profiles of your choices in particular, but I have taken grad level classes at a number 10 ranked MPP program that has a more liberal admission policy, and I felt the academic rigor was lacking a bit due to the type of student it attracted. I've met some very intelligent students from Wagner and it's a well-respected program, and probably one of the best for non-profit work. I do think its tuition is obscene, but I guess that's something you will have to think about. Either way, good luck with your decision!

When you say your GRE scores are several years old, what are we talking here? Most programs will not accept scores over five years old. In any event, what does stick out to me is your quantitative GRE score and your lack of quant coursework. Top tier MPP programs these days appear to be emphasizing quant as a skill one should be very comfortable with. In addition to Econ & Stat, I'd take a semester or two of Calc. I would also consider taking the GRE again to raise that quant score if you are applying to a program like HKS's MPP, which has a Econ/Quant bent. However, you should be ok with the other schools you mentioned. Just my two cents, good luck!

I'd take it again if that score is significantly lower than the program's median scores. Although you may "confirm" deficiency on one hand if you do poorly, you seem to think you would do better if taken again. I'd bet you'd get a few more points simply for having gotten a feel for the test's timing (I actually had to guess on the last few in the quant myself because I ran out of time). Also, if I were an admissions person, I might wonder why someone who had an off day didn't try to improve his or her score. That said, every school and program is different, so YMMV.

I'll probably decide not to do it again. I suspect that spending a lot more time on SOP and the essays will be a better payoff than 40 points on the GRE.

I'd like to eke out a few more points on the verbal, but probably not if I have to do the essays again. Part of that is because I haven't received my AW score yet. If it's bad, I probably will.

If I wanted to take the GRE again to boost my verbal and quant score but I didn't want to do the AW section again, is that problematic from an admissions standpoint, or do they tend to just use the best?

I just took it yesterday. There are only fill in questions on the experimental (non-graded) portion at the end. Don't worry! By the way, the questions on the experimental that were fill-ins (not all were) were integers and not terribly hard. I will say this: if you are considering taking the test, do it now. The experimental quant questions did involve a calculator function and some had multiple click boxes. Rather than selecting a, b, c or d, you could click choice 1, 2 , 3 or any combination therein.

I think if you put yourself through that again for a few extra points, you are a masochist! I have to say I had similar feelings about my scores (680 V 780 Q), but then I realized there is absolutely no way I want to sit through that test ever again :wink:

By the way, that previous quote was attributed to me but it belongs to carpecc... just trying to keep things straight here

The advice above makes more sense... I retract my thoughts! At least I HOPE they don't put that much emphasis on the AWA because it totally sucks It's just something I heard could be of concern. Take it worth a grain of salt.

I might do that if I were you. A test prep guy told me that I could possibly be a red flag if you score well below average on the AW section but have a sparkling SOP. He said that SOME might think you could have gotten "help" on the SOP. Of course, this probably varies by admit committee, so take it at face value. Just wanted of offer another perspective (obviously, you don't want to write a crappy SOP on purpose!)

It's $13 for two prompts and it uses some computer algorithm to score your answers. It is sponsored by ETS. I was just wondering how accurate it is and if it is worth it. Thanks!

Where do you live? From your username, it looks like you might be in Virginia. I live in DC and had a really good group class that was very math-centric. It was also about half as expensive as Kaplan or Princeton Review group classes.

Thanks for the tip... though I don't know about living in B'more... :mrgreen:

They offer an MPP? I really have no international background, so I never looked into it.

I was thinking that might be the case. Hell, I don't even want to read it anymore! As for particular programs, any ideas where I might want to apply (or more usefully, where I shouldn't)? I'm definitely applying to GSPP & GPPI. I'll likely apply to HKS & LSE (just for fun ). But I am wondering if I should waste my time with NYU or Columbia. I've just gotten so much conflicting information from people about what their programs' strengths are.

Thank you for the kind replies. My post MPP goals would be to work either in a policy analysis capacity at a think tank or possibly in program development/evaluation for an agency like the SEC or Treasury. I am hoping my experience in finance and quantitative skills will help, but I too am worried that my lack of volunteer experience will hurt me (and it sort of seems a little late to do any now since apps are due in just a few months). I've done a few one-off volunteer events for some gay/lesbian organizations and hosted a fund raiser or two for congressional candidates, but I can't say I was involved enough to justify putting it on my resume. As for the resume itself, it currently reads like I am trying to land a spot at an MBA program (which I most certainly do not want)...I am sort of lost as to how to tailor it to an MPP admissions committee. I did just finish a policy analysis class and completed a 30 page policy analysis. Would it be considered gauche to include a writing sample? In any event, I suppose I'll have to really focus on my SOP to fill in the holes and express my seriousness of purpose. I just have to keep reminding myself that these programs are looking for all sorts (cue Al Franken as Stuart Smalley!).

Hi all, I am hoping to get some opinions about my chances for admission and about some programs in particular for what I want to do (policy analysis). I am a bit worried about two things: letters of recommendation and GPA. A bit about me: GWU Class of 03 (Bachelor of Business Admin - Finance) GPA: 3.22 GRE: 680 V / 780 Q Applying for Fall 2010 admission to an MPP program I've got six years of progressive experience at a top five financial services firm/investment bank, but I intend to return to school for my MPP and go into (eventually) finance policy analysis or program evaluation. I don't exactly have any non-profit experience and I hope to explain in my personal statements why I am making a change at this point in my career. My GPA is definitely below the mean for the schools I am looking at (GSPP, GPPI, KSG, LSE, Wagner, SIPA). I understand that the admission committees say they look at things "holistically", but am I way out of my league here? On the positive side, I did do well in my quantitative classes in undergrad. Because I've been out of school for so long, I really have no academic contacts anymore, so the recs make me nervous. I did take a grad level public policy course at GW this summer (which I loved, and in which I got an A), and I am hoping the prof will write me one. Would having only one academic reference disqualify me from these schools? Also, for those who are more familiar with these schools, would you have any advice about which ones I might want to reconsider? I've heard SIPA is considered more for international studies and Wagner for non-profit/NGO type stuff, for instance. GSPP & GPPI seem to be more up my alley. However, I am pretty much going on what they have on their websites. I'd really like to get more anecdotal advice from you all (real live people!). I appreciate any and all suggestions you may have. This board seems to be much more helpful than autoadmit... what a mistake I made wasting time there!