egerth0013

I think you're competitive for any of those programs -- even including HKS or WWS. Plenty of students do not have major international experience and have held the kind of jobs you have. Obviously admissions processes are always a little random (you can never predict all the outcomes), but I see no reason why you wouldn't be a competitive applicant at any public service program as long as you write a strong SOP that explains how that school's program can meet your career goals. This forum tends to attract a lot of people interested in international public service, but that is by no means the only route to policy grad school or it's only use.

I do think military experience is a mitigating factor for you and that schools generally look on it as both a strong commitment to public service as well as an important perspective to have in the classroom. I'm a current MPP student and we do have a couple of students straight from undergrad, so it's definitely possible to be admitted. You seem like you might the kind of circumstances where it is more possible.

I wanted to clarify -- PMF does not consider transcripts or resumes at all in selecting finalists. They might be considered in two places: 1) by your university in determining nominations and 2) by the federal agency that actually hires you. PMF is a designation/fellowship, not a position, so you have to apply to positions once you are selected and agencies are free to consider your transcript then. PMFs are determined by the online and in-person assessments only. No idea about whether consulting firms ask for grades or if they matter. I can't imagine they are that helpful since most students -- at least in my program get B+s, A-s or A -- but maybe it is.