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Hello, I attended the visit day and am in the public policy track. It was pretty clear from the visit that time to complete is pretty idiosyncratic to peoples' choices of topic, data needs, methods, job situation, advising, etc. 4 years would definitely be on the "speedy" end of the spectrum, though. I was really impressed with how nice everyone was, with the other admitted folks, and with the resources available at U of M. Maybe will see you there!

FINALLY got the rejection! I figured that's what was coming given the wait, but it's good to have clarity. Off to Michigan I guess!

I was admitted to the PhD program at GWU, and given an "alternate" funding status. Definitely won't attend without funding...

I haven't either. I emailed Mark Glenn to ask about my status weeks ago and got no response. Ah well.

I got nothing in the mail, though I've exchanged a bunch of emails with the staff and all seems in order. I'm also a big proponent of snail mail, so it's too bad they haven't sent anything! The only school that mailed me a physical acceptance letter was Wisconsin.

I agree with hesadork. Work experience in higher ed would be quite valuable - in my interview with the University of Michigan, for example, it was the very first question they asked. I'd also encourage you to research other schools in addition to the ones you listed - finding folks working in higher ed requires looking at higher ed programs, policy programs, ed programs, etc.

Hello, I actually have two visits on the same day - Duke and Michigan are both on the 21st. I think Michigan is also my top choice, but I do have two reservations. Looking through the course listed here http://www.soe.umich.edu/files/doctoral_highered.pdf I think the program is lacking a bit in terms of standard public policy coursework. I'm going to check if I could take at least a handful of classes at the Ford school, or even see if I could add an MPP somehow and still finish in 5 years. Otherwise I'm pretty excited about the program and will definitely be there on visit day. My other concern is funding. My funding offer is for 4 years, with a possible 5th one that is tbd. The program takes on average 5 years, so it'd be good to know that I can count on funding for that long. What about you, what doubts do you have?

Hi, that is a strange rule for PhD admissions! I did write a thesis, but don't remember submitting it to them. Interesting. Those are disappointing fundings news. The programs I did get admitted to provide clear information on funding, which has been nice. Though I guess UW system has been struggling financially for several years, so maybe it's not too surprising. Hope you get good news from elsewhere!

Ha, I wonder if they are thinking "Damn that grad cafe!" as they get a bunch of requests for updates...proving the value of transparency! Thanks for keeping us posted. End of this week is coming pretty soon, I can handle that wait!

Hi all, anyone here apply or attend UW-Madison's Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis program? Curious to know if anyone has heard anything, and for those attending overall impressions of the program. Thanks!

Typically the interview means you've made it through their first cut, so it's a good sign. But you still need to do well on the interview to get in. Good luck!

I wonder why there's such a lack of transparency, especially when similar programs are already further along communicating decisions. My thinking is that most/all acceptances are probably out, and they are struggling with a wait list. I'm counting this one out for me as a rejection...though I did email the program and will post any new information here!

You seem to have the math background required, so you could probably make it into a pretty good program. But it comes down to having a clear rationale for pursuing doctoral work. And I wouldn't make too much of going straight from undergrad. I am going back for my PhD this fall, 9 years after finishing my undergrad. My work experiences were valuable in helping me define my grad school goals, instill good work habits, etc. I would encourage everyone to have at least a year outside school...

Thanks! Per the program, for the econ focus, students are expected to have linear algebra and multivariate calculus. Differential equations and real analysis are encouraged.

Hi all, I was admitted to the PhD Public Policy (Econ focus) at Duke, which has a similar setup as any program in PP with a disciplinary focus. This was unexpected and exciting! But I'm a bit concerned about my math preparation. I took the calculus sequence through Calc III long ago (like 8 years ago) as part of my undergraduate econ degree, and have not had to do any real demanding math for a long time. For those at Duke or any similar program, how important was your math preparation? How much of it was delivered by the program via either a summer course or regular courses? I feel like my big gaps would be a review of calc 3 topics and my total lack of linear algebra. I've contacted the program as well with similar questions, but wanted to get answers from folks with first-hand experience. Thank you!