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I would suggest doing the DC track if you go with CMU. Of my cohort of about 20 people, around half accepted jobs with the federal government: GAO, DOJ, Peace Corps, CFPB, HUD, CNCS and one got PMF. In prior years people have accepted offers at OMB, FDA, LMI, and State as well. Other places people went to work in my cohort: IBM Watson, the Arnold Foundation, Maximus, on the Hill, Booz Allen and Deloitte (both on the consulting side). Consulting is definitely an option; Deloitte recruits very heavily from CMU, and there are at least two apprenticeship spots reserved for DC students every year. In short - the alumni network in DC is incredibly strong for what you want to do. Pittsburgh is actually pretty fun, minus the winter - it got really, really cold. I took some time for me to warm up to Pittsburgh (literally and figuratively), but I found that I enjoyed going to Phipps Conservatory, museums, kayaking, walking in some of the numerous parks and exploring many of the old Polish and German neighborhoods - there's some mean kielbasa and pierogies to be had at places like S&D Deli in the Strip District. My classmates were awesome too, which helped - especially in terms of the moral support needed for those late nights of getting through Management Science (aka operations research) homework. In general, the people were surprisingly friendly compared to anywhere else I have lived. A few downsides: - the main grocery chain is Giant Eagle...not exactly the greatest - avoid yellow cab at all costs (see yelp as to why) In terms of cost, Pittsburgh is definitely the cheapest place I have lived - you can get away with sub $500 monthly rent. DC on the hand is more expensive, but you can generally find something cheaper, if you are willing to live in an older building or not in the trendiest part of town. If I had the choice, I would definitely do my program again.

Hi Shashank00, I am a student at CMU Heinz, and I moved from the Berkeley area to come here. In terms of tuition for foreign students, I cannot offer any insights, as I am a domestic student. However, some items to consider for you: Goldman (Berkeley) NEGATIVES > ...and the East Bay in general is very expensive rent wise. We lived in Alameda (cheapish, safe ie. low crime, outside of Oakland) in a 700 sq.ft. 1-bdr. Our monthly rent, excluding utilities. I worked at Cal, and as far as I know, housing is not guaranteed for graduate students. > Cal is very large (40.000) students, so at times it can feel very impersonal. POSITIVES > Goldman is an EXCELLENT school, and will open many doors for you. > California weather cannot be beat. Heinz (Pittsburgh) NEGATIVES > It's Pittsburgh and you will be cold...very, very cold. Frankly, I have NO idea how someone survives this climate longterm. > Pittsburgh is not exactly the prettiest of cities, but to give due where it's merited, it's becoming better. > Content policy classes are hit or miss POSITIVES > Heinz is an EXCELLENT school, and will open many doors for you. > The school is small, and provided you do well, you will be able to make connections with professors and TA. Similarly, professors are open to working with students to pursue their interests. > About half of the students are from India and China, especially in the MISM program > Technical classes (GIS, SAS, econ etc) are excellent. > Rent is very cheap. We rented a large 1000 sq.ft 2 bedroom apartment with amenities (dishwasher, washer/dryer, basement for storage) for $1050 per month excl. utilities. Also, riding busses is free for CMU students in Pittsburgh, which makes finding an apartment infinitely easier. Hope this helps

Hi Turab, Current student in the DC track here. When you get to Heinz, talk to Prof. Wil Gorr, he is the head of the Analytics track. Switching can be tricky, especially for the analytics track. Mainly, I believe they (administration) will look at your GRE math score AND your academic background. I know from my friends, who are in that track that it is hard yet worthwhile. Hope this helps

Hi SP108, Your course selection will depend on which institution you plan on attending. Many of the classes you list are core classes, so you may be able to exempt them in graduate school (provided that you did well in them). I am at CMU-Heinz, and we had the option to sit for exemption exams for some core classes. My advice to you would be to reach out to the schools you are applying to and see what their policy is. Depending on your program, some intro to finance may be helpful. Best of luck!

@ Spat - I will be attending in the Fall on the DC track. I am excited, since CMU was my first choice. Are you planning/have you accepted your offer? I heard back from them in late February. Good luck to anyone waiting for more info.

Hi ! I was admitted to Batten as well, and I am seriously considering it. I only applied to a total of 3 schools (UVA< CMU Heinz and GWU for MPH), and UVA is so far the only one that I have heard back from. My admitted email contained scholarship info, but no info on financial aid.