quincepessa

I went to a fancy-pants top Ivy undergrad. Anyone who gives you a "why are YOU here" is a tool and not worth your time. You got in because the admin folks believe you should be there. Be the one who isn't afraid to ask questions, to get the most out of your education. Good luck!

I second @Gov2School's advice - Look at job postings for the kind of job you'd like to have next or in a couple years. That helped me figure out that I needed another degree to keep moving along. But your mileage may vary.

Agree with all the earlier posters... You're not stupid, it's a big decision. And congratulations and good luck! Go uhhh...???.Wolverines!

For the future students! (And many thanks to everyone who shared their info in past years - it was so, so helpful.) Previous Schools (Name, type, or tier): Yale Previous Degrees and GPAs: BA Political science & religious studies 3.28; started but did not finish MA in theology at UChicago Divinity School GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): 170v 163q 5.0aw Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): 8+ years as political organizer for domestic nonprofit; 3 years in the Peace Corps in West Africa Math/Econ Background: Multi-vari calc and micro econ in college; took macro this summer & studying stats at community college right now to prepare Foreign Language Background (if applicable to your program): strong French; a little Djoula (west-african language) for fun Intended Field of Study in Grad School: international development Long Term Professional Goals: I'd like to work in international development either via the government or an intl non-profit. Probably focusing on Africa. Schools Applied to & Results: Princeton - WWS (nope); Syracuse-Maxwell (yes +generous full ride); UW-Evans (yes + small funding); CMU - Heinz (yes + nice funding); Fordham IPED (yes + waitlisted for funding) Ultimate Decision & Why: I'm headed to Syracuse. The funding is top priority for me, as we're expecting a baby this summer. I cannot believe we're going to be able to do this without (more) massive debt. I also think Maxwell's dual MPA/MAIR is a good match for what I want to learn, and that my wife and I will really enjoy being in a smaller city for the next few years. Advice for Future Applicants: As above - start early! I think it really helped that I took an econ class this summer and could report getting an A in my applications. I was terrified that my early misadventure in grad school (dropping out of divinity school) would be held against me, but being able to explain clearly why it happened, and how that experience pushed me towards public service, seems to have worked. I think I would also add - know your priorities when you apply to school. For me, it was funding, so I applied only places I thought I could get funding. I also didn't want to burnout my recommenders with more than 5-6 applications, so I tried to be really targeted in deciding where to apply. Other folks seem to have applied to more, but I felt like narrowing my choices helped me make those applications as good as possible. And lastly - good luck to all!

Just got my acceptance! No funding though . Anyone else?

HOLY CATS. I just got a call from the Director - I received the Robertson Fellowship! So happy and excited. Good luck to everyone else - hope to be seeing you soon!

The email about submitting a picture/skype handle indicated that we would be notified in "early April".

Spoke with the PAIA admissions office this am- they indicated that financial aid packages should be out "end of this week or early next week". Wait wait wait....

I'm looking at going to one of the ones in April. But I'd hate to buy plane tickets only to find out I don't have enough funding to make attendance possible. Wait, wait, wait....

Thanks for checking ohmyohme!

I'm out. Congrats to all who were accepted.

Anyone else waiting to hear back? The FAQ says "Admission decisions are usually made around mid-March and notifications sent out by email as well as regular mail soon after." which isn't entirely helpful. good luck to all.

I worked up a lil ditty for us: ONE DAY MORE! Another day to know our Dest-in-y. This never ending road to penury, These schools who seem to know my scores, will surely open up their doors. One Day More! Thank you, thank you. Please tip your servers...

My money is on Friday. Which likely ups the chances of it being tomorrow .

Congrats, foster3693! Let us all know how it goes!

Guinea Worm.

Got a note this am from admissions confirming my acceptance to Global Track but saying they can't give me my formal admissions letter until they have confirmed the first date of classes in Adelaide per some regulation of the Australian government. What a strange week this has been!