Now that my own process has somewhat concluded I can reply to this thread. Very interesting to read through these!
Schools Applied To: NYU Wagner (MUP), UCL (MSc Int. Public Policy), Michigan Ford (MPP), Carnegie Mellon (MSPPM, OSU (MPA)
Schools Admitted To: NYU ($0), UCL ($0), CMU ($21K Admitted to their Adelaide program instead of Pitt), OSU (Full Tuition + Stipend)
Schools Rejected From: Michigan
Schools Waitlisted At: None
Still Waiting: None
Undergraduate institution: University of Minnesota
Undergraduate GPA: 3.54
Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): NA
Undergraduate Major: Marketing & Public/Non-Profit Management
GRE Quantitative Score: 680
GRE Verbal Score: 550
GRE AW Score: 4.0
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 1
Years of Work Experience: 1 Full Time
Describe Relevant Work Experience: Current AmeriCorps VISTA, Former State Senate Intern
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I began the process without clear direction but as I thought about my journey to this point and my experiences (work, personal and education) everything became more clear and easier to write. I think I tied everything together really well...but who knows really.
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): I'd say average...this was probably my weakest part. 2 professors at the Humphrey Inst. whose classes I enjoyed most and excelled in. Also my VISTA supervisor.
Other: I studied in Denmark for a semester which contributed to my reasons for wanting to focus on international public policy. Also when I was in high school I was an active City Council student rep. which also worked it's way into my SOP. I intend to go into international economic development so that's why I think CMU admitted me to their Adelaide campus...I never applied or wanted to go there but after admission I did consider it. This process has definitely affirmed for me that most grad school admission committee really do take a thorough approach to each candidate and consider their long term goals in the selection process.
Decision: Ultimately I will end up at UCL assuming no major financial aid from NYU.