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My fear exactly. Hard to tell where politeness ends and reality begins. I agree, Emory would be a good choice. The more I think about it, the more absurd it seems to pass up a good option for the (remote?) possibility of eventually obtaining something slightly better (subjectively speaking, of course...). The two programs are actually far more similar than they are different, with the biggest difference being location, and there are definite upsides to the Emory option. The more I ponder, the more I lean towards going with Emory. I'll be chatting with some of the current cohorts to get their insight soon. I appreciate all of your insight and feedback, kind people of the interwebs...

That is a great point, starofdawn, and definitely a possibility I have been considering. Like I said before, I feel lucky to have been accepted to Emory, or anywhere for that matter, as my grades in college are probably (embarrassingly) among the lowest of any applicant pool of which I am a part (I had a tough time in college with personal family things... not really relevant to the discussion here, but suffice it to say that I dont look that hot on paper, GPA-wise. Not proud of this, its just what it is.). So I know I cant count on getting into Emory next cycle as if its a sure-shot... the program is becoming more popular every year from what I hear, and I imagine there will be a larger applicant pool every year from here on out, and they only accept 15 cohorts annually. Julliet, I sort of did think it was Berkeley or bust when I started applying... I ended up last-minute applying to other schools with the MDP program in the event that I got rejected (wise decision, as fate would have it...), but always had Berkeley in my sights as the school for me. I suppose I might have my priorities out of whack a bit... choosing a program based on the city is probably not wise; you're right, its only 2 years. And I might be weighing the Berkeley brand a bit too heavily into my decision - I would be lying if I said that I didnt care about the personal pride I would feel telling my friends and family that I got into Berkeley, but I also believe this brand to have value once you hit the job market, not to mention that the Bay is just a great place to network for developmental work. In terms of the adjustments and improvements that I could make, I am still yet to hear back from them about exactly what these might be. I have a phone call scheduled for next week with the program admin, who through email has told me she would be happy to help me with advice in strengthening my application for next round. I am actually currently working as a coordinator at an NGO in Guatemala, which might strengthen my case a bit, but as you said, I have a ton of this type of experience already and I am quite certain that what prohibited my acceptance in the first place was GPA-related more than anything. I was considering maybe moving back to the Bay and taking classes at the Berkeley extension school in Oakland to prove that I have what it takes to do well in their program, or something similar to show that my poor performance in undergrad was more situational than an indication of my intellectual abilities.

If I turned down Emory and never got into Berkeley, I would obviously be crushed... it would be a year wasted. On the flip side, if I go to Emory I probably will always wonder what could have been... I know it seems really risky, but the program at Berkeley seems a lot better, the location is head and shoulders above that of Emory, and having a degree from Berkeley could open more doors than one from Emory I feel... not only because of the name recognition factor, but also because the Bay is such a gravitational point for development organizations and people in the sustainable development world. In the end I just want to do the best thing for my career... they say a lot of grad school is all about the connections you make and the people you meet there, and I dont want to stoop settle for less than what I think I am actually capable of if holding out for what I really want could prove to be worth it in the end.

My GRE score is actually fine, though improving it would obviously not hurt my case... My problem is really with my uGPA, which I was considering trying to counterbalance by taking some graduate-level classes this year to try to show that I am serious and capable, etc. I feel like I dont know whether the Berkeley admissions people were being sincere or just polite when they said I would be a 'stellar candidate for 2015'. I would hate to deny a spot at Emory simply based on a hunch or off-hand suggestion that I might have a better chance next round at Berkeley... ultimately it would be a big gamble. I dont have the option of deferral at Emory, unfortunately. And its not like Emory's a bad option or anything... I think doing the Development Practice program there would have its benefits (CDC, CARE, Carter Center, Amnesty Intl offices all in the Atlanta area), and the intimate size of the program is attractive and the professors seem great. But at the end of the day, Emory is no Berkeley, and I know I would be happier lifestyle-wise living around the Bay, and potentially not so happy in Atlanta.

Got rejected from the Berkeley MDP Program, but got accepted to the Emory MDP Program. I really had my hopes set on Berkeley, and when I contacted the department to gather some insight on their decision, they responded with something along the lines of "We think you are a very interesting and bright young man and a great prospect for our program. While we cant accommodate you this round, we feel that with some minor improvements in your application you would make a stellar candidate for 2015." Im weighing the prospect of waiting another year, improving my application a bit, reapplying and hopefully getting in next round, against the safer option of just sucking it up and going to Emory now. I know Emory is supposed to be a decent school and all, but I really had my hopes set on Berkeley and think the program, the location and the general atmosphere are more my style and would be a better fit. There is obviously the risk that I wont get into Berkeley next round either, and the even scarier risk that I might not get in anywhere next round at all. I feel really lucky to have gotten into Emory in the first place. I have a rather low undergrad GPA, but a lot of field experience in international development and have worked extensively in the non profit sector, which I think is why Emory is interested. Has anybody had this sort of experience before? Any stories of being rejected and reapplying? Is it worth taking the risk to shoot for my number one choice again and deny an offer that I have already? Super confused as to what to do... Help!!!

I am just wondering if anyone out there has any experience with the Emory MDP program. It seems to be a very amazing option for those interested in doing hands-on development work, what with the two field practicums, the many NGOs based around the Atlanta area and so forth. I would love to hear any experience, opinions or suggestions you all have... I am having a really hard time deciding whether to commit to a fairly expensive two year program in Atlanta, or to do a more standard one-year Masters program in the UK for a fraction of the cost. So, how about it? Is Emory a good place to study? Is Atlanta a fun place to live? Does the program provide alumni with good employment options after graduation? Also, is there any way of possibly knowing how many people applied for the limited amount of cohort positions (they say only 15?). Might be a dumb question but I am curious as to if I got accepted because they are genuinely interested in me personally, or simply had few applicants to choose from. Words of wisdom, please!