inquirycat

My general reply, to both statements above: -Why I would be driven in grad school is a fair question. I am hoping that my personal statement, as well as my recommendations (and my A in the graduate-level class) will work to allay that worry at least a little bit. -The latest two grades they will see in the transcript are a B+ in Linear Algebra and an A- in Calc 2. -The courses in math I have struggled in are above and beyond what these schools look for. They, for the most part, want the student to be competent in college-level algebra. I think my 750Q, as well an A- in Calc 2, manages to show that I have the level of math they require. -It's true, none the less, that advanced math courses do not come easy to me. I am not "great" in math, of course. But, then again, I'm not applying for a PhD in economics or a engineering degree... I am applying to schools where a lot of the incoming majors are psychology or poli sci undergrad students, i.e. students who are not traditionally good at math. I think it's key to note that most of these schools want a "competence in basic statistics and college level algebra." And, they say, when this is not shown through course-work, they also use the GRE to assess candidates. My point is that I think my competence in basic statistics and college level algebra are entirely evident. My competence in the advanced math courses that would be required by an engineering school, however, is not evident. I think that, basically, saying I want to be in a "quantitative MPP program" is akin to saying, "Okay, my math isn't good enough for an egineering school, but that doesn't mean I'm not good with numbers in general... I'm good enough to do regression analysis, not good enough to work in materials engineering." -My volunteer experience at home (working with foreigners who possess little English) and abroad (teaching English to impoverished communities) is, in my opinion, linked to the concentration of Economic Development that I want to go into. Even if the link is not clear, I think in general, public policy schools look favorably upon volunteer experience, even if it is not specifically relevant. -My part-time job was working for a non-profit organization... Although, in truth, it was to earn money help fund my education and has nothing to do with the career path I desire... Hence why I am not making it a part of my personal statement, but merely listing it on the resume. I guess I would like to add that if I do not get in this year, my goal would be, basically, to repeat the courses that I do not do well in this semester (so 2 of them), and take 3 new ones (but not mathematical), do well, and apply again for next Fall.

I am applying to Heinz School (Carnegie Mellon), UMichigan, NYU Wagner, Georgia Tech, Arizona State, Lyndon B. Johnson (UTexas), U. Maryland, and some other similar programs in public policy. -My undergraduate GPA is 3.05, in economics. - I have withdrawn from one (not more) class for just about every year of my study. I have thus averaged 13 or so credits per semester. - My in-major GPA is 3.3. -The classes I have withdrawn from have either been: a.) Not in my major. b.) Calculus 2. -I eventually received an A- in Calculus 2. -I have received a B in Calc 1, A- in Calculus 2, B+ in linear algebra, B in statistics (advanced intro class), A- in econometrics. -This semester (fall), I took 4 advanced math courses to try and "show" my quantitative ability. I did quite poorly (D, C, C, . -Thus, I am applying without this latest semester. Positives: -I was told that while my transcript/GPA is, by far, my weakest link... It is not in the "atrocious" level... Even with the withdraws. -GRE was 750 Q, 560 V. Writing still coming in. -Everyone who has read my personal statement has said that it is strong. -Along with the 4 math courses, I took a graduate-level public affairs course and received an A... They, again, will not be able to see this "A" since I am not sending in the transcript. I will, however, be getting a recommendation from the professor and will politely let him know that the only way their committee would know what I received in his class would be through his recommendation. -I have, for the past 2 years, volunteered locally and also worked part-time. Perhaps this will explain my GPA a little bit. -I have volunteered abroad for 5 weeks. -My recommenders are an economics professor, the graduate public affairs professor, and a professor from where I studied abroad... Who also help set up my volunteer stint abroad. For most schools, the "stats" look as such: GPA: 3.5 GRE: 670Q, 600V, 5 W Carnegie Mellon, for example, has about a 667Q, 548V (probably a lot of international students), 4.5 W. 3.6 GPA. Do you think, if I apply to all of these schools, I will have a shot? I don't really have much to hide. I didn't do well as an undergrad, and wasn't driven. I did do part-time work and was volunteering, but I think there are plenty of students who do that and still pull a high GPA with no withdraws. My transcript is a weakness, and a big one. My strength is my 750 Q score, which is far above what any of these schools average. If most of them are at a 670 Q average, and receive 400 or so applications, I would assume that maybe 15 of the applicants score a 750 Q. Also, I believe my personal statement, which mentions all three of my recommenders by name, and the recommendations themselves, will look strong. My optimistic side says: The schools look at the whole application and say, "Wow, this guy didn't do very well as an undergrad... Maybe it was because he was volunteering and working part-time. But the other stuff looks great, and if he's applying, and since his personal statement is clear and strong, he must have a purpose. And we don't often get someone with a 750 Q on their first try. My pessimistic side says: They will take a look and say, "Yeah, this guy is talented... But overall, his undergraduate transcript shows he may not be very hard-working, and even though he will pay to attend our institution and seemingly wants to be here, we just don't want someone who had this undergrad record." What are your thoughts? And thank you for taking the time to read this, I really appreciate any input/tips, anything.