TKO

Definitely consider USC! I'm currently pursuing a MPP along with a Certificate in Homeland Security & Public Policy. Our Center for Risk and Economic Assessment of Terrorism Events is a DHS National Center of Excellence. Feel free to PM me if you have questions. My program is very quant based. There's also the Trojan Network to lean back on There's a dual JD/MPP program as well. Other than DC, LA is a great location for policy work in this particular field (i.e. RAND, intelligence agencies,LAX, Port of LA, Port of Long Beach , etc)

I just looked into this and Sherry Dodge is the new Director of Career Services. Based on personal experience, I think you'll be in good hands. She is fantastic! I was a undergraduate minor in public affairs for a while. She's been a counselor in the department for 4 years or so prior to her current position. The professors are top notch and accessible. They certainly have lots of connections outside of academia. If you're by any chance interested in national security policy, former UCLA Chancellor Albert Carnesale teaches once or twice a year. So does Amy Zegart. They are the best of the best if that's the field you want to pursue. The same goes for criminal justice policy (Mark Kleiman). Michael Dukakis (hope I spell this right lol) teaches at UCLA every winter. Personally, I didn't apply to UCLA because I want a change of scenery (which happens to be USC), but not because of the program. You should really visit the campus though! It's right next to the sculpture garden, which is gorgeous. The SPA building on the other hand...

Hey, I'm a Bruin too!! Well USC might have some merit scholarships left (so be sure to fill out the optional scholarship portion on the app). For someone who graduated summa cum laude, I'm sure they'll give you some form of aid regardless of your international status. I also agree with ajorgens. The soft factors and overall package makes a huge difference, esp. the Statement of Purpose. I'll send you a PM right after this. Call the admissions office Monday morning. I've call them before and they're really nice and helpful. Email takes a while, esp. during this time of the year. From one Bruin to another, good luck!! (I'm switching colors in August though...Fight on! Sorry, I couldn't help it)

1270... I did really well on the verbal but not so hot on the writing. Just based on my personal experience, but I don't believe a poor writing score is necessarily a reflection of your writing skills. There's writing, and then there's standardized test writing (if you get what I mean). So if you've performed well in writing courses and demonstrate your writing proficiency in your personal statement, then you'll be fine if your writing score is poor. In terms of work experience, I think I'm one of the few who is coming straight from undergrad, but I've had some unique work experience & ECs while in undergrad. I have also written policy briefs and worked on a policy research project. Don't sell yourself short. Apply and see what happens!! I know some schools like NYU's MPA and Pepperdine's MPP specifically state that it's okay to not have considerable full time work experience. Hmmn you missed the scholarship deadline, but at the same time you might get the benefit of admitted students declining their seats => more seats opening up.

Glad to see another person from LA!! I just saw that a brief biography is requested for the 3/26 event. So I'll start on that soon

Are you going to the Dean's Merit Scholar event on the 26th???

Did anyone apply to Dartmouth? Some of the faculty @ TDI are big timers in health policy Acceptance: USC MPP (Dean's Merit Scholarship), UW - MPH - Public Health Genetics (interdisciplinary), Dartmouth (1yr MPH in Health Policy & Clinical Practice) Rejections: None so far Pending: NYU (MPA), Pitt, & BU

I almost applied but decided not to at the last minute. Kind of wished I did because I'm moving to Pacific Palisades in a few wks and the commute would be really close! There's a preview day for students in March though. I'm sure current students and alumni will be super helpful. Really impress with the program, esp. after reading the student blogs.

Hiii! Congratulations to everyone!! I just received my acceptance package in the mail yesterday! Same as as Liquid Kitty... except I received $18K per year instead of full tuition... want to trade??? lol. There's an event on March 26th for Dean Scholarship recipients. I'm planning to pursue the health policy concentration (MPP). This is the 3rd program I've heard back from (the other two are Dartmouth's MPH & UW's MPH in public health genetics). The other programs haven't provided information about funding (well zero from Dartmouth because that's their policy ), but I'm super excited about USC! Feel free to PM me if you have questions about housing/living in West LA (I'm not too familiar with downtown/near USC tho). Fight on!