zadigblue

I'm only applying to 4 programs for certain (all good fits) and waffling on whether or not to apply for more... I do feel a bit bad taking up more of my letter-writers' time for programs that I'm only lukewarm about, though. Luckily I'm looking internationally so a lot of the application periods don't even start until January.

Just wanted to chime in and say I'm applying for the full-year study scholarship for 2015-16... or rather, I've already applied, since the campus deadline to compete for my university's priority nomination was Oct 1. Now I'm just anxiously watching my email all the time to see if I win the priority spot, ha. On that note, do any current or past DAAD scholarship applicants know anything about this "priority" system? From some googling around, it seems like partner universities get to select one or two priority applicants that go into a different/smaller pool, but I can't find more than that. Apparently it's still no guarantee. Anyone know what the odds are like if you make it into the priority pool?

If you're willing to look outside the US, UBC in Vancouver has a pretty well-known Master of Arts in Asia Pacific Policy Studies (MAAPPS). However, it looks like they're transitioning the MA into an MPP with an Asian focus (pdf), so if you apply for 2015, you'd be in an MPP rather than an MA.

Hi all, I'd really like some feedback on my application profile - specifically, whether I should apply to more selective programs than I'm currently considering. Ideally I'd like to study overseas, but would consider a North American program with a good funding package. Schools: Hertie (MPP), Erfurt (MPP), considering York (MPIA), might reach for WWS (MPA) or LSE (MPA) Career goal: Policy analysis at the international or European level, ideally with a strong economics bent (financial regulation, economic development, macroeconomic policy, etc) Undergrad Institution: Decent/mid-tier Canadian university Undergrad Major: Double major in Economics and Political Science Undergrad GPA: Converted to the 4.0 scale, either 3.95 (if the scale tops at 4.0) or 4.10 (if the scale tops at 4.3) GRE not required for the programs I'm currently considering for certain, but I will take it if I decide to reach for WWS or LSE. Work/Research Experience: 2.5 years, including 1 year with the Canadian federal government (fiscal policy), 8 months as a research assistant at an international affairs research centre at my university, and 8 months with my provincial government (financial regulation policy). Also taught English in France for ~6 months. Coursework: Poli Sci - Blend of political economy, international, and European politics courses with good grades overall (all A- or better) Econ - Micro/macro to the intermediate level, applied econometrics, some policy-focused classes like econ development, urban policy, public econ etc (all A or better) Other Quant - Descriptive and inferential statistics (A and A+ respectively), calculus for social science (A+) Languages: French - Advanced (B2, maybe low C1); German - Lower intermediate (assessed right at the border between A2/B1); Mandarin Chinese (Basic; four years in high school) Also studied Japanese independently for ~3 years, enough that I can read and communicate at a basic level, but might not include it as I have no documentation Overseas Experience: 10 months studying abroad at Sciences Po (Paris campus), had a part-time job there teaching English at the same time Statement of Purpose: Already completed and reviewed by others. I've been told it's very good. Letters of Recommendation: One from the Director of the research centre where I worked, two from professors in the Political Science department that know me quite well Other CV Items: One publication (dealing with the interplay between social media phenomena and economic policy in mainland China), won "Outstanding Head of State" for my negotiation performance at a national Model European Union conference in the USA (notable because the negotiations dealt with financial regulation policy), various awards and recognition for my writing skills (among them a blogging award for a post on K-12 education policy) Concerns: - Study abroad grades from my second semester in France are abysmal as I was dealing with/being treated for serious depression at the time, hence why I'm not applying to the MPA at Sciences Po (other schools might let bad study abroad grades slide, but certainly not the school those grades were earned at...). I have no idea how other schools will interpret this. - My undergrad degree has lasted 6 years. 1 of those was abroad and another ~2 years were co-op work terms (no coursework), but is that a red flag? - Funding is probably my biggest concern as I have some debt (<$25k) from undergrad and have no financial resources to draw on for grad school other than some meagre personal savings. I've applied for a DAAD stipend for Hertie or Erfurt, but am concerned my weak German skills and professional (vs. academic) program choice may disqualify me. I've always been tremendously insecure about being "good enough" for top tier schools and I'd really like to apply to more competitive programs, but I'm hesitant, especially since I'm aiming abroad and it's really going to come down to funding for me. Any feedback would be deeply appreciated!