Wozezeka

I am a first year teacher who wants to pursue a masters in PP, and a returned Peace Corps Volunteer. I am contemplating quitting my teaching job as it is overwhelmingly stressful and I know that I do not want to teach in the future. My biggest concern with quitting is getting another job/getting into grad school. Do you think it would affect my grad school applications to quit?

I am currently studying, but I scheduled a 2nd in advanced because, where I live, it's very difficult to schedule on short notice, so if I am unhappy with my 1st set, I can take it a 2nd time and, even if I am happy w my 1st set, I can improve the 2nd time around. It should only take 15 days max to report scores for the Computer test, so I would be good on time. I'm just wondering if things are locked down once I hit 'submit' even if it's before the deadline.

A few of my applications require that I submit the app before my references can provide their LORs. I plan on taking the GRE a second time (taking it Nov 1st for the 1st time, Dec 13th for the 2nd). The application deadlines are not until/after Jan 5th. If I submit the app, will I still be able to submit my second set of GRE scores?

I am completing my applications for Goldman, Ford, LBJ, and SPEA. I feel like I have a decent shot at these schools. What are some overlooked programs that don't get enough attention? Any other recommendations? I am interested in general policy analysis as well as environmental policy. I'd be happy with either track, but I don't want to become so specific that I can't move between the different areas.

Programs Considering: Indiana SPEA (MSES and MPP), Ford (MPP), UT LBJ (MPaff), UC Berkeley (MPP) Career Goals: Work for the Gov or a NGO. My dream job, working on the Farm Bill, Ag and Environmental Policy, or working to green a city. Undergraduate Institution: Texas Public Uni Undergraduate Major: Animal Science, Minor: Education Undergraduate GPA: 3.8 Study Abroad: Peace Corps Zambia (2 Years) GRE: No Official Test. But Practice puts me at Q;155 and V:160, I'm focusing on the Quant Work Experience: Peace Corps Currently teaching High School Ag Languages: Chewa - Very useful in Zambia, not so useful in America = ) But I am working on my Spanish. LORs: Work in Progress. My profs love me and we are still in touch, I've got a good LOR from Peace Corps that I need them to tailor a tiny bit for school Coursework: 6 Hours Agriculture Economics, American Government, American Public Policy, College Statistics Concerns: The GRE. I can understand the mathematical concepts, but I will invert the numbers (67 becomes 76) or 3x3 but I calculate 3+3. So I have to be extra careful on the test and triple check my work. Also, finding a safety school. Any suggestions?

I am a returned peace corps volunteer and I plan on using my program director as a reference in my application to public policy programs. He wrote a great letter for my current job and I know that PP schools want people with work experience. However, his writing style is different than the standard American style and I don't think he has written many letters for grad school. Will this matter? Also, I can get academic letters easily, my professors remember me and were always impressed, but I also worked closely with a prof from another department in running our campus environmental club. Would it be beneficial to include that prof? While I could get 3 academic letters, I personally feel that diversity would better represent who I am, my suitability for the program, and my strengths.

I'll save all my stats for the 'Am I Competitive' Thread, but if y'all have any advice on programs, I would appreciate it. I majored in Agriculture with a Minor in Secondary education with the goal of becoming an agricultural science teacher (yes, it's a real job and part of a nation wide program. Your school probably had an ag program, you just didn't know it. Sorry, no one believes me when I say I teach agricultural science to high school kids!) Anyway, I joined the Peace Corps after graduation and did agricultural extension work, HIV/AIDS education, assisted a local NGO in fundraising and developing programming, and I also worked with a local eco-tourism business. I am now in my first year teaching in America, but I am considering going back to school. I love teaching, but I want a broader impact on our environmental and agricultural practices and policies. Are there programs that would focus more on the environmental aspects of policy? Everything I have found so far is more related to energy policy. The LBJ school is right in my backyard, so they would be my first choice. Also, I could see myself working for an NGO/NPO or working with the government. Considering this career track is a recent development, so I am still learning about the potential career opportunities and earnings potential. Making money isn't my goal in life, but I don't want a job that pays me less than what I make now and requires extra schooling and therefore extra debt! Thanks