arsenal

I also haven't heard back.

Previous Schools (Name, type, or tier): Mid-size state school/decent, not great reputation Previous Degrees and GPA's: BA double major Philosophy and Political Science - GPA: 3.3, Relevant Coursework: 3.75 GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): V: 590/Q: 740/AW:4 The verbal and AW scores were frustrating. I'm much better at the Verbal parts than that (all of my practice tests were much higher) and I truly do not understand the AW score. Oh well, I did okay anyway! Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): 5 total: mixture of teaching English abroad, non-profit work, and environmental protection work. Math/Econ Background: I had a very weak background in Econ so I took Micro and Macro at the local university. This was hugely important as I did extremely well, got to know the professors well, and got two good LORs out of it! I also took stats in undergrad and did well. Foreign Language Background: Moderate level of Spanish and Polish Intended Field of Study in Grad School: MPP with a focus in international policy analysis. Long Term Professional Goals: State Dept. ideally. Schools Applied to & Results: Accepted: GPPI, Chicago Harris, SIPA, GW Elliott, NYU, King's College London, UCL Erasmus Mundus Rejected: Duke Sanford, American SIS - This is a perfect example of how unpredictable admissions can be! How do I get into these other schools but not American? Ultimate Decision & Why: GPPI! I love the program, location, reputation, and I got some funding from them. Other schools were in the running, but the funding tipped it for me. Any advice to Future Applicants? You probably aren't the perfect candidate at the beginning of the admissions process (some of you may be, I guess!). The goal is to do what you can to make yourself as close as possible to being a perfect candidate. Taking Econ courses, studying a lot for the GRE (I didn't study for the verbal because I was doing so well until the actual test came!), get good LORs (do so by demonstrating your ambition and clearly explain your goals to the potential writers). My cumulative GPA wasn't amazing, but relevant coursework was great, I have lots of international experience, decent language skills, and a pretty good GRE. Most importantly, though, be very clear in your SOP. They want to see focus and determination. Even if you're not sure what you want to do, pick something close to what you'd like and stick with that for the SOP (they won't make you work in that field upon graduation if you change your mind!) Good luck to all in the future!

Also got my rejection this week. Seems strange - I got accepted to SIPA, Georgetown, Chicago, NYU, and GW. Just goes to show how strange and unpredictable admissions can be! Good luck to everyone else!

I finally got my admissions message today. I can't believe they would give me 6 days to make it to the Open House and only 13 to respond. It's not that I now think the quality of the education is terrible, but I've already been visiting and seriously considering other schools and Chicago is now lower on my list. Good luck to everyone else and I hope you enjoy Chicago - I'm sure it's a great choice!

Also waiting and really tired of it. I can't believe Harris.

I'm also MPP and waiting. Is it sad that I'm jealous of the rejection simply because they have a response?

Still waiting. I finally broke down and wrote her yesterday morning and I'm still waiting on a response. This really has gotten very silly....

Still waiting...

Still waiting, too...

No problem - thanks for the info. They don't have much on their website, but I'll be contacting career services to try and get a better feel. Anyone else have any thoughts? General or specifically regarding networking/employment would be appreciated!

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond! The prospect of going to Berlin is, of course, exciting! Could you tell me what kind of positions those Hertie grads are in now (or when you met them)?

Hello all, Thanks for taking the time to read this and for any advice you can give me! I am trying to decide between Georgetown MPP and SIPA/Hertie School of Governance MIA/MPP program. Currently, I have not heard from either about financial aid, but I'm going to assume I didn't receive any to either. In this case, SIPA/Hertie would be about $22k less than GPPI and I'd get two degrees! My greatest concern with SIPA/Hertie is being in Berlin for the second year. Ideally, I'd like to work in the US after graduation and I fear that being removed during that second year could hinder my chances of finding employment. On the other hand, GPPI would provide me with 2 years to be in DC and network. I know both have good career services/placement, but that second year (the one where you're really looking to secure employment) worries me. I do plan on attending Open Houses and addressing these questions there, but would love input from some of you on this board. I would like to work for the State Dept. or in international policy analysis of some sort, if that helps any. Thanks again for any help and best of luck in making your decisions!

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I had basically already concluded what you said. I was able to craft a sample curriculum that followed a solid international policy analysis track, but it wasn't easy. I do feel that Georgetown or GW would be better for this (or SIPA, though I'm yet to hear). Thanks again for your thoughts!

I also got accepted, but without funding. I have some other offers that I'm seriously considering, but I was wondering if those who find Wagner particularly appealing could explain to me why they like it over other programs. I'm just looking for some insight... thanks in advance!

Also in!