buckHD

I'm in, kids! ))

I also submitted a video and mine hasn't been viewed at all outside of the times I watched it myself.

How are you guys hearing? E-mail?

Looks like one person did, according to the results page.

First, congratulations on the coveted HLS acceptance, whether it's what you want to pursue or not. 1. As a person who's researched joint MPP/JD programs, it's pretty standard for admissions decisions for both schools to be independent and unrelated. Getting accepted to HLS will not, on its face, give you an advantage when applying to HKS. I will say, however, that the qualifications that got you into HLS are likely to be pretty appealing to adcomms at HKS as well. 2. Most schools give averages or ranges for the GRE scores of previously admitted classes. On the whole, I'd say if you score in the 75th-80th percentile or above, you'd be in a pretty good spot, especially considering your high GPA and verbal/writing skill as evidenced on your LSAT performance. Get a 160+ on the Quant and you'll be well-situated. 3. HKS is not rolling, nor are most MPP/MPA programs' admissions processes. The deadline for HKS is the beginning of December (December 2nd this past cycle), so get your application in by then and your application will be considered along with everyone else. 4. From the HKS website (emphasis mine): "HKS is a school of leadership and public service. Successful candidates typically demonstrate leadership experience and commitment to the public good, which are qualities often displayed through professional experience and volunteer work during and after college. Our curriculum is demanding, and we look for applicants with the skills needed to manage rigorous coursework. Course requirements vary by program; however, quantitative coursework is part of the curriculum for all programs. Previous coursework in micro- and macroeconomics, and multivariable calculus is required for the MPA/ID Program. Coursework related to quantitative methods (e.g. economics, mathematics, and statistics) is recommended for our other degree programs. Applicants lacking quantitative coursework are strongly encouraged to take these classes prior to applying. Successful candidates also demonstrate strong writing and communication skills. Work experience is preferred, and some degree programs have specific work experience requirements. Read more about our degree programs for more information." Looks like these courses are not required, but rather recommended (and will probably help you be more competitive). I'd recommend you take Statistics/Microeconomics in the summer or the fall, especially if you're worried about your Quant GRE. When applicants lack the coursework, I've read that adcomms look to the GRE Quant score to see indicia of quantitative ability. Hope that helps, and lastly, coming from someone whose dream would be to study Constitutional law from HLS' legendary faculty, don't pass on this tremendous opportunity until you fully consider what is right for you and what you want to achieve. That said, I wish you all the best in pursuing a masters program in Public Policy. I myself am waiting on admissions decisions due to come in a few weeks. Cheers!

Schools (Tentative): HKS, WWS, NYU (Wagner), Indiana, Georgetown, AU, GWU, UT (LBJ), Chicago (Harris), Columbia (SIPA), Maryland, George Mason, Penn (Fels), Virginia, William & Mary The list above is primarily just programs that interest me for one reason or another; I won't be applying to that many. Career goals: Applying the law to policy analysis & formation to enact social justice reform at a governmental level. Institution: University of Chicago Major: Public Policy GPA: 3.44 Years out of undergrad: 3 years GRE score: 166 V, 161 Q, 4.5 AW Work experience: 2 years in legal administration for a county court; volunteer experience; campaign experience Coursework: Intermediate Calculus, no Stat or Econ (hindsight is 20/20) Language skills: Spanish (Proficient) Statement of Purpose: WIP, but I'm not worried that I'll be able to write something compelling that reveals my passion for social justice and investigative nature. Letters of Recommendation: Having trouble deciding who to ask; for the most part, I'm worried that, although I did well in classes, being 2+ years removed from school and not having had extensive relationships with any handful of professors will make this area of my application weaker than others. Concerns: Lack of a resume full of exciting job experience; Unknown LOR quality; I need significant financial help as well from all the debt I racked up in undergrad, so aid is a major factor. Thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.