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@mpamppquestions I am going for an environmental management degree instead of the strictly policy route. I still would like to work in policy, but I felt strongly that I needed more scientific/technical knowledge to improve my policy career prospects. As far as the policy analyst market right now, it's tough to say and you may have just as much if not more insight than I do. It depends, of course, on the scale at which you want to work: federal, state (and if so, geographic location will influence this as well), and whether you would like to be in government, nonprofit, think tanks, consulting, etc. Most "policy analysts" I know are in nonprofit and do both policy analysis/research as well as advocacy/lobbying. Many have enviro management degrees or JDs, and some have MPAs/MPPs. As for job prospects, I would say the enviro field is fairly middle of the road. My sense is that those with a strong emphasis on policy are slightly more in-demand than those with an environmental education/communications focus, but less in-demand than those with with more significant science backgrounds, as those people can cross over to policy fairly easily. That leads me to some advice that a mentor (for whom I have great respect) shared with me before applying to grad programs: wherever you go, try to 1) specialize and 2) bolster your scientific and/or technical knowledge on a topic. At its core, the environmental field is highly technical and rooted in science. She was clear that we don't all have to be lab researchers, but she thought the environmental field was swimming with people who know the policy talk but can't walk the science walk. Those who can do both are the most valuable. This is why I chose a slightly different degree program, but I think it's just as possible to accomplish this with an MPA. To your worrying about the quantitative aspects of the program, I would say don't shy away from those. Like you said, you're very motivated and I'm sure capable of taking on that level of coursework. Embrace the challenge, because in a society that values STEM skills as much as ours, that kind of coursework/research will only help your resume in the future. So, that's a little more than my two cents and I hope it didn't come across as too preachy! You sound like you have a great plan and a strong application, and I wish you the best of luck on applications this fall!

Hey there @mpamppquestions! I'm a fellow enviro on here who is also working in environmental policy, I would say your work experience looks pretty good to me. I opted to do a degree other than an MPA/MPP, but I think work experience in most any, quasi-relevant capacity is viewed positively. Policy in general isn't an easy field to simply jump into with an undergrad degree and no experience, so most folks naturally start on the communications/administrative side before transitioning to more substantive policy work. I truly believe that's standard in the field, and also the reason many choose to go back for the graduate degree. I also echo what was said about improving your quant score if possible. I feel as though many MPA/MPP programs place more weight on quant than most realize, and I've always been told having verbal and quant scores that are closer to each other shows the admissions committee that you are a "well-rounded candidate." I agree, it's unfortunate that the GRE carries as much weight as it does, but it's definitely a test for which you can study. If you do better on Q, your application will only be stronger. If you don't, you have other redeeming qualities on your resume. Best of luck on applications!

I'm not sure this adds anything to the discussion, but one of the programs I applied to went out of their way to say their application process was "need-blind," meaning your application for admission was considered independently from your financial need. I thought this was a nice reassurance, but a bit bizarre, because that seemed it should be a given in my mind. But in general, I echo what has already been stated here: graduate programs--even cash cow programs--know most people can afford them because most people will qualify for loans up to the cost of attendance. They care about the money; they don't really care about where it's coming from. Without actually being an admissions rep, I can guess that the question about need is for one of two things: 1) programs have a set amount of funding for fellowships/scholarships/grants and they simply want to know if you wish to have your application considered for those (many schools do this automatically) and 2) they need to know if they should be expecting a FAFSA from you and likely attach a note to your application. I do not think self-funding would ever give an applicant an admissions advantage. Graduate programs do not care if you are paying them with your hard-earned cash, a trust fund, a lawsuit settlement, or a loan from the government/a private bank. They just care that they get paid.

I echo what folks on here have already said--if you can hold off, hold off. My first car got me through high school and college, but the transmission went as soon as I graduated. I bought a nice, new-ish (but still used) Ford and during my time away from school while I am working, I will say, I love having a more reliable car with a warranty. It's a huge burden lifted. But financially, it's also a huge burden added. I will use my car in grad school because I have it and it will be convenient (though I'll still try to minimize use to reduce gas consumption and parking costs), but I will not enjoy paying $170/month in car payments. It sounds like you haven't encountered severe maintenance issues yet, so I say it's not worth going for the new car just yet. I strongly agree with this. I've always heard that you "drive cars into the ground" and I think this sums up nicely what that means. At 128k miles on your Mercury, it wouldn't be impossible to get another couple years out of it. If you get to grad school and it breaks down, then you weigh whether or not your new grad school lifestyle requires a car. If it does, you get a new one, just like you are pondering now. If you decide you can make it work without one, you've just saved yourself considerable cost for the years you are going to be in school.

Hi there, @hanmelisa It sounds like you are thinking ahead, which is great. As a fellow enviro person, here are a few of my insights regarding what you've outlined above (DISCLAIMER: I'm just starting grad school this fall and do not have intimate knowledge of admissions processes at all schools. This is just my reaction to what you've described): 1. You appear to have a strong research background, which is really important. I'm not convinced your freshman year lab work would harm you, unless you clearly burned bridges with the professor and it was closely related to what you wanted to do in graduate school. You spent two semesters in the lab, so it's not like you started and quit a week later. You can always use the argument that you were using your undergrad years as a time to explore different research possibilities and wanted to find the right fit. TA-ing is also a great resume-builder for grad school, as it is quite possible you will be obligated to TA. As far as publications, I may be wrong but I have never been under the impression that it was an expectation for undergrads to have publications going into grad school. It's obviously a great help to your application, but I think having positive research experiences and profs who can attest to your skills in letters of recommendation are more important. That said, having something to show for your research experiences is nice. In future projects, talk with your professor about working on a poster perhaps, or presenting in a lab meeting or one of their classes (if you haven't done these things yet). These kinds of things show that you worked in a professional lab, gained valuable experience, and have a good understanding of what the grad school experience will be like. 2. Your GPA seems good, especially if you are at a top 20 school. Work hard to keep it strong, but other than that I would focus more on research experiences and building relationships with professors/letter-writers. 3. If you are interested in Stanford or UCB, then start looking for the professors you would like to work with there and see what their research interests are. I didn't do this, and when it came time to apply, there simply wasn't the greatest research fit at some of the schools I thought I wanted to attend. It might be a little early to be contacting professors (others may disagree), but it will be good to have an idea of the type of work going on at your dream schools and where you might fit in. As for the masters first, I have no clue on this one. I heard mixed advice from people on this. One friend who isn't in the environmental field told me she thought a masters was a waste, and if you know you want to do the PhD then do it. But I had a prof in the enviro field who told me she wouldn't consider taking on a PhD student who didn't have a masters. I think it varies, but it did seem pretty common for schools to require you to start as a Masters student before going for the PhD, but that was for enviro sci programs, which may differ from similar earth science programs. Best of luck with the remainder of undergrad! Sounds like you are getting some great experiences, so keep it up!

Sorry to respond twice, but I thought I would also add that I had no clue what I was going to be doing the year following undergrad. I had a student job I knew I could stay in over the summer, but that would disappear after August. So I applied to a lot of paid internships and full-time jobs and ultimately one came through in mid-late July. I think it is difficult to lay out a plan for a gap year if you are still in school because it's tough to find/be truly open to opportunities that are still a few months down the line. But they do emerge and you'll figure out something. Some may disagree, but even if you wind up working in an unrelated field while gaining volunteer experience, finishing up your publication, and saving/studying for the GRE/working on applications, that's a pretty good use of time IMO.

I think some of this might depend on your field and your career goals, but generally I am a strong supporter of taking some time off between undergrad and grad school. I had planned to go directly to grad school and took the GRE in my final year of undergrad, but then just never quite got my act together to apply (I was working part time, had a capstone project, finals--there just wasn't a ton of time). So, I kind of took some time out of necessity. In my two years away from school, I interned for six months in a new city and spent 18 months working in my field gaining experience. It was probably the best decision I have made. I saved up some money, I learned what it meant to be a professional outside of academia, and I started to really look forward to returning to school rather than viewing it as an obligation. I'm really excited to start my grad program in a few months, which I could not have said at the end of undergrad. Hey, I even altered (slightly) the type of degree I wanted, so it was really valuable. Financially, I also think it made more sense for me. Like I said, I saved up some (not a ton of) money, but I also think that my work experience made me a more desirable candidate and allowed me to earn competitive fellowships. Along those lines, I had more time to work on my applications, which I think helped. Additionally--and this will depend on your career goals--I will leave my graduate program with a couple years of work experience under my belt, which I think provides a slight advantage over some folks who will be coming out of grad school with zero full-time work experience. I echo what @lovekilledinos said: I'm a much more mature person now than I was when I finished undergrad. Obviously, you'll want to do something productive and use your time wisely, but I think there is a great deal of flexibility to determine what that is and find experiences that are a good fit for you. Best of luck for whichever route you choose!

There are some great replies here! Thanks everyone for sharing your insights! I think I am also nervous about this, and not even so much in the "what if everything goes wrong and I'm on my own" way but more in the "I have an established life right now, and I'm giving it up for a big unknown." It's both exciting o be breaking out of this dull pattern I feel like I've been in since undergrad, but I'm also a creature of routine and I struggle with the thought of changing that up. Alas, this is a bigger issue than just preparing to return to school Funny, I'm in a somewhat similar situation. In my case, I finished undergrad a year early and went right into the workforce. I've been there for two years, so even now I am the same age as many who will be starting this program right out of undergrad. I keep meeting incoming students and thinking "they're all so young" and then realize we're the same age. Maybe I've been playing adult in the proverbial "real world" for too long, but I think back to who I was at the end of undergrad and acknowledge that I've changed a lot since then. It just makes me more self-reflective and also makes me think more about things like class discussions and group projects where I'll be interacting with others more. It's not a bad thing in the least and I'm excited for the new opportunities before me, but it contributes to that feeling that I'm going into an unknown, or at least a very different situation than I am in presently.

Thanks, @TakeruK for the input!! I agree, the schedule is really helpful. While talking with one of the current students in my program, they said they thought the most successful students were those who treated grad school like a job--arrived and left campus at normal hours, did homework between classes so as not to have as much in the evening, etc. That was really good to hear. I feel like if I talk about things like "work life balance" (regardless of how important we all acknowledge it is) or "treating grad school like a job," it comes across a little like I'm unwilling to really devote myself to this program, which is certainly not the case. That's probably just me overthinking though. That is so tough, I'm sorry I'm here fretting about how to move with my SO who won't have a job right away in our new location, but we're already in the US. The international component is a whole extra layer of madness, I'm sure (well, probably several extra layers actually).

I definitely agree with this. I'm certainly passionate about my job right now, but I'm looking forward to a more dynamic atmosphere in school. I'm looking forward to classes changing each quarter/semester, and to working on new projects and new papers and new research. With my employment it has been so easy to fall into a rut, working on the same surface-level stuff regularly. I'm really happy to be breaking out of that. And yup, I hear you on coursework! I've been coming back to my apartment for the past few months and trying to imagine doing homework--it feels a bit foreign.

Hi there, fellow gradcafe-ers! So there seem to be a considerable number of topics about taking gap years between undergrad and grad school, but relatively few topics for those who actually do this and plan to jump back into academic life. I'm still what I would consider a recent college grad, but I've spent the past two years building a career, pursuing personal relationships, getting and furnishing my own apartment, etc. In a couple months, I'm going to be moving across the country for a graduate program and I'm of course both very excited and a little apprehensive. Over these two years I've started to feel more "rooted" than at any other point in my life, so I can't even imagine what this must be like for someone who has been out of school for a decade, or longer! I've been thinking about this more as I look at housing options (grad student housing vs. room in a house vs. my own place; live next to campus vs. add a small commute), but also in adjusting my finances, making friends, moving with a significant other, and maintaining connections. In meeting others attending the program, there has been a nice mix of professionals from "the field" and "straight-from-undergrad" students. I'm still pretty young, but I can't help but feel like my two years out of college have given me new perspective and some additional life experience. This is precisely why I think folks recommend some "real world" experience before returning to school, but I think it also makes the transition back a little more intimidating. So, for current grad students who did take some time off, how was your transition back to academia? What surprised you? How was it different than undergrad? Obviously I know it will be QUITE different, but what stood out to you? For those who are going to grad school this fall after some time off, what are you most looking forward to about returning? What are you nervous about? Are you doing anything to make the transition easier? And I'll wrap up by saying that none of this is intended to pass judgment on the path students take to get to grad school (straight from undergrad, years of work experience, a gap year). I think everyone makes decisions that are right for them and I know I am looking forward to the diversity of contributions from people with unique experience levels, backgrounds, ages, etc. in my program. P.S. Feel free to move this if there is a better place/existing thread for this discussion!

I'm definitely no expert on this (nor am I in the history field), but I published a paper that I started in undergrad before grad school. It took about 2.5 years from the time the research was completed to the time it was finally published (mostly because I had courses and a job for one year, then graduated and moved for work, then moved again, you get the point...). Still, it was a really rewarding experience and I felt it was good to get some exposure to the peer review process before I was under the pressure of being a graduate student. For me, most of the work took place after the paper was written--finding the best journal, formatting the paper appropriately, making sure to meet the word count, making sure what you wrote two years ago still makes sense and is relevant, collecting any other information the journal wants. Editing is just so much tougher for me than writing something new. Having a professor to guide you through this is invaluable, so I would definitely contact the professor and get their thoughts. They often know the best journals, what reviewers will focus on, and they can provide you a realistic evaluation of your paper, its shot at successful publication, and the work required to get it there.

Hey @rococo_realism, I did my undergrad at UMN and live in the cities currently. I'm moving for grad school this fall and totally get the whole "stressed out about the move" thing. I'm actually super stressed because I LOVE the Twin Cities and kind of don't want to leave With that in mind, here is my assessment of the areas you mentioned. It sounds like you don't have a car, so I will keep that in mind. Sorry for writing a novel, but talking about neighborhoods and cities is kind of my favorite thing to do... "West side of St. Paul" - I would investigate St. Paul a lot. I live in the Highland neighborhood of St. Paul and I really like it, but I didn't live here as a student. I live close to the river (meaning lots of great trails and park space for running and biking) and just across the river from Minnehaha Falls State Park, which is really pleasant. It's a bit sleepy as Highland has a reputation for being older, more suburban in nature, but I live near a Starbucks, Chipotle, Target Express, nice grocery store, a movie theater, plenty of local restaurants. It's really...nice. Has an urban feel without being loud and crowded like Uptown. Most areas in the western part of St. Paul south of I-94 feel similar. Grand Avenue is a little more "happening" (and expensive) and there are like five colleges within a two mile radius, so lots of rental options, but also lots of families. I should mention too--I have never once felt unsafe in my neighborhood and run regularly at night by myself. Obviously it's a city, so crime happens, but generally Highland and most of this part of St. Paul have felt really safe to me. It's not super transit accessible in my opinion, at least not to the U. However, they are starting a Bus Rapid Transit that will run up Snelling Avenue and connect the Blue Line train to the Green Line trains. This could definitely be an asset for you. I imagine the commute may be 30-45 min via buses/trains, but the BRT should speed it up a little. By car, I would guess 20 min. during rush hour and 10-15 off-peak, but you'll have to deal with parking at the U (not fun). You can definitely live without a car in the Twin Cities, but I would know someone who has one or live closer to campus if this were the case. Otherwise, a car is really nice to have in these parts, even if you don't commute with it. "Uptown" - Uptown is much more urban and much more youthful than St. Paul. This obviously has perks and liabilities. I would never really consider Uptown or the Lakes area to be "high crime", but there will be more crime just because it is more densely populated. I would consider more whether or not you want to live somewhere that is louder and busier. It's a fun area, for sure, and lots of people really enjoy living there. If you are worried about "sketchy" (which, again, I wouldn't be TOO concerned about in Uptown), stay west of Lyndale and you should be fine. However, you'll also pay more. Transit connections to the U are pretty frequent, so I think you could be fine without a car here. Parking can actually be a huge pain in Uptown. "SLP/west of lakes" - So I don't know much about transit to these parts, but I imagine it exists. Parts of SLP are really nice, parts are just boring. I don't think anywhere would be "sketchy". Southwest Minneapolis (the area immediately west of the lakes) is quite nice, so if you can find something affordable there, more power to you. These just tend to be more single family homes or condos than student apartments. If you're really interested in living in SLP or somewhere, you could look in the area called the West End. Lots of new shops, on 394 so you could probably get transit into downtown then take the train. It's probably going to be expensive, the apartments are all newer and kind of sterile, and you'll basically be living in a Costco parking lot, but that's some people's style. Other neighborhoods to check out: Southeast Como (Minneapolis) - Ok, so by no means a super "desirable" place to live, but I lived in a house here for a year and actually grew to like it. It's kind of dumpy, but not in a rundown or unsafe kind of way. It feels somewhat industrial and may seem off-putting, but it's very affordable and convenient to both UMN campuses. Lots of students, but not too loud or raucous surprisingly. Not a lot of apartments here though, so you'd likely be renting a room in a house. St. Anthony Park - This is also on Como, but east of 280 closer to the St. Paul campus. I love this area. Fairly affordable, quaint, convenient to get to both campuses, lots of families, parks, but also a nice little commercial node with coffee shops and bookstores. Lots of students with classes on the St. Paul campus choose to live here, but I honestly don't think it would be a bad commute via bus to the Minneapolis campus either. Lowertown (Downtown St. Paul) - The area around Mears Park may be a little pricey, but is really doing well. Lots of artists, new restaurants, new stadium for the St. Paul Saints (minor league baseball) and the Green Line starts here and would take you into campus in 25-30 minutes. Some crime because you're downtown but, again, not what I would consider unsafe. Farmers market on the weekends. I work over here and repeatedly kick myself for not spending more money to live in this area. You may also check out Prospect Park (Minneapolis), Cathedral Hill (St. Paul), Northeast Minneapolis, and the area around Hennepin and Central just across the river from Downtown Minneapolis. Feel free to message me if you have other questions and sorry again for such a long response!

I think what @wannabeSLPnc is saying is that they were awarded $16k per semester, or $32k for the year, exceeding the $20,500 federal direct unsubsidized maximum. I'm no expert on financial aid, but as I understand it, you are eligible for aid up to the total cost of attendance for a program less whatever the school is offering you in scholarships/fellowships/etc. While you can only take out up to $20,500 per year in federal direct unsubsidized loans, the remaining balance (in this case, 32k - 20,500 = $11,500) would be through federal Graduate PLUS loans. These are part of the federal loan program (though I believe they are provided through a private lender) and I think they typically have a higher interest rate. I would contact your FinAid office just to make sure this is what they are offering.

@Citizen of Night Vale I've been in winter running mode for what feels like forever that I had kind of forgotten what those 90-degree long runs feel like! Yeah, not a huge fan of those either. I'm leaning heavily toward my grad school option in California so it will be nice to have a more moderate climate for running. Adjusting the schedule is really tough, though I've found my mileage actually doesn't change much based on my workload. I think for me it is one of those "productivity begets further productivity" things. When I am swamped with work and I am finishing a paper and pulling all nighters, losing sleep for a run at 5 a.m. doesn't feel like that big a sacrifice. Now, when I'm working full time and trying to meet friends once a week, even though my schedule is actually much clearer, I find waking up at 6 a.m. to run feels like a tremendous burden. It's interesting. I think having a race on the calendar for which to train is helpful, too. I haven't raced in a couple years but I do think it commits me to training in a way that I otherwise wouldn't do. And it helps me vary my workouts--speed work, hills, long runs, tempo runs, rather than just falling into my usual average mile, average pace slump. Then again, for me it's sometimes nice to keep running as a form of meditation or relaxation and not worry about making splits or reps, especially with the stressful curveballs grad school is likely to throw at us.