Previous Schools (Name, type, or tier): Syracuse Previous Degrees and GPAs: BA Political Science, Sociology, Marketing minor - 3.9 GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): 164/158/4.5 Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): 3 years in derivative operations at a major investment bank Math/Econ Background: basic training in the following - micro/macro, stats, qual/quant research methods, finance/accounting Foreign Language Background (if applicable to your program): nil Intended Field of Study in Grad School: MPP, economic policy Long Term Professional Goals: institutional analysis and regulation of financial firms, impact investing (social impact bonds, green bonds, infrastructure investment) Schools Applied to & Results: Accepted 7/7: Georgetown McCourt, LSE MPA, Maryland MPP, American MPP, Syracuse MPA, UMass Amherst MBA/MPA, Albany MPA
Ultimate Decision & Why: Maryland MPP - school's vision aligns well with career goals, it's accessible to DC and I was offered a great aid/assistantship package Advice for Future Applicants: Spend time defining and articulating your competitive advantage vs. other applicants and ensure it's delivered clearly in your resume and personal statement. Make an effort to visit where you are accepted. Use this forum for brainstorming but do not take direct advice from anyone or be intimidated, you control your own career.