Hi there, I am a British citizen looking to study in the USA next year. My ambition is to study an MPA but am also considering MPPs where the course content fits my interests. Because I am international, I have no access to federal aid, nor do I have much in the way of my own reserves, and therefore am looking for schools that offer some fully-funded offers (tuition+stipend). I realise these are very competitive - particularly for international students. I have scoured this forum as well as the websites of many MPP/MPA programs, but I still find it difficult to cut through to the truth at times. Therefore I would really appreciate the advice of some Americans who really understand US schools, their individual ethos and the funding process better than I ever can. A quick profile of me: Undergrad: Oxford University GPA: 3.6 on final exams (the only ones that count to grades in the UK - I did much worse in first year when I didn't really try, but they do not count towards your degree so I assume I should exclude them). In the UK the whole GPA comes down to your grades in your final exams and some coursework. Also, my father passed away 4 weeks before my final exams which really restricted the revision I could do as well as my state of mind, so I have some mitigating circumstances. Work exp: five years and counting, mainly in two roles in the non-profit sector at good organisations encompassing quite significant policy, research, strategy and evaluation projects. Extra-curriculars: I am a director of a chain of three primary schools (I think the US equivalent is charter schools); Chair of governors of a primary school (not sure of US-equivalent - could be 'chairman of directors'); Chair of trustees of a small charity . GRE: Yet to take it. Been studying for the last 2 months. Got a 158Q, 163V and 5AW on a recent practice test. Hoping to get these to low-to-mid 160s for Q and V by the time of the test. Career interests: Ultimately looking to run a non-profit organisation that promotes social mobility in some form. Motivation for doing an MPA: I want academic training to supplement the experience that I already have in public policy. I also want to strengthen my quantitative analysis skills, as well as develop organisation management skills. I am looking to apply to schools that fit the following criteria: - Offer at least some fully-funded places - Have a strong focus on public/non-profit sector. I don't want to work in the private sector long-term - Have a curriculum that combines some quantitative policy analysis skills with financial and organisation management skills So far my shortlist is: Pennsylvania - Fels, Princeton, Chicago - Harris. I want to add 1-2 more but am struggling to be sure which to go with. Does anyone have any suggestions based on my profile and the criteria I set out? Thanks for any help you can provide.