MistaBenjamin

I was so excited to get accepted into the DC - track with a 40% tuition waiver (especially since my GRE scores left much to be desired). I want to work in international development/policy analysis, but even with the waiver I'd have to take out about 35k each year   assuming I don't get any of the external scholarships I applied for. CMU is my dream school, but I am scared to death of taking on that much debt especially since I have debt from undergrad. Is anyone else in the same predicament? I'm seriously considering working on my GRE scores and re-applying next year. Any advice?
 
PS. Is anyone going to the admitted student weekend April 10th &11th? 

Congrats, @kasbah and @ct9816! I've still never been to Pittsburgh, but I've actually heard some good things about the vibe there (not just from CMU marketing materials, though they do push the "livability" ratings there quite a bit!). I've heard there's a pretty cool art/culture scene, which I suppose makes sense since CMU has a lot of programs along those lines as well. I spent some time in Cleveland last year for work, and was very pleasantly surprised by the city, so fingers crossed the same holds true for this post-industrial, former rust-belt city? 
Honestly, after so many years living in NYC, the idea of moving somewhere where the cost of living is SO much more manageable is very appealing. That along with the very generous scholarship offer from CMU definitely pushes it up near the top of my list. I'd already resigned myself to probably having to go into a lot of debt for grad school, and the idea that I might be able to graduate with a fairly clean slate is hugely liberating. Plus, I just really like the MSPPM program there - I love that it's quant heavy yet significantly more flexible than some similar programs, so I could really tailor my electives to my specific interests. 
Still waiting to hear back from the last 4 schools, but going there is a strong possibility!

I was accepted to the Heinz's MSPPM DC track on Monday with a great scholarship - definitely excited!
This is easily the most unique of all of the programs I'm deciding between. I like the idea of the 'mini' courses; with the D.C track, I would get to take fewer electives, so I feel they would still be a great way to still be able to explore a variety of different topics and skills while at the Pittsburgh campus.
Congrats to everyone who was accepted!