rjanice

Thanks to both of you for the response, as well as your service. What I'm taking away from these, as well as other people that I have spoken with, is that I my SOP will be huge in the admissions process, not that it isn't for others.

Hi all, I've seen a number of posts asking about applying to an MPP program straight from undergrad. I am toying around with this idea, and have been studying for the GRE, which I plan to take in August. I know a lot of the top tier schools strongly recommend work experience, and I've seen the reasons that many of you have given for why you should gain the work experience. What I'm wondering is how that train of thought would change when it is a veteran applying, who has more real world (while not necessarily field-related) experience than a typical student coming straight out of under grad. Obviously, being a vet wouldn't be enough to grant me acceptance immediately, and I would have to check a number of other boxes. To give you a quick run down of what I would be working with application wise: -3.90 undergrad GPA, B.S. Criminal Justice w/ Statistical and Economic coursework -USMC Vet, 2010-2014, E-5 -Active TS/SCI Gov Clearance -Government Intelligence Internship -Legislative Fellowship on Capitol Hill with a large veterans organization -Legislative Aide/Intern for a US Congressman -President of university SVA Chapter -Vast volunteer experience -GRE coming in August As far as which colleges I would be looking at, I don't want to rule out any. HKS would be the goal, but that's the goal for a lot of people. Essentially what I'm asking, is how much would the lack of professional experience in public policy effect my chances of the top-tiered schools when weighing in the other factors? Be critical, I have thick skin. Thanks all!