publicpolicy2386

Program Applied To: (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.) MPP and MPA Schools Applied To: HKS, Georgetown MPP, SIPA, Wagner, GW MPA, American MPP, LBJ MPaff ($), George Mason MPP Schools Admitted To: Wagner, GW MPA, American MPP, LBJ MPaff, George Mason MPP, SIPA (waitlisted) Schools Rejected From: HKS, Georgetown MPP, Still Waiting: none Decision Undergraduate institution: Undergraduate GPA: 3.4 Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.7 Undergraduate Major: History and Foreign Affairs GRE Quantitative Score: 670 GRE Verbal Score: 600 GRE AW Score: 5 Decision: GW b/c of DC location and opportunities to intern while taking classes. Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 2 Years of Work Experience: 3 Describe Relevant Work Experience: Interned at a political party in Ireland, worked on development project in Uganda, currently teaching english in Costa Rica and 1 year of corporate work experience Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I had a unique (i think) story to tell about how my travels and work abroad has led my interests to international policy and development. It tough to stay b/c i haven't really read other people's so I don't know how much I stood out. I waited until 2 weeks before the applications were due which wasn't a great idea but I forced my whole family to review them during Christmas break. Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): Good i hope, two from previous professors (one currently working at a public policy institute who has guest lectured at some of the schools that I applied), one from my current boss who said he would write wonderful things. Other: I think work experience is more important than most people realize. Even though I am only two years out of undergrad, I have done many things. The one school I got money from was the one where i most tailored my SOP to the specific school offerings. If i could do it again, I would spend more time researching the schools to figure out how to tailor my essay more and include things specifically about that particular school. Good luck!!

I was all set to go to GW but I just received an email from LBJ offering me an out of state tuition wave for all four semesters which would save me $20,000 over the course of GW. The problems is that the deadline is TOMORROW! I visited both schools and liked GW more but I don't know if i like it $20,000 more. Although I think the Texas program is set to grow, parts (and students) seemed a bit Texas centered when I visited. I already have housing worked out with some friends in DC whereas I don't know hardly anyone in Austin. The other thing is that I only have two years of professional experience and wanted to intern a lot while in grad school. With LBJ, i would only be able to intern during the summer but with GW, I could intern year round. Any thoughts?

I visited both LBJ and American although I will be attending a different school next fall. I liked both programs but the biggest difference that I a saw was the amount of internship experience the student were getting during their education. At LBJ, most students only interned during the summer. However at American, almost all students were interning/working during the semester at what seemed to be really interesting positions. I am not sure what your background and work experience is, but it seemed that American was very well connected in DC and that their students were not limited to only 1 summer internship. However, LBJ had a more community feel and Austin is a really nice town with a much cheaper cost of living. That being said, if I had in-state tuition I probably choose LBJ.

I just visited both schools this weekend and am curious to know your thoughts. After visiting both schools, which are you more impressed by? I honestly felt like GW is a better program for me and I felt that they really took a lot of time at the accepted student day to find out my interests and career goals. I also felt that GW had a more community feel than AU.

Thanks for that insight. I have visited Austin and absolutely love the city. I am sure that i would enjoy my time there. My concerns are more about opportunities for internships and jobs after. Do most people go to DC to complete a summer internship? I noticed that 50% of graduates work in Texas after graduating. I personally would like to work in DC. How well known in LBJ outside of Texas circles? Does LBJ have a large alumni network outside of Texas?

I just recieved an acceptance letter from them via email. I am very excited but very confused as well. I have been accepted at a few DC schools and have to weigh my choices. Can anyone comment on the strengths/weaknesses of LBJ´s MPAff program? Is it a big disadvantage being so far from the DC scene?

Decaf- I have not heard anything from Georgetown either. I have tried emailing them but I have not heard a response. It was a bit of a reach considering I had a little too much fun the first year of college haha. Good luck to you!!