nellolikejello

Did you talk to someone directly (i.e., phone conversation)?

Coming from: Big 4 - Transfer pricing consulting (~4.5 years of experience) Undergrad - Big 10 state school (Mid-Atlantic) Deciding between: Harris (UChicago) MPP: $15k / year Heinz (Carnegie Mellon) MSPPM-DA: 65% (~$32k / year) SIPA (Columbia): $16k / year Career goals / interests: I have lived in the NYC metro area for most of my adult life. As a result, I am somewhat jaded by the NYC lifestyle and, in many ways, looking forward to a change of scenery (which only knocks down SIPA even further). I don't necessarily have a single career track that I'm locked into (as I think that would be somewhat unrealistic to assume). However, I am very interested in applying data science and statistical modeling to *urban* problems, especially as it relates to transportation, housing, crime and data privacy. Some organizations that come to mind are Palantir, Labs41, and Civis Analytics to name a few. In this respect, I am very intrigued by UChicago's Urban Labs as this seems like a natural fit. At the same time, I am conscious that the Data Analytics track at CMU would offer a much wider range of coursework and would likely provide me with a more rigorous training in computer programming and data science skills than the Harris MPP offers (note that I originally applied to CAPP program, but was instead admitted to MPP). Also - let's not forget that the COL for a city like Pittsburgh is going to be demonstrably less than Chicago. Honestly, Columbia only enters the conversation because of its brand (hard not to seriously consider an Ivy League when you went to a state school for undergrad) and its connections to NYC jobs market. How I'm leaning: Currently, I am leading towards Harris (over Heinz). I first came across the Harris admissions team at a grad school fair in NYC and I can honestly say that I was very impressed with the level of detail they provided (stats on employment outcomes, job satisfaction, etc.). Additionally, I had a conversation with a soon-to-be former student at the CAPP program who was extremely helpful in terms of providing information and attesting to her high degree of satisfaction with the program in general. She came from a similar corporate background as myself and was interestingly enough pretty dismissive of the Heinz program (recognizing this is only one datapoint but still a datapoint). I am planning on attending both admit days for Harris and Heinz. It works out that I can attend Harris Thurs/Fri and Heinz on Sat. I have a strong suspicion that I am going to walk away from Harris ASD feeling even more inclined to committing. At the end of the day, the data science and computer skills I want to obtain are not limited to any one program. As any data scientist will tell you, with the right amount of hustle these skills can be self-taught. Sure, the Heinz MSPPM is a STEM-designated degree, but I am not looking for an OPT as I am a US citizen so this is less of a pull factor. I am also hesitant of getting a degree that has such an unwieldy name as "MSPPM-DA"; seems like a lot of unnecessary lettering to explain to future employers. Additionally, I see that many Heinz MSPPM-DA grads end up working in government consulting as "data analysts". As someone who's worked in Big 4 consulting, I can tell you that these jobs are not as sexy as they sound. Basically, I am trying to avoid ending up in a job where I'm paid an OK salary to make PowerPoint slide decks all day. Furthermore, I think my decision will be much easier if I receive an additional funding offer from Harris via the reconsideration process that better approximates what Heinz is offering. I realize now that I've mostly used the above space to convince myself of one option. Consider it a "partial dilemma" then.

I feel like it would be pretty apt of HKS to release admit decisions on π day. #justsayin

That’s the kind of hustle I like to see from a program. Cheers for the info!

Hi all, Starting a Facebook group for admitted students to Harris for Fall 2019. Would someone be so kind and provide their email address so I can create the group (requires at least one additional friend on FB)? Thanks,

Did anyone initially apply to the CAPP program only to find out yesterday/today that they were referred instead to MPP program? This the boat I’m currently in and I can honestly say it was kind of a letdown. Holding out for the small chance they’ll reconsider / I can transfer in halfway through. They do say there are lots of “opportunities to take coursework across both programs” but I’m somewhat skeptical.

Congrats on admission to MSCAPP! Stupid me missed the call earlier and now I’m stuck in phone limbo purgatory. Curious, did you apply to either Heinz MSPPM-DA or MS-DSPP at Georgetown (and any funding there)? I went in with these 3 as my top contenders, pending $ obviously.

Also in at Evans. I am based in NYC area. As of now, I did *not* receive any funding which is a big dis-incentive, especially considering relatively high COL for Seattle area. Anyone else apply to Evans/Foster dual-degree?

In for the MS-DSPP program. Anyone else apply to this track?

Hi all, I created a Facebook group for Heinz MSPPM admitted students for Fall 2019. Link is here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HeinzMSPPM2019/

Swy506@gmail.com Thanks! Can you just email me your name? --> steven.spinello@gmail.com Unfortunately, Facebook requires that I add at least 1 "friend" to the group before creating. Thanks.

Hi all, I am creating a "Heinz MSPPM 2019 Admitted Students" group on Facebook for networking leading up to Admit Day. For those of you admitted, can someone respond with their email address? I just need one email address in order to create the group on FB. Cheers,

Hi all - Also in for MSPPM - DA track with 65% of tuition. I find it wildly ironic how all of the Public Policy programs I applied to just happen to have their Admit Days scheduled for the same April 5 weekend... lolz. For those of you in the DA track, did anyone else also apply to Chicago's MSCAPP or Georgetown's MSDSPP? I feel like it will ultimately come down to these three for me (and importantly, who provides funding).