dollybird

I saw these, but I think Michigan's only applies to their mid-career MPA program. Their MPP cohort isn't that small, and that could be why it's listed as "public administration."

I am very much looking forward to hearing from Duke. Alumni and staff there, as well as forum posts here, have given me an amazing impression of the program. I was so excited when my video got viewed in early February, haha.

@Garcia That's a good question. I can't put my finger on it, but it's probably a combination of things. LBJ's class is 70% from Texas, and Michigan's is 70% from out of state. Michigan awards aid to 68% of the class vs. 37% at LBJ (stats I think I found on their websites but who knows if they've changed). I've only spoken to one LBJ alum who is in law school now, but I've spoken to two Michigan students who both have outstanding credentials. And then reading about how established/old Michigan's program is and their website gave me such good impressions. And isn't Michigan better known/higher ranked as a University? (understanding that that doesn't mean their MPP programs would correlate) I could be wrong. The Peterson's info is comforting!

Sorry to hijack the thread. I heard back from Luskin about funding. All of the funding announcements have been sent, so if our letter didn't mention it, we didn't get any.

Same, so I sent an email. Congrats! I love their admissions director. Hopefully it's not just us.

That's kind of you to say! Who knows with these things. I have strong ties to the Chicago community and my work experience aligns with some of LBJ's specialties. It's also my understanding that those programs are typically less selective than the ones I'm waiting to hear from. But what about you? Why is Michigan your number one? Education policy?

I'm in love with Michigan. I want to study social policy and work closely with social work and business students. I also like the idea of staying in the Midwest, closer to my family. I had to email with them yesterday about something and they said "mid-March." Probably want to set expectations low re: the release date.

I'm totally free to visit a class this Thursday, but I don't understand when/how...? I need to read my emails through again and then maybe make a call.

@avocado48 That is an excellent question. I had the same interpretation as you. I was going to call to confirm that at some point, though. I'm sure they're very used to the circumstances and fielding that question.

Another Monday, another potential week of waiting... I'm dying to hear from Duke and Michigan. It doesn't help that people keep asking! I guess I should just feel blessed that others are invested. This week I'm going to try to drastically reduce the number of times I check my personal email and the official Results Forum in hopes of new decisions.

Thank you! I received a full ride (MPAff). No, that sounds bizarre. How can you make a decision without a funding decision...?

I would also love advice or stories about this. I get that I'll have a chance to learn when I start the program, but I'd love to have a greater understanding now. I'm interested in non-profits, local and state government, consulting, private gov't affairs, and large foundations. So quite a range!

Wanted to update everyone by sharing that I received my full acceptance and funding letter via email late tonight. There's an Admitted Student's Day/Weekend schedule, for Saturday, March 25. Haven't received anything in the mail. MyStatus still says "In Review." Good luck to everyone else! Hope the wait is over or over soon!

@thex11factor, I'll be there! I'm here in Chicago, though, so it's very convenient. How about you?

@Garcia -- I have not received a letter yet, just an MPAff acceptance email that said I would receive formal information, including news on funding, later. Hopefully that means I got something. Now I am quite anxious. I got into Harris as well, with a 1/4 scholarship offer. Are you planning to attend the admitted students' day? @sleeplesswithcoffee -- LBJ's biggest downside for me is the program's prestige/name recognition. I went to a less prestigious undergraduate institution and have worked at places with no name recognition since then, so I want to beef up that aspect of my resume. I doubt it has many implications for my future job search, though. Beyond that, the cons are few for me! I agree that the city is a great "lab" and the school's value seems unbeatable. I'm also interested in working at a foundation or in private gov't affairs, and alumni seem to be successful in those areas. I'm not sure I can afford to attend the admitted students weekend.

I got the email as well! MPAff. I don't think they've released funding decisions yet. The email said it was a "preview" of my status, with a congratulations and all that.

I love this idea and would respond in full, but I have almost exactly the same thing to say! I applied to very similar programs. Want to get a half scholarship from at least one. Dream is to get a full ride or 75% from one of the top 4 (out of 6 applied to). And who am I to guess?! "I'm expecting at least one acceptance with some level of financial aid." That is all I'm allowing myself to expect at this point as well. This month or so of waiting is awful!

I'm here in Chicago as well. I'm applying to mostly out-of-state programs, but Harris is on my list. I work at a law school, and one of the professors chided me about not applying to U of I's program. Apparently it is quite good, and I think the networking is great if you're thinking about staying in Chicago (which you might not be if you want to get your PhD?). I know a *little* about the programs you mention. I know 2 people who got their MPA from DePaul but didn't use it. I think they just wanted to get a masters degree and were somewhat aimless in their career. The conclusions I draw from that have to do with rigor... I know a very talented and high-potential person in Northwestern's program. They already have a master's degree, though, and have had a career. I would contact staff or faculty members at that program to ask about why the school is located in their continuing ed college/dept. That is one of the reasons why I didn't consider it. Does that have any bearing on future PhD admissions? And isn't need-based aid out of the question then? I don't have the answers... Just stuff to consider. Have you thought about Harris and SSA? SSA gives out very generous scholarships, and is worth trying for. I think for people with your interests, there is a lot of overlap between policy and SSA courses. I know a lot of SSA grads with jobs similar to what MPP grads have. There are also reputable online-only programs popping up. I really want a full-time, in-person experience, so I dismissed those, but if you are not married to that type of experience, I'm sure you can find rigor and prestige there. Hope that helps!

I just submitted my first application and will be working on 5 more through the middle of January. It's a stressful but exciting time! I'm curious where others are applying to and how you're feeling/what your challenges are right now. I'm applying to: UT Austin LBJ, Duke Sanford, Michigan Ford, CMU Heinz, Chicago Harris, and UCLA Luskin. 3.5+ from an okay state school and lower in my last 60 hours. 7 years of development (fundraising) experience at a large human services agency, charter school, and now higher ed. I've heard amazing things about Duke and for some reason have my heart set on that program although others may in reality be a better fit.

I've read in general forums that it's a good idea to name drop faculty member names in your SOP/Personal Statement, ESPECIALLY ones you know personally or have reached out to. I've read advice elsewhere to reach out to faculty members ahead of time. I'm confused about what I would actually say. Like, what would I say in the email to a faculty member? "What opportunities exist to work with you?" "Hi, my name is XXX and I admire you"??? I'm not one to be uncomfortable reaching out to people, but I don't want to give a bullshit reason when it's really to be able to name drop in my application. Maybe I am being short-sighted? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!