[Describe a challenge you overcame?]

I'm feeling a bit stuck on this question. I'm switching to a career in teaching and am applying for competitive master's programs in education, and one of the essay questions is "What is the most challenging problem that you have faced, and did you address it?"

What do you think admissions committees are looking for? 

I experienced some pretty severe bullying when I was younger, and I thought that maybe writing about that and the way I handled it could be compelling and relevant to teaching, but it's such a long time ago that I'm not sure it's actually relevant. 

Other than that, my most challenging problem has happened in the last 6 months or so. My mom got into not one, but two car crashes caused by her drunk driving (I did not know she was an alcoholic until this happened) and admitted that she's anorexic. She then was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she is currently undergoing chemotherapy. When this first started, I was working full time in a city 12 hours away AND also attending my first quarter of grad school full time (it was a sociology program). However, I've since dropped out of that graduate program  (obviously), as it wasn't right for me and I was having some mental health problems myself, so that isn't exactly a great precedent. Oh, my apartment also got burglarized during this time, which was just the cherry on top    

It was all of the above stuff happening that really caused me to re-evaluate my life and the path it was on, and what I really wanted to do (teaching), so I guess that dropping out and making those dreams happen might make an okay essay?

[MPP at DePaul or MPPA at Northwestern]

On 1/18/2017 at 0:25 PM, Smiley Face said:

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!

Thanks for giving me your impressions of the programs, which confirms what I sort of suspected. Aid isn’t as much of a concern because I don’t have any debt from undergrad, and I will be able to pay much of my tuition out of pocket.

I actually have close ties to the University of Chicago, and I really admire the SSA program. The problem is that I would not be able to go to the SSA program and continue working full time, and my current job is giving me experience that is too good to give up at this point. SSA does have an evening program, but you are required to spend one or two weekdays out in the field.

On 1/18/2017 at 4:46 PM, SenNoodles said:

If your plan is to do a PhD after, I think your main focus should be on acquiring the skills (via coursework) and pursuing the opportunities (via internships and especially research) that will set you up for maximum success. Here are some relevant questions I think you should consider:

• Have you spoken with the directors of the two programs on how successful recent grads have been in applying for PhD programs? (You say Northwestern "seems" to be more successful - I'm not sure how much you looked into it, but if it's very clear that Northwestern has several alumni in PhD programs and DePaul has 1-2 or even none, then you may have your answer)
• Have you spoken with admissions directors of the PhD programs to see what kinds of backgrounds they're looking for? Does the curriculum at one school (DePaul vs Northwestern) fulfill those more than the other?
• Why does NASPAA accreditation matter? Most of the top schools (HKS, WWS, Ford, Harris, etc.) don't seem to be on that list...
• Can you register in one program and take a few electives via the other? I know many schools let you cross-register with other programs in the area - if it's really about a few select classes at one program, this could be one way to solve the issue
• Does one program offer more research opportunities? This is crucial for PhD programs
• If most of the other factors appear to be the same/one doesn't jump out at you over the other: have you already gotten in and if so, have you heard back on funding? Especially if you're considering getting another degree, you want to keep Master's debt under control

I’m still pretty iffy about pursuing a PhD, so that’s not my top reason for pursuing a master’s degree. Obtaining a PhD is a bit of a dream, but, realistically, I just don’t think it will happen. I appreciate your advice though and will take it into consideration.

Most of the students who go to DePaul do not intend to obtain PhDs, but there are a few who have. I get the impression that many (but not all) of DePaul’s students are there to advance their current careers or meet a master’s requirement for a promotion. More students from Northwestern have gone on to pursue PhDs at respectable programs, but Northwestern’s program is also much larger. Both DePaul and Northwestern’s program are decidedly more professional than academic.

I think my biggest problem is that neither program is jumping out more than the other. I tend to make decisions very methodically, but I’m feeling mired in the details at this point. Each has things I like, and each has things I don’t. Ugh.

[MPP at DePaul or MPPA at Northwestern]

I'm having a pretty difficult time deciding between DePaul's MPP program and Northwestern's MPPA program. Does anyone have personal experience with either of them? 

Neither is particularly prestigious as far as MPP programs go, but both are reputable and would allow me to keep working while attending school, which is a must for me.

Some info about me: I don't expect to work in a super prestigious job, and I'm not looking to move to DC. That said, I am interested in applying to PhD programs, so prestige is important, to an extent. So far, I have my eye on Northwestern's Human Development & Social Policy PhD and UChicago's School of Social Service Administration PhD, although I'm open to other options.  I'm interested in issues such as poverty, homelessness, workforce development, education, etc. I considered applying to social work programs that had a macro focus, but they wouldn't allow me to keep working full time at my current job. 

Here's what I've been able to gather:

DePaul University MPP
Pros

1. Very people focused with an emphasis on service/giving back
2. Classes on inequality (a particular interest of mine)
3. Offers a certificate in community development, which includes sociology and psychology courses of interest to me
4. Less expensive (~$30k)
5. Better location
6. MPP is expected to have NASPAA accreditation by the time I would start. The MPA program already has NASPAA accreditation.
7. Weeklong study abroad programs
8. Appears on "Best Public Affairs School" rankings
9. Mix of adjunct and tenure faculty

Cons

1. No class on behavioral economics (another interest of mine)
2. Not many students in the MPP program (which means fewer networking opportunities); the website says there are currently 25 or so MPP students enrolled
3. Less rigorous admissions, which suggests to me that the coursework may be less rigorous
4. Respected as an institution, but not as much as Northwestern

Northwestern MPPA
Pros

1. Northwestern has great name recognition
2. Seemed more academically rigorous than DePaul
3. More students (average course size is 15)
4. Seems to have had more students go on to PhD programs
5. Offers courses on behavioral economics
6. Many past graduates can be found in highly respected positions

Cons

1. Located within School of Professional Services, which to me communicates that policy is not a priority of the University
2. More Expensive (~$45k)
3. No NASPAA accreditation
4. Not listed on "Best Public Affairs School" rankings
5. Less convenient location
6. One graduate of the program strongly discouraged me from going (but she's the only past student I've talked to, and she went several years ago)
7. All adjunct faculty; no tenured faculty

[Would Anyone Like Swap Personal Statements?]

@mpamppquestions I'll swap with you if you are still interested, though I'm assuming you may have applied by now. 

[MPP/MA in Public Policy... So many questions...]

@TheArtofApplying Wow, thanks so much, Connie, for your in-depth and informative reply. I just noticed it, and I think there is some great nuggets of advice in your response. 

[Could someone look over my SOP?]

I'll review yours if you'll review mine!

[Sociology GRE scores?]

Where did you end up getting in? My GRE scores are identical to yours. 

[MPP/MA in Public Policy... So many questions...]

Sorry, but this is going to be a long post, because I am still trying myself to figure out what I want… 

About me

I am a working professional considering obtaining a MPP or MA in Public Policy. I currently work for an Ivy League+ university in a large U.S. city in the alumni relations/development office, and while I generally enjoy my job, I'm trying to figure out my longer-term plan. I really enjoy working with the faculty and reading about their work, but I often wish I was the one getting to do interesting research rather than the person who only chases funding. Even if I were to stay in the development world, I feel like I need at least a master’s degree to advance beyond a certain point at an institution of higher education, and the people in the careers that appeal to me all seem to have advanced degrees. 

What I want:

I’ve considered getting a PhD since I was an undergrad, and “professor” is the only job that ever seems to appeal to me. However, I keep holding off because I know that my chances of becoming a tenured professor are pretty slim. 

I have a background in market/consumer research, which, while not academic in nature, has given me a taste of the research lifestyle.  I’ve found that I am very curious and really enjoy doing research and writing, but that I get restless if I do research/writing all day, every day. To be happy, I need a job that also gives me interaction with other people. I am definitely an extrovert. I tutor in my free time, and I really enjoy collaborating with and helping others. I also love to do public speaking. I need to work someplace where I feel like I’m contributing to the greater good. I was miserable in the corporate world. 

I think I’d like to work at a nonprofit/NGO or university doing something related to social policy/inequality, urban policy, or possibly education policy. I’m also interested in think tanks and possibly local government, though I’m not sure about that yet. I just started volunteering for a nonprofit that does community development, so we’ll see how that goes. 

Generally, I’m really interested in human behavior, and I’m especially interested in behavioral economics and its applications for public policy. I’ve considered getting a MSW instead of a policy degree, but I won’t be able to work full time while getting an MSW. Sociology programs present the same problem. If possible, I’d like to keep working at my job while going to school. I can’t imagine giving up my income for two years. 

Main questions I have: 

1. Is public policy research better suited to introverts than to extroverts? Do public policy research careers also allow for collaboration and teamwork?
2. How much is “advocacy” a part of public policy work? As I mentioned, I really enjoy writing, public speaking, etc., so the concept of advocacy appeals to me. 
3. If I were to continue working while going to school, I’d have to obtain an evening MA or MPP in public policy. Obviously, these programs are not from top-tier schools. Is there still a value to these degrees? I know that “value” is relative, but I’d be interested to hear your thoughts. Does anyone else have a master’s in public policy from a school such as these? 
4. If I can get into a top-tier public policy school (TBD), would it be silly for me to go to a much lower-tier program instead? 

Some additional background:
•    Graduated with a 3.94 GPA from a state school that focused on teaching over research. The school wasn’t prestigious in any sense. I was in the honors program. 
•    Major: Mass Communication (Public Relations); Minors in Rhetoric/Writing and Marketing
•    I haven’t taken the GRE yet, but I am studying for it. I scored in the 92nd percentile when I took the ACT, so I am hoping for an above average GRE score. 
•    I’ve worked several internships in public relations, spent a year or so in consumer research, and have been in fundraising/development for about a year.