[Asking for LOR with short notice]

7 hours ago, OhSoSolipsistic said:

I would frame it as a request without any type of pressure. Even though it's likely the case that your app hinges upon her willingness and action to write on your behalf, frame the request in such a way that implies that her decision won't be the ultimate factor despite the fact it's likely all the other materials will be in except her rec. Maybe it's not the best way to go about it because she won't know the urgency of it, but you also don't want her to begrudgingly agree to do it and for that to come across in the letter. You might want to call the school and ask for an extension as a courtesy for all your recommenders also.

I wouldn't include any material in the initial request either. Just something along the lines of: "There's this one other school that looks like a really good fit for me that I didn't consider until very recently, but unfortunately the deadline is in a few days. I apologize for asking so late and I completely understand if you have other commitments, but would you be willing to write a recommendation for me if I applied? Regardless of your response, I want to thank you again for your previous recommendations." I'm not sure if this is your only school or not or if she's even written other recs for you - but either way, something similar to that.

And then respond immediately after her positive response with all the materials and info, or a polite "I understand, thank you very much for considering anyway" if her response is negative.

I agree and disagree here. I believe it is fine to ask, but do so professionally and keep it brief. It is fine to give a short explanation that you discovered a school that may be a best fit, but only just recently. That kind of thing happens. 

 Here is where I disagree: I recommend you provide all available materials with the request. If she says no, then whatever, but if she says yes, you are equipping her to have the maximum time possible with maximum resources to write the letter. She won't have to wait on you to send her anything. Make her job as easy as possible and she will be more likely to help. Sending the CV and SOP with the request is not added pressure on her, it shows courtesy on your part.

Just remember, if you don't ask, you guarantee yourself a 'no' answer.  Give yourself a chance at a yes.

[Choose which of these is More Appealing]

I agree that neither is a good choice. I would look for an alternative. Do you need an academic referral? If you have been out of school and in the workplace for a long time then supervisors may be better. You mention that one professor was 10 years ago, have you been out of school that long?

[UW Evans MPA vs CMU Heinz MSPPM]

I am trying to decide which school, CMU or UW, is better for me, so I would appreciate your thoughts. (It is a long question though, my apologies).

The cost of each school is not a deciding factor as they will end up about the same for me. Also, I already have a job and will complete the degree while on a sabbatical, so I will not need to seek employment after graduation. I do not currently live in either WA or PA.

I am looking for strong quantitative curricula, information management /cybersecurity emphasis or at least electives, and plenty of other students around me with at least some professional experience. 

Advantage of UW Evans: 1) I have family in the area that I haven't lived near in more than a decade 2) strong CS heritage 3) strong quantitative program with emphasis in policy analysis 4) strong rankings and reputation 5) huge school with tremendous research resources.

Disadvantage of UW Evans 1)far from the hub of federal government 2) no established emphasis track in cybersecurity. 3) higher cost of living than Pittsburgh.

Advantage of CMU Heinz: 1) higher ranked program 2) top tier CS program at CMU 3) cybersecurity concentration is available 4) 16 month track is available 5) excellent quantitative curricula 6) is a master of science degree 7) is endorsed by the NSA.

Disadvantage of CMU: 1) far from family so no built in support system 2) smaller school with fewer research resources 3) not as well known on West Coast should I decide to live there later on.

Honestly, the family support is a real consideration so it makes UW enticing. CMU seems to be more respected though and may offer better CS studies, plus the existing relationship with the federal government is good for career contacts.  

As an added monkeywrench, I am also considering GWU Trachtenberg, but it is second to UW and CMU in my estimation.  It's a tough choice and I would appreciate your thoughts.