ginger_root

I got this email from Duke this morning: " Closer to our April 15 deadline, we will re-evaluate our funding status to determine whether there is the possibility of reassigning any scholarship awards that are declined [...] please note that students who receive additional funding typically do not receive more than a few thousand more per year than their original award offer. " With the very small chance of funding increase, my only hope is for other admits to turn down their offers...I know I said that I would go elsewhere but after a lot of self reflection, my heart still tells me to choose Duke over Harris and Goldman. If you have no intention of attending or have better offer(s) elsewhere, would you please help your fellow out by declining your offer as soon as possible? I am desperate...

I joined the online session today. It was so sad when the director of fin aid (Misty I think) said that if we request for additional funding, don't expect to much. we may get a few thousands extra at most...so I think I will go somewhere else. I really loved the school though.

In that case, they must have sent emails to all admitted students this morning. Game over for me then

I think it's really hard for someone to totally falsify their work experience. In one way or another, their experience, thoughts, and work engagement, etc. will show through their essays and reference. Some schools do have background check before enrollment as well.

I think the event was a big unorganized. Adcom hasn't been responsive to my questions prior to and during the event. Those things gave me red flag about the kind of assistance the administration can provide to students. But I love the professors and the work they are doing. Robinson's talk was a highlight for me. I went to the Pearson fellowship info session. It was weird that they didn't/couldn't tell us the value of the fellowship and the no of fellowships awarded, which speaks to my previous point.

admitted but not offered fellowship. I will turn down the offer this week.

isn't it weird/bad if I only got one view? in addition, the view is from D.C not PA. maybe I should stop reading tea leaves...

yeah it's a youtube video

My video essay was just viewed 2 days ago so I guess it will be a while until they release decisions... Isn't it a terrible feeling when you put yourself out there for people to judge and now there's nothing you can do but wait? T.T

Do you think Duke are generous with their financial aid package? I can't find the stats anywhere

Hi everyone, I'd really appreciate your inputs! Program/Institution: Gergetown MPP (McCourt), HKS (MPP), WWS(MPA), Chicago Harris (MPP), CMU Heinz College (MSPPM-DC track), Duke Sanford (MPP) Interests: Economic Policy Analysis, International Development, M&E Undergrad Institution: Top 15 Liberal Art Colleges Undergraduate Major: B.A. Political Science, Economics, Cert. in English Lit Undergraduate GPA: 3.5 Quantitative Courses: 10 courses in economics including econometrics + stats, calculus 2, multi cal, linear algebra GRE: V: 163 Q: 159 AW: 4 Age: 26 Years of Work Experience: 2.5 years at a large-non profit organization that allowed me to have international field work experience, working on a variety of projects from agr to education, etc. 1 year at an intl org (think UN, WB, IMF). Have held a variety of roles including data analytics and project and budget management. Languages: English, French (intermediate), Chinese (elementary), Thai (native) LORs: One from my current manager of 2 years, one from executive but worked with me very closely, and one from my econ professor. I believe they are all very strong! Personal statement: Talk about my experience growing up in a poor part of a developing country, early engagement in public policy (led a non-profit org), my observation during my work about the lack of communication between technical people and management and how i seek to bridge the gap. I should have put in more time but I was having a long and hectic international assignment...really regretted it now. Concerns: Low GRE and GPAs, lack of work experience.