2shieh

I'm applying to Evans (environmental policy concentration), SIPA, Bren, UCLA (again, environmental policy concentration), UPenn (environmental studies), and Yale (environmental studies). Hopefully these aren't all reach schools... what about you?

aw man.. no responses?

Hi everyone, I know I posted something similar before and got some pretty helpful responses, but I was wondering if anyone knows the difference between a MPP/MPA environmental policy concentration and the curriculum for environmental management and policy? I'm a little worried that MPP/MPA programs might be too broad and will not focus enough on my concentration of choice. Is this a legitimate concern? Thanks! 2shieh

Thanks for all the responses!

Hi everyone, I'm planning on applying to MPP programs that have an environmental policy concentration, but I'm having a difficult time narrowing down the programs. Can anyone offer any advice? I know that I'll be applying to Evans and GSPP for sure, but was wondering if there were any other programs that I should consider? Thanks!! 2Shieh

Do statement of purpose prompts change from year to year for grad programs? I'm taking a year off from work to study for the GRE's and apply to grad school and was looking at getting a head start on my SOP's and other essays to lessen my stress in the fall. Thanks!

Rachel C/ mei-- Sorry i'm adding questions to this thread... but I just had some quick questions about this program. I'm primarily looking into MPP/MPA programs, but the MA in public diplomacy did catch my eye while I was doing research on certain programs especially since I was an international studies major in undergrad. I was just a little curious to see what both of your undergrad majors were and your career goals. also, what other programs/schools you both applied to. Sorry if these questions are invasive... thanks!!

Hey everyone! I realize that this I can't expect to get a concrete answer for my questions... but I'm getting anxious and worried about my chances at grad school. I'm looking into different MPP/MPA programs and am anticipating entering grad school for fall 2011. Graduated in June 2008, undergrad GPA of 3.54 (3.66 upper div major GPA) from top 40 university with a major in International Studies and minor in Accounting. I plan to apply to these schools for an environmental policy concentration: University of Washington UC Berkeley Cornell Brown USC UCLA University of Oregon Some class profiles found on the websites of the schools above generally show a 3.6 GPA average and a 710+ GRE quant score and 600+ verbal score. I only have about a year and a half of professional work experience in an unrelated field, but have done a lot of volunteer work since high school with an internationally operating NGO and have had a leadership role in this organization over the past year. (My involvement with this NGO is actually why I decided to pursue an MPP.) I also currently have an internship/volunteer position with a local environmental restoration group. I have excellent letters of rec from these experiences and also have excellent academic letters of rec from undergrad. So here are my questions/concerns: 1. Is the number of programs I plan to apply to enough? And are there any other programs that I should consider? 2. With my current stats, do I have a chance at these programs? 3. Will my lack of professional experience in public policy be a factor as an applicant? 4. Given that I haven't taken the GRE's yet... will my score make or break my application? Again, I don't expect any concrete answers, but these questions have been swirling in my head for the past couple months. Any comments/suggestions/answers are helpful. Thanks everyone!