matcha

Are you trying for this coming fall? Most schools have firm deadlines in December or January. A couple of schools might have rolling deadlines, but I'm not sure of which ones. From your list of schools you did apply to, your ambitions are high. Would you be satisfied with any school at this point, or would you rather try again for your dream schools? Perhaps it is worth taking a year off and gaining experience as well as improving those GRE scores.

I'm heading to CIPA, and I'll tell you why. The program is very flexible. You can take classes all over the school, which is why I don't understand how some people may not think that highly of the academics. Cornell is known for great academics, and you are choosing which classes to take in already highly regarded programs. The Cornerstone Program is very exciting to me. You get real clients with real problems and work with professors on finding and implementing solutions. CIPA has already been recognized by the UN for their work in Bosnia. You can take classes everywhere, from Rome to DC. The have links to internships all over the country and world. They have a fantastic support system for getting you where you want to go. And with a 90% employment rate (with the rest going off to law school or further studies), that is nothing to scoff at. The financial support is just the tip of the iceberg on how helpful and supportive they are for their students. Overall, I was impressed with how friendly and enthusiastic everyone was in CIPA. I'm very excited for the fall!

I went and visited CIPA- they have internships almost anywhere you want to go. They are currently working on sending several students to a UN meeting to present a project they have finished in Bosnia. CIPA also has a DC program, so you can go spend time a semester in DC and work on connections there. You can go to Rome, Nepal, DC, NYC... There are lots of options at that school and, with a 90% employment rate, is nothing to scoff at. Just food for thought.

Keep in mind that graduate students do not qualify for financial aid. If you get any aid, it is from the department. Some schools are more willing to help than others. It might not have anything to do with your GPA, just the fact that a lot of Master's Programs are money makers for universities.

After visiting Cornell, I saw the ladies either had a small tote (maybe only one class that day?) or a backpack. After walking around with a bunch of books and signing a lease on a place that requires a bit of walking, I am definitely getting a backpack. Now which one....?

For those who are using backpacks especially, does anyone have any good brands they use? I would want something "adultish" and durable. For my side, I have a Fossil leather messenger bag and I recommend it. They are durable and look really nice.

Hello ladies! What are you going to use to carry all your stuff around? A lot of the other polls have been showing mainly men-directed gear. I was wondering what the female side of the world is buying for this adventure. From my perspective, a tote is the most fashionable, but the most painful on the shoulder. A messenger bag cuts across the chest, which can be uncomfortable for some of the larger girls. And a backpack feels a little 'elementary' to me. So what are you using?

Thanks for the heads up. So the best neighborhoods for grads are Fall Creek, East Hill, downtown, and some parts of Collegetown. I guess I'm going to keep looking around a bit!

Anyone know anything about Cayuga Heights? I'm visiting next week and have arranged an apartment visit in that area. It seems very close to campus and in a very nice neighborhood, but I was wondering if anyone had any other experiences about that area. I am hoping to take public transit or walk to campus.

I will be finishing my current job (I work for a non-profit), moving across the country, getting a new apartment, and trying not to lose all my savings in the process. I wish I could get a vacation in, but its not in the cards this year. Or the next, or the next....

I will be attending Cornell's CIPA in the fall. Yay!

Thanks. I searched a little before posting the thread, but I only found laptop vs. desktop. I guess I didn't look hard enough!

Whew! I always forget how little I know about technology until I ask about technology. :-) Basically, I need a tank of a laptop that is idiot friendly. I'll be researching a bit, writing papers, etc. I'm not a gamer or programmer. I just need something that can basically withstand a nuclear blast and hold my hand at the same time. I had no idea Cornell worked so well with Apple! Thanks for the heads up!

What laptops are best for grad school? I've used both Macs and PCs. Apple has the virus-resistance, but are very pricey. My last PC laptop melted itself after 4 years of use. What are you using and what do you recommend?

Can you ask the admissions person a list of where alumni are working? If you have an idea of what you want to do, it helps to know if that school has sent someone down a similar path. As for money, the less is better. However, I am guessing that with a MS in Chemical Engineering you will find good work, so as long as you aren't taking out more than you make in a year, I'd concentrate on where they send their alumni.

I was wondering about apartment buildings. Yes, renting a home would be ideal. But just in case, are there any apartment buildings off-campus that anyone would recommend? Any near Fall Creek? Red Bomber seems to post their apartments all over the place. Are they any good? Are there better? Thanks! Edit: I should figure out sentence structure someday... :-)

I'm heading to Cornell in the fall. They gave me the most money, I like where they send their alumni, and the idea of designing my own program makes me excited. Ithaca is suppose to be this awesome, funky college town. In fact, MSN has ranked it as top 8 in the nation for best college towns. They have also been super friendly. LBJ is in Austin, which is another fabulous town! I don't believe they have as many connections in D.C., but if that isn't your priority, that sounds great as well! I had a friend go to that school. They focus a lot on the "numbers" part of public policy, which is a needed area of specialty. I would check where the alumni end up. I feel like that would be the best, quick judge of paths people take.

One of my undergrad professors told me to never take money out for a Masters. Well, I'm breaking that rule by a little bit, but there is something to it. I was also accepted by CIPA, and I've had really great experiences talking with students and staff. Their alumni end up in a lot of different places, like the UN, non-profits, and the federal government. Just remember, in the end, you can't lose.

Anyone freaking out after committing to a grad school? Questions like, "am I making the right choice?" "Am I smart enough?" "What am I going to do with more debt?" 'Cause I am.

Same thing happened to me. After the email accepting me, I got nothing. Not even an official letter. When I called to find out, they told me that was all the information I would be receiving. I was beyond disappointed and it made my decision NOT to attend very easy. If they didn't care enough to stay in contact, how would they treat me as a student?

I have a similar question. The lady I've been communicating with at my top choice has told me there are plenty of on-campus jobs. But how reasonable is it to try and carry work and studies for an MPA/MPP?

I was accepted into the program, although I will be attending elsewhere. It is highly ranked for the MPP (top 20), has a beautiful campus, and near the fantastic city of Seattle. The downsides? Really big program, doesn't usually give generous funding for students, and doesn't have the WOW factor of SIPA or HKS. A strong program for sure!

So, back in the day, my family made a deal with me. They'd pay for undergrad, but I had to cover any additional schooling. As a result, this is my first year with FAFSA. I filled it out on time, so when do I find out what aid I get or what federal loans I can receive? Should I get be receiving this information before the "big decision", or after I commit? I had nightmares that I had to go to a bank and beg for money. I hope that doesn't actually happen....

I'm going to Cornell CIPA for MPA. Nice fellowship, friendly people, and a great school.

School A sent me an email, formal letter, connected me with a student, sent me packets of information, and have been in constant contact. School B sent me an email. I called School B to find out when I would be receiving any additional information, or at least a formal acceptance letter. They stated they "don't do that anymore". I feel like they don't care! At least it helped me decide. School A, here I come!