Green Tea

Hi, Yes, I did attend the open house, but only for a short period. There wasn't much that I could gauge from the open house. All I attended was address by the dean, director of career services, and an alumni. There was no interaction with the current students. It was a very formal affair. Though the program sounds good, I still would have liked some time for interaction with faculty and students. I wasn't there for long...so it could be that I missed out on it. From the curriculum, the program seems impressive. Also, it has a huge faculty specializing in various areas. Moreover, the class strength in the UMD program is around 120, so it is a big class. However, when you are specializing in a particular field, the class size shrinks to a more intimate size of 20-30 students. I know that UMD has a good faculty for Environmental Policy, definitely better than JHU. I am not sure if I can add more to it. I still am deciding on my school.

Hey! Did you end up going to the open day? If so, how did it go? Were you impressed?

Hey Will, No problem! I found the public transportation and the way to JHU. Thanks and hope to meet you tomorrow.

Hey, thanks a lot for your detailed assessment of the programs! I agree with you on most of these points. I too have been trying to get as much information about the two programs but found out only what most of us already know. I too will be attending the Open House for JHU on Thursday. I had a quick question related to that: will you be knowing how I can get to JHU from Shady Grove, Rockville (Maryland)? I don't have a car and plan to take the public transportation. I will much appreciate if you can share any information regarding public transportation. I have been looking online but most routes listed are no less than 3 hours one way. If you are familiar with someone who can suggest the best and shortest route to JHU, I shall be grateful. I hope to meet you at the Open House and hopefully by the end of it all, we will have answers to most of our queries regarding the program. Thanks again!

Hi, I've been accepted for both JHU and UMD MPP programs. I know UMD has a good faculty. As for JHU, I am unsure, as there has not been much mention of JHU's MPP program on this site. I hear a lot of debate about JHU's SAIS program, not much about MPP. Does anyone have any inputs to share? Also, does anyone have any advice as to which of the two is a better program, especially when I am currently not getting any funding from UMD, but $14K from JHU, which is about 30% (not a lot)? Help please! Thanks!

Hi, congratulations on your acceptance. I know that JHU's Health Policy Management is one of the best (it was ranked #2 in 2008 U.S.News). I am not yet certain about my specialization, but in all likelihood it will be International Development. However, the cost entailed for the entire program, even with the small tuition award I have been offered, is immense, and that is what is making me think twice about the school. Had I got a better funding package, I would not have thought as much....after all it is JOHNS HOPKINS!

Hi, I too was curious to know why there is not much talk about the JHU Institute of Public Policy. I too have been accepted for the program. For all you know, we might end up being classmates:) Please do let me know if you get any further information about the program's reputation. Thanks and all the best!

Hey, congratulations on being accepted into the UMD (MPP) program with financial aid! I too have been accepted for the program but an awaiting a decision on financial aid. I am planning to attend the Open House on March 25. I too have concerns about the overall reputation of the program and its placement stats. I have also been accepted for the MPP program at Johns Hopkins with some financial aid, though not a lot. I am confused as to which of the two is a better school. Does anyone have an inputs to share??? And for those interested, I shall certainly post my observations and comments about the Open Day at UMD. Hope it will be of some help..

I too have a similar dilemma. I got accepted in both UMD and Johns Hopkins' MPP programs. I too would like to know which of the two is a better program in terms of future prospects? I haven't yet heard on the financial aid from UMD, but JHU is offering a meager yearly tuition. Even if I were to accept JHU's offer, my out of pocket expense will still be more than what I will be paying at UMD, without financial aid. I too need help in understanding which of the two is better, if one is to commit such huge finances.