Program Applied To: (MPA, MPP, etc.) : HKS (MPP), WWS (MPA), SIPA (MPA-DP), Fletcher (MALD), LSE (MPA), GSPP (MPP)
Schools Applied To: HKS, WWS, SIPA, Fletcher, GSPP, LSE
Schools Admitted To: SIPA, Fletcher, GSPP, LSE
Schools Rejected From: WWS, HKS
Undergraduate institution: Top public university
Undergraduate GPA: 3.7
Undergraduate Major: International Development
GRE Quantitative Score: 157
GRE Verbal Score: 160
GRE AW Score: 5.5
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3.5 Years of Work Experience: 3.5 Describe Relevant Work Experience: My work experience post-college has all been with a large management consulting firm in their public sector practice. I've held roles across international development and social impact, including a few long-term projects abroad. My internships during college were with a mix of non-profits and for elected officials. Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I thought it was strong. I spent a lot of time on this and had multiple people look at it (including some involved in the admissions process and professors in similar programs).
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): Excellent, I thought. I submitted three- one from a professor with whom I'm close, another from a client and advisor in Federal Government, and last from my direct supevisor at work.
Other: I wasn't offered much funding at all, just $5k/year from Fletcher. I'm appealing for more from Fletcher and SIPA, but don't expect to get any aid from Berkeley nor LSE.
Decision: I'm torn but have started to rule out Berkeley because I want a strong international development focus, and LSE because I'm unsure of the networking opportunities and not keen on having to job hunt from the UK. Still making up my mind, though. Any insights/opinions on this would be great!