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mppapp2018

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  1. Updating with full results/decision! Lurked around Gradcafe for almost a year, thankful for all of the information I received from it. If you have any questions, especially if you are straight out of undergrad like myself, feel free to message me! Program Applied To: (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.) : 4 MPPs/1 MPA Schools Applied To: Harris, Heinz, Sanford, La Follette, Loyola Schools Admitted To: Harris (15k), Heinz (40%), Sanford (9k), La Follette (full tuition+stipend), Loyola (20k) Schools Rejected From: Still Waiting: Undergraduate institution: Small, 2nd tier state university Undergraduate GPA: 3.8 Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.9ish Undergraduate Major: Economics GRE Quantitative Score: 158 GRE Verbal Score: 162 GRE AW Score: 5.0 Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 0 Years of Work Experience: 0 Describe Relevant Work Experience: Internship for regional planning group doing economic studies, internship for US Senator's state office, research assistant in my school's state policy research center Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Fairly strong I think, although I think your SOP is probably naturally weaker straight out of undergrad. Discussed how this degree would help me in my desired career path, etc. The usual stuff. Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): Very strong. 2 econ faculty at my undergrad institution who I have worked closely with on research projects who could speak to my academic ability, and one from the internship coordinator at the Senator's office Other: My biggest strengths were definitely: 1. being an econ major 2. keeping a high gpa while doing internships during the semester and being a starting student athlete 3. extremely relevant internships 4. LORs, especially from my professors. I applied right out of undergrad and told myself that if I was going to have to take on a lot of debt I would wait and work a few years, I think this is a good strategy for anyone looking at MPPs. You can get in out of undergrad with good grades and relevant internships, and there is definitely the possibility for funding. However, if you have those things+a couple years of work experience, you definitely have a better shot at funding. Definitely the fact that I developed close relationships with faculty who advised me throughout the entire process really strengthened my applications. Decision: La Follette. Harris was always my top choice but the opportunity to work as a research assistant with a faculty in my area of policy interest as well as graduate with no debt was impossible to pass up. Harris definitely provides a broader alumni network, but graduating with no debt will offer me a lot more freedom than if I were to take out 60-80k in loans.
  2. I forgot to post a few days ago, in with 40% funding! I have some difficult decisions to make.
  3. Hi all! Just received my admission as well. But with only 5k plus the standard 4k ta/ra. A bit bittersweet, but congratulations to all other admits, especially those with such great funding offers!
  4. I also haven't received anything. The wait is frustrating.
  5. I haven't seen a topic for Sanford for this year. Has anyone received any updates or know of any dates?
  6. @MPPKollege I applied and was admitted with a funding offer and the possibility of a fellowship. I really want to attend the visit day but it is on a really difficult day for me.
  7. Program Applied To: (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.) : 4 MPP's/1 MPA Schools Applied To: Harris, Heinz, Sanford, La Follette(MPA), Loyola (safety, free app) Schools Admitted To: Harris (small scholarship), La Follette (full tuition first year, also nominated for a fellowship which would be full tuition+stipend but won't find out until late march/early april), Loyola Schools Rejected From: Still Waiting: Heinz, Sanford Undergraduate institution: 2nd tier state university Undergraduate GPA: 3.80 Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.9 Undergraduate Major: Economics GRE Quantitative Score: 158, 69th percentile (regrettable time management, left the final 2 questions blank, didn't want to fork over another $205 to retake it, excuses excuses) GRE Verbal Score: 162, 91st percentile GRE AW Score: 5.0, 93rd percentile Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 0 Years of Work Experience: 0 Describe Relevant Work Experience: Internship for regional planning group doing economic studies, internship for US Senator's state office, research assistant for my school's state policy lab Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Relatively strong, discussed how my internships informed my decision and had clear goals for what I want to use the degree for (this is especially important if you're straight out of undergrad like me), made specific references to the school I was applying to Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): Strong: 2 from econ professors, one from intern coordinator at senator's office Other: I think my biggest strengths in my application come from the fact that I had these experiences while also being a starting student athlete at my university, shows dedication to public service and ability to handle a very heavy schedule. Also helps to be an econ wonk, especially for applying to Harris. I did not expect to be admitted to Harris, much less be offered funding. However, the cost of tuition remaining plus the cost of living in Chicago may put it out of reach. Waiting to hear from Heinz and Sanford. One of my recommenders is a CMU alum which might benefit me. I have my doubts about getting in to Sanford, just a gut feeling, but I assume I'll find out in the next month or so. S/O to @lackey, glad to see another econ major straight out of undergrad. Best of luck hearing back from those last three you are waiting on, I am rooting for you.
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