mppapp2018

I forgot to post a few days ago, in with 40% funding! I have some difficult decisions to make. 

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.