[Syracuse University—Fall 2018]

Hi All! I just accepted my offer from the MPA program as well. See you there in July

[Decisions: American SPA, Evans, Maxwell, or LBJ]

22 hours ago, gelatinskeleton said:

I don't know too much about Maxwell or Evans, but the upside of American is that being in DC truly is a huge advantage. So many international development orgs are housed there that I am sure you can make it worth your $$$ by getting a relevant internship part-time or over the summer, or at least going out there and meeting a ton of people working in your field.

LBJ is a good choice financially (I believe it is cheaper than the others you are mentioning) and while the international dev sphere there might not be huge, it is definitely there, and the faculty seem dedicated and are really generous to students with their time. All the folks I know who went/go to LBJ are focused on international development.

From what I remember, Evans is more focused on domestic policy. Since Seattle is expensive and I imagine that Evans is as well without merit aid, I would lean towards crossing that off your list.

I really appreciate the input - I was actually waffling on LBJ due to the lack of emphasis on the international sphere, so this is super useful feedback. It is definitely much cheaper, so unless some last minute aid comes through it's a top option. 

As far as Evans, I do think they're working to really increase their international scope but for a state school in particular, it is insanely expensive and my impression is that the state has been cutting funding and making it even more difficult for them to offer as much financial assistance as they would like.

Random question: does anyone here have any experience with online MPA options? I generally would stay away from those, but financially it actually seems to make a lot of sense if the degree I'm getting is the exact same. Most top MPA programs seem to offer online degrees with the exact same curriculum as their on campus track.  

[Decisions: American SPA, Evans, Maxwell, or LBJ]

Hi all: help needed. I've been accepted to a few schools and, unfortunately, have not received any merit aid worth mentioning. Considering that I would like to work in International Development, does anyone have any advice for pros and cons of each school? I'm leaning towards Maxwell, but am honestly very conflicted. 

[Maxwell Atlantis Dual Degree Program]

Just heard back from Maxwell regarding their Public Administration program on Monday, but not sure if that helps you at all! 

[MPAff/MGPS LBJ Fall (2018)]

Weirdly just got my acceptance yesterday.... so not sure if we'll all be receiving the official admission packet at the same time or if only the first round of acceptances should be keeping an eye out for it?

[American SIS - Summer and Fall 2018]

On 2/14/2018 at 7:54 AM, AddSmith said:

I was accepted to the MPP is the SPA school, and also didn't hear anything about awards. They said they're reviewing all candidates after 2/15, the priority application deadline, and then releasing awards! 

Also was accepted to the MPA at the SPA school! I just got off the phone with an admissions counselor however and she seemed to think that all merit based aid decisions would have gone out with your acceptance.... 

[2018 Evans Applicants]

30 minutes ago, TheOfficeFan said:

Hey Buffy!

I applied to Berkeley Goldman, Duke Sanford, Yale Forestry, UCDenver, UMichigan SEAS, UWisconsin Nelson, UMinnesota Humphrey, and UVa Batten. I want to do environmental/climate policy, and I cast a fairly wide net! I've been accepted to Michigan, UCDenver, and Evans so far, with Berkeley as my top choice. I still feel like I'm a bubble candidate at Goldman, but the Evans + fellowship acceptance makes me think I might have a shot. We'll see!

What about you? 

Hey! I'm looking at specializing in International Development and Non-profit Management, & with a not so impressive undergrad GPA, so a little different with my school selection. I applied to SPA at American, UofT Austin LBJ School, UNC - Chapel Hill, Indiana University Bloomington and the Maxwell School. So far I've gotten acceptances from American and UW, with an interview at UNC. Maxwell would be my first choice if I was accepted but it also completely depends on where I get aid! 

It seems like with UW some more money may open up as prospective students decline their offers so I'm keeping my fingers crossed....

Best of luck with Goldman! 

[2018 Evans Applicants]

Also claiming an Evans acceptance! No fellowships

Out of curiosity, where else did everyone apply and what are your first choices?