Schools Applied To: Lbj, Indiana SPEA, Ohio State Glenn College, Mccourt
Schools Admitted to: LBJ (no funding), IU (tbd), Glenn ($$), Mccourt ($)
Schools Rejected From: none
Undergraduate institution: Top 50 US Uni
Undergraduate GPA: 3.49
Undergraduate Major: Econ and International Studies
GRE Quantitative Score: 156
GRE Verbal Score: 168
GRE AW Score: 4.5
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3
Years of Work Experience: 3 Describe Relevant Work Experience: During school, interned for a local nonprofit and at a Senator's office. After graduation, worked for 3 years at a transportation company witha few different roles, but spent a good chunk as an analyst. Also run a volunteer programs at our office. Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Because of my lower GPA and lack of experience in the public sector, I worked very hard on my SOP. I tried to connect the dots from my current situation (wanting a career change, ect) to the reasoning behind that and the relevant information in my work and in my academics/extracurriculars.
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): I had one prof recommend me (took three of his classes in UG, still in touch) and two of my bosses at my current company. I didn't read the lor from the prof but I did read the other two (they both sent them to me aa well as the colleges) and they were very nice and included real numbers, dates, ect
Other: I was incredibly conservative jn my school choices because I didn't think I stood a chance of admission. Now, I def wish I would've applied to more schools, esp more DC schools.
Decision: I am having a very difficult time deciding between the cheaper school (Glenn) and the dream school (Mccourt). I've visited both and fit wise, gtown is perfect, with the math focus and the location. But is it really worth the debt and high living expenses? OSU, with in state tuition, cost of living, and funding, is so affordable (like $4k in loans for 2 years affordable). Any insight into this dilemma would be greatly appreciated!