mmac06

Hi everyone, I'm happy (and amazed) to report that I was recently accepted to the Kennedy School MPP program. I have not received financial aid from them yet (not until April 1). I'm also waiting to hear from U of Chicago's Harris School (should hear in the next week or two). I was wondering if anyone is able to compare the two programs with regard to (1) International development policy and (2) Environmental policy. Much of my previous experience is related to international development, which I obviously highlighted in my applications. However, my interests have shifted somewhat in recent years to in environmental policy, although I have less experience in this field. I am currently living and working in Chicago and can see myself returning to the area after graduation. I'm particularly interested in working in the non-profit/NGO sector, but am open to working in the public sector as well. Although it's certainly not a give that I'll be admitted to Harris, I'm already stressing about the "What if..." scenario. Any insights or advice would be MUCH appreciated!

Thanks for your response. I have seen much of her informal writing (emails, etc.), but not much as far as formal writing (formal letters, etc.). She moved to the US in her early twenties. I would say that she speaks and writes (from what I have seen) with about an 80-85% accuracy rate. P.S. I apologize if my critique of her English came across as offensive. Believe me, she is a very capable and intelligent person and I respect her very much as a friend and co-worker. Still, I know how competitive some of these application processes can be so I wanted to get other people's opinions.

Hello, I am three years out of undergrad and am applying to fairly competitive MPP (Public Policy) programs. I plan on tailoring my applications for a specialization in International Development. I am also fairly interested in Environmental Public Policy, but I have much more experience in International Development. I figure I can change specializations once I'm accepted if I decide that International Development is not for me. At any rate, I have already requested two letters of recommendation. One is from the directors of a study abroad program I did in El Salvador. I know the directors quite well on a personal and academic level, and know they will do a great job. I also requested a letter from an undergrad professor who taught a class on social justice. We did a lot of service projects and discussed global issues often. He also knows me quite well on a personal level. I wanted to get your advice for my third letter. My options are: 1. An Anthropology professor of mine from undergrad. I did very well in her classes, and she knows me well personally. She knows about my interests in International Development and some of the work that I have done abroad. She is very intelligent and dependable and would write a great letter. 2. My boss of one and a half years (when I was a bilingual case worker at Catholic Charities after undergrad graduation). She knows me on a personal level and has seen my dedication to my clients. I did a lot of great program development during my time at Catholic Charities and worked primarily with Latino immigrants (ties into International Development). Although she has been living in the US for 20+ years and speaks English very well, she is not a native speaker. I am nervous that, although she would write a great letter, there may be some small mistakes in her grammar. Also, she has not written as many LORs as my anthro professor as she is not in academia. Still, I thought it might be good to diversify my letters (academic as well as employment). Do you have any suggestions or advice? Could I offer to proofread my boss's letter?? Any insights would be most appreciated. Thanks!