edu216

Hey everyone! I have been going back and forth for a couple of years over whether or not I should leave the workforce and go back to school, and have finally settled on returning to get my masters beginning in 2020. I obviously have some time to prepare, but I wanted to get your thoughts on my potential prospects and any advice you may have. I have settled on pivoting a little from the education world (at least in terms of direct work with students) and so I am interested in MPP programs, with a strong interest in Data Science/Analytics tracks as I would like to get into public policy around urban education or social policy utilizing data. Applying to: Harris MSCAPP, Heinz MSPPM (Data Analytics), Syracuse Maxwell MPA (Data Analytics), Duke Sanford, HKS Undergrad Institution: Large Public State School (top 50) Undergrad GPA: 3.5/3.8 Undergrad Major: Psychology and Biology, Neuroscience Concentration*; Was manager at a research lab for 2 years of undergrad, analyzing experiment data GRE: Haven’t taken yet** Age: Early 30s Work Experience: 10+ years 3 Years: Finance (Private Sector) - Small Family Business, worked with CFO 8 Years: Education - 4 Years Teaching Science (Teach for America) 4 Years Ed Administration (High-Performing Charter School Organization) – Coaching/Managing Teachers/Analyzing school/network data and coming up with action plans for improvement Sporadic consulting gigs with TFA Language: English and Spanish LORs: Principal (Direct Manager last 4 years) Senior Member (Direct Manager before Principal for 2 years) CEO of a fellowship I'm currently apart of SOP: Prepping it now. Focusing on my experience in urban ed for close to a decade and realizing I want to broaden my impact by utilizing my skills to change policy. I have worked with analyzing big data (student, teacher, school level) but not yet creating (coding for it). Thoughts: I'm worried about: *) I graduated undergrad so long ago, will this Major combo be a detriment to my app? I figure my work experience should be more important at this point but I could be wrong. **) I have been flipping through different threads on here but couldn't find a solid answer: what is the best program for me to use to prep for the GRE? Magoosh? I've seen many disparage using Kaplan but didn't want to just settle if someone knows other programs. Also, with the profile, would I need above 320 to have a chance? Am I aiming too high? Feedback appreciated!