Program Applied To: Joint JD/MPP
Schools Applied To: Harvard Kennedy School (and a dozen law schools including HLS)
Schools Admitted To: Harvard Kennedy School
Schools Rejected From: N/A
Still Waiting: N/A
Decision: HKS (with $0 in merit or need-based financial aid)
Undergraduate institution: UVA
Undergraduate GPA: 3.6x
Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): don't know, maybe 3.8?
Undergraduate Major: Foreign Affairs
GRE Quantitative Score: 730
GRE Verbal Score: 640
GRE AW Score: 5.0
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 4
Years of Work Experience: 4 years full time experience + State Dept, Senate, and non profit internships
Describe Relevant Work Experience: Politically active in undergrad, four years of national security-related consulting
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): There wasn't a specific SOP required for Kennedy, but I think my application essays demonstrated that I had solid work experience doing something relatively unique and could contribute the perspective of both the public and private sectors. I applied as a joint degree student but I'm seriously thinking about abandoning the JD and just doing the MPP at Kennedy. Also, because I applied for the joint program they were willing to take my LSAT in place of the GRE, but I chose to take the GRE to show that I had quant ability despite my thin background in math and econ.
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): One former professor, one government supervisor/client, and one professor/supervisor who runs a research center very similar to Harvard's Institute of Politics. I think this last one made me a very strong candidate.
Other: Law school admissions is almost entirely numbers based; you can predict with some accuracy where a given LSAT and GPA combination will gain admittance. MPP/MPA programs are clearly not the same. While GPA and test scores are important, it seems that admissions committees are more interested in who you are, what you've done, and what you plan to do. They're trying to set up a diverse class and as such, there is no golden ticket. Be yourself and write a clear and compelling SOP or set of essays that shows them why you would be a fantastic addition to their class.
