usernamesmakemeanxious

1. You're correct. I'm in an MPP program and have to go above and beyond to get research experience. The program is meant to prepare you to be a policy analyst, consultant, or civil servant. I think it's a great degree if you're hoping to get a good public sector-y job. 2. Hey now!

Realizing the extent to which this was the WORST year to apply to PhD programs. I also only applied to two because I'm not willing to move my family...which is a bad plan in general...

I've only gotten a "thanks for your deposit." I'm sure more is to come

I agree with your sentiment about underestimating yourself for top tier programs! I wish I had found this site before I began the application process, because I would have digested how differently the grad school process is from undergrad. Though my peers/coworkers with graduate degrees told me it was easier to get into grad school than college, I didn't really believe them until I received some surprising acceptances. I truly thought I was only going to get into my safety school, but ended up getting in everywhere. Though, to be clear, I was not offered as much funding as others on here with stronger packages, the process proved to me that these programs really look at the whole person as opposed to stats and check boxes. Another factor that stopped me from applying to certain programs (namely, WWS, HKS and Goldman) was becoming overwhelmed by their application questions and admissions sites, which made me feel totally unqualified and like I didn't have enough time to finish the apps. I suspect that -- at least to some extent -- schools strategically exaggerate the process to weed people out. Ultimately, I don't regret my application decisions because I am extremely happy with the program I have chosen (Sanford). However, I do wish I hadn't been so self-deprecating about the process: it was simply untrue and unnecessary. My suggestions to future applicants are: 1) Go for the big ones! Why not?? The worst that could happen is you're rejected (and out $80 in app fees...) 2) Do NOT get attached to the ways in which top tier programs inflate themselves 2) Start your applications early so you feel confident 3) Knock out the daunting applications first You can do it!

Congrats!! Ford will be very lucky to have you!

Hi there! Congrats on your acceptances! While I can't help you with your career crisis, I can certainly empathize, as I was in your exact position 1.5 years out of college. It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to do and it was very stressful at times. You are already on a great track, though (I worked in retail for 3 years out of college, so kudos to you!). I am also interested in the same policy areas as you :). Regarding Goldman vs SIPA, I can speak to the quality of life question as I went to college in NYC and currently live in the Bay Area. Insanely enough, living in Berkeley will be more expensive than NYC. However expensive you anticipate the Bay to be, it is even more expensive than that! Berkeley is very urban and quite challenging to navigate (no parking EVER). However, there is a ton of nature and even more nature about 2 hours away; it is an exceedingly beautiful surrounding area. The area of NYC that Columbia is in is actually pretty peaceful for Manhattan and has some quality housing options, while Berkeley is experiencing a housing crisis. I know people who attend who have two other people in their bedroom. Another good thing about the Columbia neighborhood is that everything you need is in walking distance, so you might not feel the hustle and bustle as much as you'd expect from NYC. Maybe most importantly, though, if you are interested in racial justice, Berkeley will be an exciting community for you: there is a lot of campus activism and myriad nonprofits in the East Bay focused on civil rights. Hope this helps!

I applied! SPEA seems like a fantastic school and being in such a large research university is definitely a plus. I really like the midwest. My mom went to IU undergrad and LOVED it--granted, this was in the 70s. Negatives for me were: proximity to where I want to work after school and the fact that it was an MPA (I was really hoping for an MPP because my quant skills need a lot of help!).

See you in the fall Sanford!

No funding for me. Looks like I'm going to Duke, folks!

I’m in too! Show me the $. Lol. Congrats all.

Boo. We all better get accepted and lots 'o' $ as compensation for our patience

I hear you! Looks like Berkeley released their results, so this is particularly frustrating. Maybe they forgot???

Here's how they rank in different public affairs categories for 2019. Maybe you were looking at the public policy analysis category, in which case you are correct: they are not ranked in 2019. # 3 overall public affairs # 5 environmental policy / management # 1 health policy and management # 2 international global policy and admin # 5 public management and leadership # 2 social policy # 6 urban policy

Yes, we must remain optimistic! I think these schools try to give us ulcers before we even start class as some sort of Darwinian test...

Hi there, just received a 50% tuition funding offer...hope your admissions decisions come in soon!

The wait is making me a very ineffective employee.

Hey! I applied back in November and heard within 2-3 weeks, which was amazing. I still haven't heard about funding, but I suspect awards will come out this week. SPEA seems like a great school with interesting research opportunities. It is also significantly more affordable than some other programs. One downside for me is that IU is a very white campus, while some other schools have more diversity. Overall, I am a big fan and, depending on funding, may end up being my choice

Ugh! I hope so. Not feeling very patient these days

That's exciting! Our country is in desperate need of more arts advocates! I'm focused on social policy as well, specifically racial justice and poverty alleviation. I also want to lobby (although I usually say "advocate" because of the unsavory connotations with lobbyists)

To MPP admits: what policy field are you interested in specializing in? It seems like there are a lot of international affairs folks on these message boards. I am just curious!

AGREED

Same! Their website says mid to late March, but I would love for them to come sooner!

I saw that. After I posed the question on here I poked around their website. Expensive school! It is uncomfortable to think about all the potential debt when I will probably be working for nonprofits. Anyway! Thank you for your responses!!

That's amazing! And unusual for this field! Congrats again on your funding from Duke!!! Maybe I'll see you there in the fall