pinkizzys

Coming from: a year out of undergrad at UCLA, spent working on campaigns and interning at public offices in the SoCal/greater Los Angeles area Deciding between: UCLA Luskin (waiting on funding), UCSD GPS (full ride + stipend), Georgetown McCourt (20k), GWU Trachtenberg (0), Michigan Ford (0) ((still in process of negotiating funding)) Other Factors: currently have a paid internship in Downtown LA area that I can continue as a student at Luskin. but also as someone who grew up from birth in the LA area, moving to DC would be a worthwhile experience for me Leaning: UCLA. I can continue expanding existing networks, relationships with professors, and my job. My main hesitancy is how much less opportunities I'll have for working in DC/for the State as a Luskin grad versus as a McCourt grad - BUT I intend on interning in DC during the program's summer interim. Also very, very tempted by UCSD's generous offer, but taking a risk on their alumni networks/career services when I am already familiar with UCLA is hard. Also for context, I intend to complete my MPP with a concentration (formal or not) on health policy, specifically relating to U.S. racial/ethnic disparities when it comes to healthcare access and services. Academically, my favorite courses have always been related to ethnic studies, whether from a historical or genetic perspective. I want an MPP program where I can expand on those studies AND equip myself with much-needed quantitative training. And from my work experience, I want a politically active student body that engages with local issues. I also intend on interning during my studies at legislative office/s and heavily networking among political circles, as I hope to go into a career as a policy analyst for specific parties/candidates OR for local government offices (county, state). With this in mind, will a degree from Luskin be enough to make myself stand out, especially as a young professional with relatively little experience? Or would taking on $$$ in debt at McCourt/GWU be worth it? Alternatively, is GPS the answer and I am overthinking things?

Heard back from Luskin earlier today through email - nominated for admission! I did my undergrad at UCLA, and the thought of returning to campus is actually exciting. Now just hoping the best for funding/aid info, to be released in the next few weeks.

Wasn't included in any email (so far) but looks like their open houses will be on 3/28 and 4/5 - the tentative schedules are on their website. I'm so sad GU and GW have their Los Angeles admitted student dinners on the SAME NIGHT. Edit: looks like scholarships are renewable for the second year! According to the website, "Scholarships awarded for the first year of study are renewable at the same amount for the second year of study contingent on satisfactory academic progress." And according to previous years' forums, it'll be a GPA requirement of 3.0+.

Admitted to MPP! Also with no funding. Trachtenberg is my top choice program, so I definitely still want to visit on Accepted Students Day. But I live all the way in the L.A. area and it doesn't sound like they cover any travel expenses. Hope to hear back from McCourt soon to decide travel plans now.