planner2234

When looking at MUP program rankings, which do people consider valid? I strongly disagree with the "The Best Colleges" rankings, and the Planetizen rankings use information and data from 2016 which seems outdated at this point. I'm starting to wonder if any ranking is valid as these programs vary so greatly based on what you want to do.

I am also a graduating senior but with majors in economic and urban studies and a minor in architecture. I was admitted into Columbia’s GSAPP program (I only applied to Penn and Columbia, apparently this was Penn’s most competitive year). Additionally, I’ve worked 2 competitive internships in local government that dealt with planning and development. My test scores were okay— good verbal and writing, pretty terrible math. Furthermore, I submitted an architecture portfolio!

Has anyone here read the Planetizen 5th edition guide to planning programs? It’s leaving me a bit confused as it shows acceptance rates. What’s odd is some of the most well ranked schools have such high acceptance rates — Rutgers, Penn, USC, Columbia, NYU all having between 60-70% acceptance. It even showed Georgetown as having a 95% acceptance rate. While MIT, Harvard, and Berkeley are all roughly 20-30%. This almost makes me feel like I’ve accomplished very little getting into some of these programs ? these numbers were all from 2015 as well.

Thank you! This is helpful. When looking at NYU, I personal found the concentrations to be more policy focused than what I am interested in as I want to focus more on development of the built environment. However, I only applied to Penn and Columbia and was admitted into Columbia (very shocked about Penn as my current university has a strong relationship with them). I am coming directly out of undergrad loan free, and am debating going to Columbia now. I have wonderful undergraduate experience however I am struggling to find any opportunities in the field without a masters. The only ones available seem to be low paying internships. I am wondering if it’s best for me to bite the bullet now, get my masters, and get into the work force as soon as possible. Otherwise, I’m not sure if it’s worse financially for me to spend another year or two working low paying internships only for me to go and get my masters in a few years anyway.

Do you think this varies heavily with wanting to work more in the public sector versus the private sector? I noticed that NYU has listed where their alumni have been employed, with 95% or so being public organizations. Ive enjoyed my work with public organizations however I personally want to go into the private sector and work more with development as that is my personal experience I have enjoyed most. I also want to work with successful public/private partnerships. I am under the impression that Columbia may be best for maneuvering the private sector but again, I’m not sure.

I appreciate the advice! I know NYU and Columbia have a similar price tag, so I’m curious of the main benefits of one or the other aside from price. I know Columbia posted a list of where many of their alumni work, having most of the city agencies listed as well as many other private organizations in NYC— so I find it interesting that you were told NYU > Columbia. I will definitely look into it more!

I’ve had some people tell me that the alumni network at an ivy league may be worth the hefty price tag, especially if you plan to continue living in NYC. I personally really like the companies that their students have worked at after graduation so I think I’m going to go to the open house and make up my mind there

Accepted to Columbia, rejected from Penn. surprised by that as I had a letter of rec from penn alumni and my undergraduate university has a great relationship with them. What’s everyone’s thoughts on Columbia?