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GradSchoolGrad

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  1. GradSchoolGrad
    1. Feel free to DM me. 2. I also looked at SAIS. Bottom line is that individually it is a very strong program and it has as strong alumni base + amazing offerings. Just be aware that they have a foreign language fluency requirement and that can be painful. Also, depending on what program you pick - some of them have rather intense math requirements or math intensive courses (more than McCourt). Don't remember which ones specifically, but something to think about it. I also had great experiences with every SAIS person thus far I have encountered. However, I personally choose it because me being me, I believe in being connected to a multi-disciplinary experience. SAIS is not part of the DC consortium, so you can't register in classes at other schools, and the Johns Hopkins main campus is in Baltimore. Logistically, I didn't see an opportunity for cross-discipline projects and learning. HOWEVER - in your case, my two cents are this 1. If you are heart is 100% in IDEV / international relations - SAIS seems like a good win especially since they have funding on the table. You are in DC, so you can get side internship / project experiences easy. (You don't want to be at Fletcher and wait for DC recruiting weeks and etc.) 2. If you want something with a broader range of career outcomes + a more diverse student body (in terms of both interests and background), Harris is the way go. I say this because I have seen so much students who come in really focused on IDEV and IR in an MPP program and realize midway that they care about another policy focus area, or they want to hit IDEV or IR in a way that takes into account another discipline (i.e. business innovation, legal stuff, data, and etc.)
  2. GradSchoolGrad
    So I think this comes down to academic chops vs. applied opportunities. McCourt DSPP, by virtue of being DC will give you great exposure to opportunities to work on applied problems. However, the reality is that Georgetown is not an elite math / data engineering academic space. If you want to get really crazy into advanced statistical methods and the cutting edge techniques and approaches, CMU and U. Chicago will be better at having those resources. You will still have access to lots of applied opportunities, but you simply won't have as much opportunity to find projects on your own with DC organizations.
  3. GradSchoolGrad
    I also personally wouldn't go to Fletcher. This is just a me thing, but the world is getting more multi-disciplinary and it really helps to do projects with and have access to people from other programs. Tufts simply doesn't have a law school, a business school, or etc. that would have meaningful collaboration for someone in Fletcher. Hypothetically, they are port of the consortium with Harvard and MIT, but being able to cross-register and actually collaborate with people in other programs are two very separate things. I know someone who went to Fletcher, who even took a class as Harvard Kennedy School, but she really was academically isolated from other disciplines just by virtue of logistics.
  4. GradSchoolGrad
    Bottom line, I would not go to McCourt MPP for IDEV. You might be in DC, but you really don't get much focused and concentrated support. The most celebrated IDEV MPP grad of my time therewent to a run of the mill IDEV research center as an analyst. The second became a contractor for the World Bank (not full time - contractor). The IDEV people I know in other schools ran their own non-profits or had legit innovation projects. That doesn't happen at McCourt MPP - period. Now McCourt MIDP or MSFS IDEV or SFS GHD at Georgetown are much better options for IDEV at Georgetown in my opinion.
  5. GradSchoolGrad
    Real talk. That second language + GPA requirement is actually no joke. I know people who were at SAIS who actually didn't see their wives for 2 years (except at night to sleep) because they were hiding in the library making sure they were sufficiently proficient + made GPA. The downside with that is taking all that time to do that takes away time from networking. As for the Ford school - ya there strength is domestic policy, not so much international. I have actually never met any Ford person who was international focused (I am sure they are out there). So I think to spell out your options. SAIS - best fit but moderate risk + high work load pressures MIDP - path of least resistance but concerns about program size + network + narrow focus SIPA - honestly... depending on finances, this might not be a bad option. If hypothetically they match finances to SAIS / MIDP + you are married so probably don't care too too much about robust grad school community. Ford School - I view this as opportunity to get a broad general MPP education, but not really be in an international development community per se (at least a big one + powerful one). HOWEVER! I mean there is something to be said about just staying sane (avoiding SAIS pressures).
  6. GradSchoolGrad
    I looked into SIPA (granted this was like 3 years ago), and a friend who used to work at SIPA actually pulled me aside and told me not to go. I was really big on grad school community and the reality with SIPA (and Wagner for all those that are interested) is that a lot of people have their own New York City life and the community stuff really gets watered down.
  7. GradSchoolGrad
    So I think there are two things to think about. 1. What you want to do: Based off that I would say you are in equal position between SAIS and MIDP, and at the end of the day it all comes down to networking. From a networking perspective, Georgetown might be the bigger mafia in town, but SFS (not McCourt) has the better name recognition. That being said, SAIS then takes the cake for job opportunities. One thing I will say is that McCourt in general isn't really that good at accommodating those that have families or are married. You would have more people in SAIS that you would be in your shoes you can relate to just by sheer number of people in the program. 2. What you think you will want to do: I like the MIDP program and the program manager a lot, but the reality is that it is rather narrow topic + a data focus. If you are 100% sure that you want to have a data focused job (and not just a data management job) in development, this is perfect for you. If you might think you may change to do other things or focus on development or international relations in an alternative way beyond just data, then SAIS gives you more flexiblity. 3. Totally agree that if you get into Princeton, you should take it. 4. Don't count yourself out about getting money from HKS - you never know!
  8. GradSchoolGrad
    They might change their posture based upon how many people take or don't take their offers. So basically negotiate over time. You might luck out. Unless things changed, TAing was just salary, not scholarship for McCourt.
  9. GradSchoolGrad
    What are you trying to do with your future career? If you are a person that likes to be independent, know your career interests, and you have a good idea on how to pursue your career interests aggressively on your own, McCourt would work okay for you. If you are someone who cares a lot about having a strong student culture and a collaborative community + need support to figure out what your career interests, UVA would be a better fit. I actually have friends that went to Batten and compared notes. The programs are actually decently different! Happy to talk more on direct message.
  10. GradSchoolGrad
    MSFS is just insanely hard to get into because the competition is so stiff. I know people who got into top 20 MBAs, but didn't get into MSFS. I personally know people that got into McCourt with LSAT (you just have to be up front with them and ask for an exception). I am assuming they haven't changed the policy in the past 3 years. HOWEVER... my recommendation is to not go to McCourt if you are interested in international relations, unless you are really focused on program analysis (with a data focus) or international development from a bit of data based program analysis / management perspective. Feel free to DM me to explain more.
  11. GradSchoolGrad
    If you are interested in foreign relations (outside of international development program analytics and data based management) or anything international relations focused that isn't program analysis specific, McCourt MPP is not the school for you. Due to the high requirement for data analytics core classes, there are limited opportunities for electives. Although hypothetically you can take electives elsewhere, cross registration only allows you to get classes that are either A: reserved for outside of the program (usually one or two per class) or B: leftovers. So basically, good luck taking the classes that are in demand. Sounds like you would be best off doing Georgetown SFS (Security Studies) - if you are totally cool with just interning a lot on the side / working part time for your career interests. I will say, I do admire how UVA really has an awesome student culture and has a more holistically focused program. However, from a professional perspective, there is a lot to be said about the Georgetown mafia in all things government in DC.
  12. GradSchoolGrad
    Emphasis on "renewable". You basically have to maintain above a 3.0 GPA and be in good standing, which generally isn't too difficult. That being said, about 2 to 3 people fail out / transfer / or quit the program every year.
  13. GradSchoolGrad
    I also think you are in a tough spot, and you are gambling no matter what. I think this is what you have to gamble between. 1. Going into a STEM field where you are in demand (and easier to work authorization), but it is still a new program trying to figure itself out. You'll also be in a city whereby there will be lots of other international students to connect with (beyond Georgetown). 2. Going to honestly a much better professional environment that can truly empower you, BUT you are going in a program that granted is the most prestigious A: At the end of the day doesn't truly distinguish you that much from the pack (lots of MPPs out there given demand) and B: and you will be in Syracuse, New York.
  14. GradSchoolGrad
    You might want to read this https://www.yelp.com/biz/mccourt-school-of-public-policy-washington?osq=mccourt+school
  15. GradSchoolGrad
    I recommend you think really hard before taking the McCourt MPP acceptance!!! Happy to talk more about it.
  16. GradSchoolGrad
    Because it is in Syracuse, New York... location location location
  17. GradSchoolGrad
    So I am McCourt MPP grad and I will give you an outsider looking in perspective having worked on projects with both GHD and MIDP people. 1. As a key program difference, I would broadly say: A: MIDP is a more overall data analytics intensive program in comparison with GHD (granted GHD has a lot of data analysis as well) B: GHD takes a more holistic approach to international development 2. Personally speaking, I find MIDP students / graduates to be more narrowly tailored towards a target set of skills and or interests and I find GHD folks to be more dynamically multi-disciplinary in terms of they engage projects. 3. I find GHD people to be generally more professionally well rounded and armed with a problem solving mentality. I was on this Asia focused female healthcare project and it was very interesting the different approaches the people from each program took. The MIDP people were trying to align the problem with to similar problems they already knew and look for repeatable solutions. The GHD folks took a approach of considering creative solutions that comprehensively thought through strategy and implementation challenges. 4. I also found that the GHD folks seemed to have a lot more community bonding and social activities within their program. Bottom line, I would drink a beer with GHD folks and hire them for coordinating and managing international development hands on work. I would probably like an MIDP person to do pure data analytics and maybe write a research paper for an international development project. BUT... also... last I heard GHD and MIDP were attempting to merge as "joint program". Not sure how far that has gone.
  18. GradSchoolGrad
    Chances are that you will probably get into McCourt with funding, but I would take Harris acceptance assuming your interest is international development. At the end of the day know one really cares if you are an MPP or MAIDP. They just know you are a grad student from a really esteemed institution.
  19. GradSchoolGrad
    Hopefully, someone in the MIDP program or recent alum can give better insight. Until then I'll provide some as someone from a sister program. 1. Unlike MPP, I found nearly every MIDP program student to be very focused and generally aware of what they were interested in and had some sort of a vision of how they wanted to shape development. This naturally comes with the territory of a very focused program. I also found the average MIDP student to be generally more impressive than the average MPP student (totally subjective - but putting my two cents out there). 2. The program is also really small. I don't think it has ever been bigger than 20 something per year, and has been at the teens before. Natural pros and cons come with that. I will say that by nature of the topic, it had much more diverse international student population than MPP, taking into account program size and etc. 3. I really liked the program manager - Dr. Franck Wiebe as a professor. Most people I knew were decent fans of him, but many also have noted that they he has a particular brand of international development that he likes his students to subscribe to. 4. MIDP is very quant focused 5. One thing to note is that MIDP is merging or attempting to merge with the School of Foreign Services' Global Health and Development. I view it as generally positive thing. I'm sure people can debate the pros and cons about it in detail.
  20. GradSchoolGrad
    The MS-DSPP is a new program and it is a joint program owned by the McCourt school but in partnership with the Data Analytics program. Generally speaking, the people I know from there have had a good experience too. However, they have the benefits of being in a really high demand field and in IMO, more innovative + in tune with real world program managers. As to the MPP, here is a good review that sums up a lot: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mccourt-school-of-public-policy-washington?osq=mccourt+school Bottom Line - you learn good skills and have great exposure. However, the culture is pretty terrible. This isn't a place where you peers push you to be stronger and help you do great things. This is place where people settle and become okay with being "good enough", however each person defines it. There is a reason why I don't push my company to hire from MPP grads, but will gladly go to bat for a Georgetown Undergrad or SFS grad.
  21. GradSchoolGrad
    Yes, McCourt has some notable strengths, but there are lots and lots of down sides too. I recommend you weigh them carefully and read the reviews of current / recent students (who are speaking honestly about it).
  22. GradSchoolGrad
    You will likely get money from McCourt (probably around 15K or so). I still recommend you go to Johns Hopkins SAIS - especially if you are interested in foreign affairs or anything remotely international.
  23. GradSchoolGrad
    I totally second what went_away says! Take advantage of the strong hiring market and get an amazing job experience after graduation. Then decide if you want to do grad school or not later. Even within grad school, the disparity between those who got great jobs and those that got terrible jobs (or none) was strong correlated with work experience (or lack there of).
  24. GradSchoolGrad
    MPPHopeful101, It is great that you are thinking about your life after graduation and tying it to your course work. I want to highlight that it is next to impossible to go to Harvard HKS for an MPP straight from undergrad unless you are a sponsored applicant - i.e. government, foreign government, or NGO sponsored individual (my sister was one of them - sponsored by the Navy). Most people have approx at least 2 years work experience. As the world is getting more data driven, I do recommend you begin taking quant and econ (math heavy) courses in general. If you are considering being in the international relations / government field, there are many grad school routes. One interesting option is to do a 1 year grad degree in the UK (Oxford has a steller MPP program) or a masters Degree in Oxford or Cambridge. I also knew a lot of people who went to London School of Economics. These programs are cheaper (1 year vs. 2) and gives you much more flexibility to design towards your specific interests. It is still good to go in with quant skills, but you don't need to go as hard on it compared to if you were paring for HKS 5 to 6 years down the road. I would recommend strongly against McCourt unless you want to focus on a data heavy job afterwards. Honestly, its global reputation simply isn't there, the programming falls short of its competition, and it is kind of behind in tapping into the future of policy - as much as it tries. Being a grad from Georgetown Undergrad, you can do much better. MSFS is a good option, but that is super competitive (being the best program of its type). Hope this helps!
  25. GradSchoolGrad
    As long you can show quant experience, you'll be fine. I will recommend against McCourt though if you want to do things that are sustainability oriented. Aside from a troubling student culture, by virtue of Georgetown not having an environmental science program / engineering school / sustainability focus, it won't really sling shot you many places. The McCourt Energy and Environmental club is huge - and they can help you with networking - but not much beyond that.
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