kreitz128

Thanks so much for your input. Glad to know that I seem diverse/unique in a way that could help. In response, A 1-2: No calculus or AP math in school or out. Only Stats, Poli Sci, and AP Gov in high school. Several research methods courses. There may have been aspects of econometrics in the field- quantitative time series analysis of program outcome data. A3: Noted Social policy vagueness, per posts above. Still hashing this out & have many ambitions. NOW: I want to practice social policy and program outcome evaluation to inform grantmaking and program development across areas of mental health and prevention of other illnesses (i.e. homelessness, poverty). I would love to develop policy for innovation -tech, internet and media cognizant of prevention in health/behavior/mental illness. My history in field demonstrates this. Still to vague? You would be the third person stressing importance of policy specificity. Do you think I could just I tailor specifically for schools? Struggling since Im interdisciplinary. A4: Yes to leadership. Led volunteers for 4 years, Led agency wide trainings in data, systems, tools & evaluation. Facilitates training for professional development in field (i.e panels, workshops, business meetings) B What parts should I highlight that touched policy best? courses? Ngo? C. 1-3: "If there are mitigating circumstances, you want to highlight it (but be honest)." I had a part time job 15-20+ hours since freshman yr and will need to factor in somehow. I had a major infection that made me bomb one of my written finals (not including). I also had a gap in employment due to surgery ( I will be noting). What recent facts do you have against Scharr? It was my safety. Would you be able to suggest a better safety? Thanks again for your help. I greatly appreciate it!

Applying to: MPPs: UChicago Harris, Duke Sanford, GW (MPP), GW (Phd Program Eval concentration), Berkeley Goldman, UCLA, UW (MPA), George Mason Schar, Claremont Graduate University (Program Evaluation) Undergrad Institution: Top ranked university in the US (sub IVY) Undergrad Major: Psychology and Social Ecology double major, certificate in Sustainability/environmental policy Years out of undergrad: 10 GPA: 3.0 GRE: 144 Q/ 153 V, 4.5 W, second time: 147 Q/149 V, 3.5 W, taking a third time, but probably not submitting. Quant Background: Statistics; quant analysis of program data and financial systems 2-3 years. Relevant Work Experience: During undergrad & after: 4 years as a research assistant at my university's policy lab where I collected and coded data, in part using various programming languages, and contributed to a published manuscript. Over 4 years jobs and internships with nonprofits, and 2 years as Data & eval Manager (extensive quant analysis), 1 Year as Data Analyst in HR (extensive system and programming tools) -Contributor to published book -Lead of evaluation nonprofit professional board (4 years) International experience: Nonprofit community development in Africa. (yet Im not really interested in IDEV) Strength of LOR: 3 ranging Decent to strong. One policy professor I took multiple courses with (Bs and Cs) plus research under him, one from Director of my department at nonprofit, and one from private research group (contract) research manager. I'm interested in Evaluation and impact analysis, consulting for nonprofits and social policy research. I will practice applied research, evaluation, and advance learning tool. I need social policy courses for advancing tech and behavioral health, for vulnerable populations (& poverty and family/children development), and education (interdisciplinary, but mostly social policy areas). Hope to remain as a generalist in Domestic policy, ideally in CA, and write/advocate policy in consumer protection, technological/info, applied behavioral health/psych areas, and early education <5. I realize I'm applying to competitive programs, given the nature of this cycle, and am worried about (1) low GPA; (2) no GRE; (3) basically no quant courses. Main concerns: How does my background in evaluation and lack of direct policy experience affect chances? What schools are best worth targeting for this? Will my work experience make up for gpa/coursework? Should I take more courses in spring like econometrics, econ stats, or calc? Thank you for any input and tips!

Hi all, Follow up question for alums from George Mason: what degree are programs focused on federal government?? I understand its assumed with DC but looking for balance in public/ngo sector career/state and local policy. Much appreciated!

Just to follow up: for Harris alumni what was your experience?? I thought it was interesting that this year i noticed the admissions staff did not respond to one of my emails. Then after another staff scheduled a meeting with me, she emailed me again to introduce herself. While its high season now, seems consistent to what was said up there, even 7 years later. Seems they may cast a wide net to fill such a big program, which would still be consistent with goals of cash cow. On the up side, they have reached out more than any school, and I'm on the west coast..

Based on what I understand MPP, you are on target, especially if you want to be an analyst of sorts for media, or report around anything policy related. I can definitely relate and have questions on this too. I want to work as consultant/aid applied researcher in NgO and program evaluation, not necessarily policy, yet I believe policy is a big factor in supporting the work I want to do, and manifests decisions between practice and theory. Im struggling with imposter syndrome (sounds like you may be too) since I don't want to directly work in politics, yet amongst applied research in social policy. Can I ask, how will you tie your goals in Journalism back to specific coursework in a Masters in public policy? Some admissions recommended I do this in my SOP. How do you plan to talk about your long term interests being a fit for the school? Are there any areas of policy work in the field that you plan to relate to, or will you remain as a generalist?

Hi, I recommend comparing core coursework & whats recently offered, and look at what faculty are doing/publishing/focusing on. I dont know enough about Yale's program to comment specifically. I would say they are generally different in that MPP is generally more analytical & quantitative than some IR pr public affairs programs. That said, there are still many MPPs that also may have more focused context area, such as International/global development policy, or offer the ability to take programs in other specific policy areas. If you are more interested in performing analysis across programs/policy, applying quantitative methods, then MPP programs or similar core establishes foundation for this. Yet some top MPA and MAs and related may also offer similar coursework and be considered analytical (resembling MPP) than other MAs or MSWs. Unfortunately theres no easy way! The Government affairs forum can be helpful in distinguishing programs fitted for specific career paths. Do you know what field do you want to work and what do you want to do?

Im only guessing as I have no background in admissions, just tons of experience-- YES it does matter. I imagine all public information should matter to competitive schools. Its better to not have one at all than have one that looks incomplete or shows a different picture. I would definitely include your research projects and roles, but more importantly submit a professional CV. I also recommend getting some volunteer experience, and listing volunteer roles, showing that you are involved in community, particularly relating to your subject if possible.

I will be taking it! Not sure if I will send my scores yet to the schools that are optional. I am under the impression I can choose where scores get sent after, and in some cases, and since my GPA is on the lower side (3.0) and I dont have many quant courses, I need a quant score that will show some capability of statistics and rigorous analysis for MPP coursework (both in the program and after).