Heard back from both of my schools last week. I figured I would add some data points to this forum, which was super helpful as I was waiting for a decision. Hopefully this helps anyone who also is applying to data analysis programs. I was concerned by how few programs there were for MPP data analysis and my chances of getting in with no work experience, but it all worked out!
Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPP Programs - Data Analytics / Data Science in Public Policy Tracks Schools Applied To: Georgetown McCourt MS DSPP and Carnegie Mellon Heinz MSPPM DA Schools Admitted To: Georgetown (20%) and Carnegie Mellon (50%) Schools Rejected From: N/A Still Waiting: N/A Undergraduate Institution: Public state school Undergraduate GPA: 3.94 Undergraduate Major: Business Analytics/Economics, Poli Sci Minor GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores: 162/162/4.5 Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 0 Years of Work Experience: Research position in undergrad and two internships Describe Relevant Work Experience: School year research position working with public sector clients, internship with state government, internship with association in DC (none in data analyst position) Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Talked about my desire to expand my data analysis skill set to public policy and highlighted my goals for the program. I related everything back to my work experience and thesis research, but no strong "why public policy" personal hook. I had several people read and edit my statement so I am confident it was well written. Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): Two academic and one professional. The two I read were strong, third was likely strong. Director of studies, thesis advisor, and research position supervisor. Other: I think I had a strong resume that indicated I had sustained interest in public policy and data analysis. I was concerned I did not have a super specific research interest area, but I think because data analysis is specialized it didn't matter as much as a pure MPP program.
Very happy I got scholarship money to both schools. I have heard that Georgetown will match offers from Carnegie, but I feel set on Carnegie Mellon so I am not going to ask Georgetown for more money.
