CYP07

Got rejected for the MPP Program... Congrats to all who got accepted! I am genuinely happy and a tad envious! For those who would be going to HKS, please make the most of this amazing opportunity, and I hope you all success in your studies! I guess now I have to decide between SIPA and SAIS or maybe opt to reapply for the Fall 2022 cycle. Congrats again y'all!

I'm on the same boat as well. I received limited funding for SAIS but no word on funding for SIPA as of yet. I have always thought of SIPA as the more well known school in terms of IR. Now is the hard part of weighing my options and finding external funding

Really appreciate the insight! It kind of sucks that I have to convey my language and academic ability through a standardized measure, but of course, admissions officers need a baseline while reviewing hundreds if not thousands of applications. It has always been a dilemma of mine as a TCK because my primary language is English while my mother tongue is Korean. I am more comfortable with using English in an academic or business setting than the other two languages I use. Fortunately, most universities are waiving the language requirement since my undergrad was done in English. While I was planning to use WES for my transcripts, sending of documents abroad is unlikely as my university registrar is working bare bones. I think the GRE would be the greatest hurdle in my application since working as a front line worker for the COVID means I'm working round the clock with not much time to spare. I haven't been able to take the time to properly study for the test. I do hope that the optional GRE scores would be a blessing in disguise. It's funny how you've mentioned that I'm from a more unique country. I've received quite some emails from admissions officers/directors -- not those generic emails from generic email addresses, saying that they were shocked or amazed to see a Korean in their prospective list of applicants noting that they haven't had much representation of South Koreans in their student body and are hoping to see more Koreans in their program. I am hoping that this would somehow translate to a more positive review of my application.

Hi, thanks for this. I have yet to take my GRE but I'm looking at around 165/165. Since most programs has waived the GRE requirement, I am unsure whether to send in scores if they are not exactly a strong aspect of my application. My quantitative skills during undergrad is limited to engineering and architectural math. Mostly physics related mathematics rather than economics. I had one semester of Economics, Taxation and Agrarian Reform -- which included an introductory course into both macro and microeconomics. I am looking to taking separate courses in economics to fulfill certain requirements by some schools. My goals for getting the degree is to work in multilateral organizations and eventually become a foreign service officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in my country. I am looking to focus on diplomacy and global security given my background in the military -- hoping to focus my study on North Korean affairs. Though it seems that a degree in international affairs might be the best option, I am also leaning towards an MPA or MPP due to the quantitative and analytical nature of the program. With the long term goal of entering the foreign service, I think it would be beneficial to have a deeper background in policy analysis. Though I have heard about Georgetown's MSFS program as being one of the top ranking foreign service programs, as an international student, I am not sure if Washington DC would be as beneficial. Because I have the intent of joining international organizations such as the UN, New York seems more appealing to me -- especially looking at NYU's dual degree in International Relations and Wagner's MPA. One major factor I look to when choosing schools would be the networking opportunities and the alumni network. Other factors I look into is the name and the prestige since as an international student, it carries more weight than it should.

Hi! I'm currently a prospective student looking to apply for Fall 2021 I've always wanted to take my graduate studies in the States, though I am not sure if I am competitive enough to apply. Would appreciate any thoughts or comments! Schools/Programs Applying To: MPP/MPA or IR programs. Current options are HKS, Yale Jackson, Stanford Ford Dorsey, SAIS, SIPA, Georgetown MSFS, Brown Watson, Duke Sanford and NYU WagnerUndergraduate institution: Top 3 university in the Philippines. Top ranking university for my undergrad programUndergraduate GPA: 3.7Undergraduate Major: Architecture (5 year program)GRE: Not taken yet. Probably my greatest weakness as I dont fare so well with standardized testsYears Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 2Years of Work Experience: 2 Describe Relevant Work Experience: Worked around a year as an English teacher/coordinator in an English academy in Korea. Currently serving in the Korean Army as a Sergeant, Head Liaison of a Nationwide Military Task Force and currently a front-line interpreting officer for COVID-19 Emergency Response Team Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Probably would talk mostly about my experience growing up as a TCK(Third Culture Kid) and how it helped broaden my perspective on international affairs. Other points on my SOP include policy making related experiences and things I've gained by working with international foundations and various NGOs. Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): Academic LOR - 1 from undergrad thesis adviser, 1 from Assistant Dean/ Professional LOR - 2 from my Commanding Officers in the army Other notable experience: - Multilingual - Korean, English, Filipino (Tagalog) - Student government during university for 5 years (Director of ** Committee, Executive Associate to the President etc.) - VP for International Affairs at a central student organization - Campus Director for an international foundation - Model UN - Youth Ambassador to the Youth Assembly at the UN - Executive Director of partnership organizations with top US universities, and international NGOs - Campus Head of a multilateral organization - Headed the university delegation to various international conferences

Hi! I'm currently a prospective student looking to apply for Fall 2021 I've always wanted to take my graduate studies in the States, though I am not sure if I am competitive enough to apply. Would appreciate any thoughts or comments! Schools/Programs Applying To: MPP/MPA or IR programs. Current options are HKS, Yale Jackson, Stanford Ford Dorsey, SAIS, SIPA, Georgetown MSFS, Brown Watson, Duke Sanford and NYU WagnerUndergraduate institution: Top 3 university in the Philippines. Top ranking university for my undergrad programUndergraduate GPA: 3.7Undergraduate Major: Architecture (5 year program)GRE: Not taken yet. Probably my greatest weakness as I dont fare so well with standardized testsYears Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 2Years of Work Experience: 2 Describe Relevant Work Experience: Worked around a year as an English teacher/coordinator in an English academy in Korea. Currently serving in the Korean Army as a Sergeant, Head Liaison of a Nationwide Military Task Force and currently a front-line interpreting officer for COVID-19 Emergency Response Team Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Probably would talk mostly about my experience growing up as a TCK(Third Culture Kid) and how it helped broaden my perspective on international affairs. Other points on my SOP include policy making related experiences and things I've gained by working with international foundations and various NGOs. Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): Academic LOR - 1 from undergrad thesis adviser, 1 from Assistant Dean/ Professional LOR - 2 from my Commanding Officers in the army Other notable experience: - Multilingual - Korean, English, Filipino (Tagalog) - Student government during university for 5 years (Director of ** Committee, Executive Associate to the President etc.) - VP for International Affairs at a central student organization - Campus Director for an international foundation - Model UN - Youth Ambassador to the Youth Assembly at the UN - Executive Director of partnership organizations with top US universities, and international NGOs - Campus Head of a multilateral organization - Headed the university delegation to various international conferences