talktothedude

I guess the better question was which programs put a higher emphasis on quant ability when reviewing applications? I'm actually not trying to avoid quant heavy programs as my main reason for applying to a masters program is to develop those skills. Although I work in my desired field, there is zero opportunity develop the skills to do much more substantial work. Ill continue to do more research. Thanks again for the help.

I really appreciate the thorough response. 1. Yeah definitely hoping to improve my GRE score, really wish it wouldn't be such a determining factor but I think I can pull out a good score. 2. That makes sense. I took AP Calc in high school which allowed me to avoid Math in college, didn't realize it was gonna bite me in the butt lol. I'm gonna definitely have to do better on the quant gre to show some ability. Thanks! 3. This is great insight. I was highly involved in college, so I have a ton of leadership experience I can draw from and demonstrate on my application/interviews. But yeah I didn't realized how large of a role that would play in my application/field. I guess I figured I was avoiding this by avoiding an MPA program. Definitely gives me something to think about. 4. West coast is not an issue for me. Like I said I definitely appreciate the response. Maybe someone already has a post, but besides individually looking at every program, is there a simple way to track down which programs are more quant heavy?

First time/long time lol Looking to apply for Fall 21 maybe Fall 22. I haven't dived to too deeply on grad programs yet, hence potentially waiting another cycle. Please if you have any schools to recommend that I left out based on my profile, I would greatly appreciate the help. Degree: MPP or MPA, I'm leaning towards an MPP, based on my skill set. Also I have a natural aversion to leadership roles. I have excelled in them but I don't like the position. Programs applying to: Berkeley Goldman (Dream, nay fantasy school. *insert Wayne Gretzky quote*), Columbia SIPA (Dream), USC - Price (one of the best fits, based on the research I have done), UCLA Luskin, NYU, GW, UT-LBJ, Georgetown (This site has offered good insight into this program, that has cooled me off on it.) Any other suggestion? Nationality: USAUndergraduate institution: State School, nothing too specialUndergraduate GPA: 3.49Undergraduate Major: International Studies (Poli-Sci focus) and SpanishGRE/GMAT: 162 V, 153 Q, Retaking it. I was too focused on verbal as strangely enough my first language was actually Spanish, so i neglected quant, plus i choked a bit tbh. Looking at 158+ which is where I was testing. I haven't received my AW yet but I felt like I killed them!Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3.5Years of Work Experience: 3, obviously 4 by the time I enroll.Describe Relevant Work Experience: The bulk of my work experience is from my current job working in my state's senate. I'm a policy advisor for the minority leader's office covering issues in Transportation, Local Government, and Government Oversight. While at Uni, I did an internship that was basically just grant writing. Also I worked for my local municipality's offices when I studied abroad in Spain, the job was mostly translating though. Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Not started. I've mostly been reading samples and some other helpful resources. I'm confident, I'll be fine.Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): Confident on the LOR from work. Not confident at all on my academic LOR. I have managed to get one from an old professor who taught my capstone course (basically one on one instruction), she is now the head of the program. But I have not stayed in touch at all. Any tips are welcome.Other: Did a semester abroad in Spain. As far as quant background, my program was not quant heavy whatsoever. I did ace Stats, Micro and Macro, and a Data in Public Policy course, but it was mostly playing around in SPSS. Thanks in advance for any help. I really do appreciate the insights from this forum.