le_printemps_arrive

Hi thank you so much for your detailed response! Yes I think I should consider postponing my grad school plan and get more working experience instead. I think my journalism degree could potentially be an asset since I worked for a major US newspaper, like your friend did. Also took several political science classes. The major issue is my lack of quant classes & professional working experience related to policy. I'll try to work on that! Again, thank you very much for your advice!

Hi all, I’m new to this forum, and please let me know if this post is not in line with the rules or I’m posting under a wrong topic. Would be happy to chat with anyone! Long story short. I’m majoring in journalism as an undergrad now, but aiming to study MPP in the States. I have two NGO internship experiences. However, the biggest problem is that my quant background is very very weak. Have only taken Principle of Economics and Statistics for Economics during undergrad. Both aren’t very typical economics/math courses. Other relevant econ/math courses (eg. micro/macro/stat) will have time clashes with my core major courses next year (my senior year). Now, my friends are suggesting me to apply as a visiting student at some prestigious US universities for spring semester & take these quant courses. My concerns are: 1. It will cost around 30,000USD to take three/four quant courses online. I’m lucky that my family is very supportive of my master’s education, but blowing that extra 30k will probably be another financial burden. I don’t think if it’s worth it. 2. I will be a full-time intern (Mon-Fri, 9-6) and a full-time student at the same time. Maybe I can resign, but is it worth it? 3. How important is quant background in admission? I scored 167 in GRE, but all my friends got 170, and they keep telling me 167 isn’t enough / I haven’t taken enough quant courses. 4. Are there any other ways for me to make up my lack of quant background? I see that North Arizona University also opens winter/spring courses, but my friends say they are not “prestigious/good” enough to prove my quant ability. 5. Most importantly, what schools should I target during my application? Here’s some of my basic info: Applying to (considering): Columbia SIPA MPA, Chicago Harris MPP, Georgetown McCourt MPP, Berkeley Goldman MPP, Michigan Ford MPP; Johns Hopkins SAIS; Cornell MPA; UPenn MPA Undergraduate Institution: a local Asian university Current status: taking a gap year as a full-year intern at a UN agency, rising senior GPA: 3.85/4.0 Journalism GRE: 161V 167Q 4.5AW Quant Background: Principle of Economics and Statistics for Economics Relevant Work Experience: the UN internship now, intern at a local NGO before, intern at a big US newspaper (probably not that relevant) International experience: An exchange year in Europe. An internship in Australia.