2020applicant...

I also just got my admit to mscapp and have done a fair amount of research on data science oriented policy programs. I would offer the following:
- I emailed the USC public policy data science program a few months ago about the funding options in the program and they informed me that the aid options are very limited - they don't offer deans merit (a major funding source that MPP applicants have access to). This raised a red flag for me. Also, the curriculum itself seems pretty similar to the MSCAPP, but it's also only 1.5 years, rather than 2 like the MSCAPP.
- I also looked a lot into schools of Information, especially Berkeley's MISM program, where the program's focus is much more on data science and design, but they offer a policy concentration. These may appeal to you as well.
Best of luck

Hi, I thought I would give my 2 cents as I was admitted to and did a lot of research into the CMU, U of Chicago, and USC programs you listed.
- MSCAPP: I was really impressed with their events and they seem to probably be the best program for getting computational/engineering opportunities IMO, with solid elective access in the computer science department, a cohort that includes people who go into software engineering and comp-sci phds, and the ability to test out of a lot of the intro classes if you come in with existing computer science skills. But it's an expensive program.
- CMU MSPPM-DA: I think the coursework looked really interesting, but I got the impression that there was more a push to teach data analysis rather than computer science (which seemed to be the focus at MSCAPP). This makes sense, the CMU program is a joint offering between Policy and Information Systems, whereas MSCAPP is between Policy and pure Computer Science. I liked that they also allowed you to test out of intro courses. Pretty generous on aid.
- USC MPPDS: The curriculum looked too rushed/limited to me, and overlaps too much with free MOOCs.
Other things:
- Some of these data science/public policy programs really focus on teaching programming, which is unfortunate if you already have competencies in any Object Oriented language. At the end of the day I ended up electing to go to a well regarded straight MPP program with no direct programming/software engineering coursework written into the program but extensive elective access in comp-sci rather than going with one of the structured data science/public policy degrees.
- There are some cool "applied stats with a focus on social science research" degrees out there that you might also look into, depending on what specific skills you are seeking to build.

Hi, I thought I would give my 2 cents as I was admitted to and did a lot of research into the CMU, U of Chicago, and USC programs you listed.
- MSCAPP: I was really impressed with their events and they seem to probably be the best program for getting computational/engineering opportunities IMO, with solid elective access in the computer science department, a cohort that includes people who go into software engineering and comp-sci phds, and the ability to test out of a lot of the intro classes if you come in with existing computer science skills. But it's an expensive program.
- CMU MSPPM-DA: I think the coursework looked really interesting, but I got the impression that there was more a push to teach data analysis rather than computer science (which seemed to be the focus at MSCAPP). This makes sense, the CMU program is a joint offering between Policy and Information Systems, whereas MSCAPP is between Policy and pure Computer Science. I liked that they also allowed you to test out of intro courses. Pretty generous on aid.
- USC MPPDS: The curriculum looked too rushed/limited to me, and overlaps too much with free MOOCs.
Other things:
- Some of these data science/public policy programs really focus on teaching programming, which is unfortunate if you already have competencies in any Object Oriented language. At the end of the day I ended up electing to go to a well regarded straight MPP program with no direct programming/software engineering coursework written into the program but extensive elective access in comp-sci rather than going with one of the structured data science/public policy degrees.
- There are some cool "applied stats with a focus on social science research" degrees out there that you might also look into, depending on what specific skills you are seeking to build.

@GradSchoolGrad Dude, did anyone ask you for your hot take? Seriously, you are insufferable. To the point that I literally made this account just to respond to this post. 
I have seen a couple of your posts, and I just want to make it clear to you (and every other person looking at grad schools) YOU DO NOT KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT ALL SCHOOLS. Neither do you know everything about all industries. 
When I was looking at grad school this forum was a useful resource to share tips among applicants. Now you are transforming it into your own personal fiefdom where you pass off your hot takes on various schools as credible advice for prospective students. 
@literally everyone else on here --> PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: do your own research and do not listen to this guy shouting down at you from his self perceived ivory tower. 

Updated as of April 16!
Final decision: UM Ford MPP
Thoughts: This was SUCH a tough decision. In the end it came down to Ford vs. Batten. I was so impressed with the Batten admissions team. They were genuinely helpful and transparent. For a while I really thought I was going to UVA. I ended up getting a cool offer from Ford that I wasn't expecting. Despite how much I liked the Batten admissions team, there was no denying the simple fact that I would have more opportunity at Ford. Michigan's program is more established and, as someone who loves social policy, who would say no to the top social policy school? Not I. 
Having gotten into all of the programs I applied to with some funding, I am still a little surprised in that I didn't think I was that competitive. All of the schools mentioned in their webinars that their applications were up a crazy number this year, too, so it was a nice vote of confidence I suppose. I didn't apply to some ~top tier schools~ simply because I didn't take the GRE and they were still requiring the GRE during the pandemic (annoying).
That said, maybe I should have and maybe you should, too! Apply to whatever you think is not within your reach, because it probably is! Don't let impostor syndrome or reading posts on gradcafe get to you. This forum has been massively helpful over the last few months and, like so many others, I am indebted. Feel free to reach out if you need advice on application season!!! Side note - had absolutely zero luck negotiating, but glad I did it anyway.

Update on my end. I turned down UCSD to go to UCLA's program since it was a better fit for me. I got a decent financial aid offer from UCSD, so I hope that since I turned that down that means that some of you will be able to get some extra funding come April 15th. I wish you guys the absolute best of luck. I know some of you really want to go to UCSD and a lot of you in here got in. Wish you guys all the best!! 

Long time lurker, finally heard back from all of my schools and I am happy to contribute for future generations!
Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): American SPA (MPA), George Washington Trachtenberg (MPA), Harvard Kennedy (MPP), Princeton SPIA (MPA), University of Denver Korbel (MPP), Columbia SIPA (MPA)
Schools Admitted To:  American ($$$), GWU ($$), Columbia ($$), University of Denver ($$)
Schools Rejected From: HKS and Princeton 
Still Waiting:  N/A
Undergraduate Institution:  Top 20 U.S. university
Undergraduate GPA: 3.75
Undergraduate Major:  International development studies and gender studies 
GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores:  155/163/5
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable):  4 
Years of Work Experience:  4 by start of program
Describe Relevant Work Experience:  4 years of progressive experience at an international development organization in Washington, DC. I have been able to touch all components of program management (budget, communications, stakeholder engagement, etc.) on major U.S. government funded development projects. I manage multiple employees, involved myself in numerous organization wide initiatives, and traveled to the field multiple times. I think my work experience was the strongest part of my application.  
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc):  I spent many months working on my essays and had them reviewed by numerous friends and colleagues. In the end, I think they were very strong and effectively conveyed where I have been and where I want to go, and how the degree will help get me there. I think they really represented me and I was overall very happy with them. 
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): I had a letter of rec from my supervisor of three years, which I am sure was very strong. My second was from a professor from undergrad who I took three classes with. I didn't keep in touch with him, but did have two calls to go over why I was applying. I'm less confident in his letter. My third was from my Project Director, who knows my professional work well.  
Other: I was pleasantly surprised to get admitted into SIPA with funding and suspect my low GRE quant made me less competitive for HKS (and SPIA, though I had little to no hope there). I found studying for and taking the GRE during the pandemic extremely difficult, and simply could not make myself to take it again. Overall, I'm excited about all of the schools I was admitted to and looking forward to starting in the fall! I found GradCafe to be helpful, though sometimes a bit toxic

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPP, MSCAPP, QMSS, MS, MPA, MA
Schools Applied To: I got fee waivers so I was a bit excessive. Stanford GSE (MS Education Data Science), Princeton SPIA (MPA), Yale Jackson (MA), Berkeley Goldman (MPP), Chicago Harris (MSCAPP), UCLA Luskin (MPP), UCSD GPS (MPP), USC Price/Viterbi (MS Public Policy & Data Science), Columbia GSAS (QMSS), Carnegie Mellon Heinz (MSPPM-DA), NYU Steinhardt (MS Applied Statistics for Social Science Research)
Schools Admitted To (ordered cheapest to most expensive): UCSD MPP (100% + stipend/health insurance), NYU MS Applied Stats (50%), Carnegie Mellon MSPPM-DA (60%), UCLA MPP (in-state), Berkeley MPP (in-state), Harris MSCAPP (30%), Columbia QMSS (0%), USC MSPP&DS (0%)
Schools Rejected From: Yale MA (Waitlist), Princeton MPA, Stanford MS
Still Waiting: n/a
Undergraduate Institution: A highly ranked U.S. public school 
Undergraduate GPA: 3.3
Undergraduate Major: basically Poli Sci. Took stat1, econ1 in college, took a couple computer sci courses post-college
GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores: 158Q, 164V, 5.5AW (took it in 2017)
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): ~5 years as of now
Years of Work Experience: ~5 years full time as of now
Describe Relevant Work Experience: 1.5 years tutoring at a small domestic nonprofit, 2.25 years in Peace Corps, 1 year in evaluation at a large domestic nonprofit
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I had enough relevant work experience to tie my stated interests to professional anecdotes
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): I didn't read them. Peace Corps Post Senior Staff/Current Supervisor/Seminar Professor from undergrad
Other: I want to contribute my info for posterity, but with this post I'll add a note @ future applicants: please don't limit yourself based on what folks on this forum (including me) say. Take your time on your app process and aim higher than you think you should - there's always an element of randomness to this stuff.

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPP, MSCAPP, QMSS, MS, MPA, MA
Schools Applied To: I got fee waivers so I was a bit excessive. Stanford GSE (MS Education Data Science), Princeton SPIA (MPA), Yale Jackson (MA), Berkeley Goldman (MPP), Chicago Harris (MSCAPP), UCLA Luskin (MPP), UCSD GPS (MPP), USC Price/Viterbi (MS Public Policy & Data Science), Columbia GSAS (QMSS), Carnegie Mellon Heinz (MSPPM-DA), NYU Steinhardt (MS Applied Statistics for Social Science Research)
Schools Admitted To (ordered cheapest to most expensive): UCSD MPP (100% + stipend/health insurance), NYU MS Applied Stats (50%), Carnegie Mellon MSPPM-DA (60%), UCLA MPP (in-state), Berkeley MPP (in-state), Harris MSCAPP (30%), Columbia QMSS (0%), USC MSPP&DS (0%)
Schools Rejected From: Yale MA (Waitlist), Princeton MPA, Stanford MS
Still Waiting: n/a
Undergraduate Institution: A highly ranked U.S. public school 
Undergraduate GPA: 3.3
Undergraduate Major: basically Poli Sci. Took stat1, econ1 in college, took a couple computer sci courses post-college
GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores: 158Q, 164V, 5.5AW (took it in 2017)
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): ~5 years as of now
Years of Work Experience: ~5 years full time as of now
Describe Relevant Work Experience: 1.5 years tutoring at a small domestic nonprofit, 2.25 years in Peace Corps, 1 year in evaluation at a large domestic nonprofit
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I had enough relevant work experience to tie my stated interests to professional anecdotes
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): I didn't read them. Peace Corps Post Senior Staff/Current Supervisor/Seminar Professor from undergrad
Other: I want to contribute my info for posterity, but with this post I'll add a note @ future applicants: please don't limit yourself based on what folks on this forum (including me) say. Take your time on your app process and aim higher than you think you should - there's always an element of randomness to this stuff.

First by email, but it ended up in my promotions folder. It just directed me to the portal where there was an updated letter.

just out of curiosity - did you receive funding information via email or portal? Thanks, and congrats!

For anyone who was worried about this, was able to ask someone from admissions who told me we'd hear either tonight or tomorrow morning!  

I think that one factor could also be that schools are sending out results and final funding numbers a little bit later this year (at least from what I can gather).

Thank you!! 
 
For anyone who was not able to attend, it sounds like merit aid notifications will be sent around “the end of next week/beginning of the following week” (which I think probably means March 11-16 roughly)!

I would consider attending GPS with no financial aid if, come April, it ends up being the cheapest option available. Full in-state tuition at UCSD as a CA resident could end up being a cheaper overall package for me than other schools even with aid (for reference, I was admitted to Harris with modest aid and that is still significantly more expensive than UCSD with none). My views are colored by the fact that my career goals involve being in California and I like the program's curriculum.
With regards to career outcomes, in my opinion their employment statistics are a bit vague, but I found it useful to browse LinkedIn to get a sense of how many GPS alum work in the fields/geographies of interest to me and then compare that to other schools.

I would consider attending GPS with no financial aid if, come April, it ends up being the cheapest option available. Full in-state tuition at UCSD as a CA resident could end up being a cheaper overall package for me than other schools even with aid (for reference, I was admitted to Harris with modest aid and that is still significantly more expensive than UCSD with none). My views are colored by the fact that my career goals involve being in California and I like the program's curriculum.
With regards to career outcomes, in my opinion their employment statistics are a bit vague, but I found it useful to browse LinkedIn to get a sense of how many GPS alum work in the fields/geographies of interest to me and then compare that to other schools.

I also received an acceptance with no mention of funding. Take this with a grain of salt, but based on a quick look at past years' UCSD GPS threads, it seems that funding information may come in March.

I also received an acceptance with no mention of funding. Take this with a grain of salt, but based on a quick look at past years' UCSD GPS threads, it seems that funding information may come in March.

I also just got my admit to mscapp and have done a fair amount of research on data science oriented policy programs. I would offer the following:
- I emailed the USC public policy data science program a few months ago about the funding options in the program and they informed me that the aid options are very limited - they don't offer deans merit (a major funding source that MPP applicants have access to). This raised a red flag for me. Also, the curriculum itself seems pretty similar to the MSCAPP, but it's also only 1.5 years, rather than 2 like the MSCAPP.
- I also looked a lot into schools of Information, especially Berkeley's MISM program, where the program's focus is much more on data science and design, but they offer a policy concentration. These may appeal to you as well.
Best of luck

they just told me

My assumption is that it was a merit scholarship, though the caller was not specific.