SeekingMPA

Hi, So within your link, it says that at least 4 graduate level courses need to be taken. However, on this page it says "you already have a master's degree..." and in this admissions video he said the MPA2 was for people with previous grad degrees or doing a joint degree. So, I am genuinely confused if people with 4 graduate level courses are actually considered for the program.

I know this thread is not solely dedicated to Harvard Kennedy School's MPA. However, I would love some guidance, since there are so few HKS MPA threads, and this thread seems like a blatant wealth of knowledge, and I am inquiring about an acceptance item. Technically Harvard Kennedy School says 2-year MPA students only need 4 graduate level courses to apply for the program. However, they say on their site and an accepted admissions video that the program is designed for students with another graduate degree. So, could I, an individual with only a bachelor's degree, apply and be accepted to the HKS MPA program? I would love any insight into this. I have looked into this program and I feel like it so closely aligns with my career goals, but I do not want to waste my time, if I would not be considered.

Hi, I know this thread is technically for MPP applicants, not MPA applicants, but I would love some guidance, since there are so few HKS MPA threads. Technically Harvard Kennedy School says 2-year MPA students only need 4 graduate level courses to apply for the program. However, they say on their site and an accepted admissions video that the program is designed for students with another graduate degree. So, could I, an individual with only a bachelor's degree, apply and be accepted to the HKS MPA program? I would love any insight into this. I have looked into this program and I feel like it so closely aligns with my career goals, but I do not want to waste my time, if I would not be considered.

Hi, I would love some guidance on this. Technically Harvard Kennedy School says 2-year MPA students only need 4 graduate level courses to apply for the program. However, they say on their site and an accepted admissions video that the program is designed for students with another graduate degree. So, could I, an individual with only a bachelor's degree, apply and be accepted to the HKS MPA program? I would love any insight into this. I have looked into this program and I feel like it so closely aligns with my career goals, but I do not want to waste my time, if I would not be considered. Thanks all

Wow! Thank you so much. This is fantastic advice. Applying in fall 2022 would also give me a nice chunk of time to finish my research and bump that GRE score up, which could hopefully give me a bit of an edge. Don't mean to be cheesy, but thanks so much for the words of encouragement. It can be scary to dream so big!

So, I am seriously considering applying for an MPA in the fall of 2022, but I want to know how realistic my aspirations are before dedicating a lot of time to my application and preparation. I am shooting for Harvard Kennedy School, Goldman, USC, and Princeton. My snapshot it: GPA: I graduated in 2019 with a 4.0 and as Summa Cum Laude from my state school. I also was awarded the undergraduate research scholar for my Honor's thesis and working in my Honor college's think tank. I also was awarded many merit scholarships. GRE score: I have only taken a cold practice GRE, but I got a 159 verbal and 155 quant (I plan to raise these both to the 160s). LoR: I believe my LoR will be very strong. I am having my direct supervisor, my CEO, and professor I am writing the manuscript with write them. Also, one of my best traits is my problem solving and team work (which is best reflected in LoR I think). Work experience: Before graduating, I was in an array of very competitive law mentorship programs, but I had a change of heart in my senior year and went to the nonprofit world. I now work for a nonprofit that serves about 7,000 at-risk kids annually and has a $5m budget. I have increased the fundraising section I am in by over 65%, and my funds account for about 70% of the annual budget now. I also did some specialized campaigns during COVID to fundraise for lost revenue, so no one was laid off or furloughed. Anyhow, it looks like I may be getting a small promotion and begin engaging in all of our government relations within the next six months. By the time I attend, I will have about 4 years of experience. I am also going to coauthor a manuscript for publication with a professor I know. Quantitative skills: I took grad level quantitative analysis as an undergrad and I am taking a few more grad courses. In my daily line of work, I use data to assess programming, communicate with stakeholders, etc. Extracurricular: I advise on an array of female empowerment groups in my community. I have also started mentorship programs for at-risk girls. Statement of Purpose: I want to go to HKS because of its fantastic array of courses and incredible research centers. My state is isolated and ranks terribly in terms of equality. I have personally experienced how terrible it can be. My state would benefit so profoundly from the ideas discussed at HKS. I want to restructure advocacy work in my state to empower members of my community and create lasting change.

Hi, So, I am seriously considering applying for an MPA in the fall of 2022, but I want to know how realistic my aspirations are. As some background on me, I graduated with dual Honor's degrees in Political Science and Anthropology in 2019 as Summa Cum Laude (top 1% of class) from my state school. I also was awarded the undergraduate research scholar for my thesis and working in my Honor college's think tank. I also was awarded many merit scholarships. Before graduating, I was in an array of very competitive law mentorship programs, but I had a change of heart in my senior year and went to the nonprofit world. I have only taken a cold practice GRE, but I got a 159 verbal and 155 quant (I plan to raise these both to the 160s). I now work for a nonprofit that serves about 7,000 at-risk kids annually and has a $5m budget. I have increased the fundraising section I am in by over 65%, and my funds account for about 70% of the annual budget now. I also did some specialized campaigns during COVID to fundraise for lost revenue, so no one was laid off or furloughed. Anyhow, it looks like I may be getting a small promotion and begin engaging in all of our government relations within the next six months. I am also going to coauthor a manuscript for publication with a professor I know. I want to go to HKS because of its fantastic array of courses and incredible research centers. My state is sort of isolated and would benefit so profoundly from these ideas. I want to restructure advocacy work in my state to empower members of my community and create lasting change. All that being said, I genuinely cannot figure out how competitive the acceptance rate is for the MPA at HKS and other schools. I worry my lack of a prestigious alma matter, other advanced degrees, and only four years of work experience will work against me. I would appreciate your thoughts so much.