Emrada

Not sure if I'm too late to be helpful here, but after I did a lot of research on my admitted options, which included HKS, I went with Fletcher at Tufts: it turns out to be a great fit for me. So if you had good reasons to apply to your programs in the first place, I'd say go for one of those! I've heard such good things about both. Who knows what another year could bring? Two great "birds in the hand." Also, not that this is my business, but maybe time for a heart-to-heart with your parents. Seems like if they're offering to help, it shouldn't be contingent on which school. Sorry that this is stressing you out so much!

Hi, and thanks for starting this thread! Looking forward to getting to know everyone. I haven't decided but am mostly sure I'll attend this year (non-Mason MC/MPA), despite the lack of funding. I'm attending the info session this morning...hope to meet some of you there!

Hi Hina! I'm an MC/MPA and also got this email...I'll DM you.

For those who applied for CPL Fellowships that they didn't get, but did get admitted with no aid (??‍♀️), how are you feeling about everything, when compared with other offers that do have aid? I'm so happy to have been admitted and recognize the value--and for anyone who wasn't admitted, have full confidence that you also deserved to be...this is such an impressive group from what I've seen! But since HKS doesn't have concentrations the way that some other programs do for me, an MC/MPA candidate, I'd really been hoping, beyond the money, to be part of a close cohort through CPL. The money is important too. So, trying to stay positive about it, but feeling much more "wanted" by the two other programs that accepted, provided funding, and are actively reaching out to me.

They have seriously been so personalized and lovely. I'm a semi-local MA applicant and a homeowner who can't move in the next year, so the only big downside to it is that it's significantly further away than my other local options and would mean a lot of time in the car for me / less time with my family. But I just love everything I've seen from them so far, so it may be worth it.

Anyone on this morning's Fletcher info session? Deans Kyte and Sims Gallagher are rockstars in energy/climate (my field), so it's awesome to hear from them.

Hi fellow Fletcher and BU Pardee admit friend! I'm on an info session for Fletcher right now...feel like it might be a tough choice between Fletcher MGA and BU MGP. Interested in continuing to chat about your thoughts on these two!

Definitely a positive experience. I loved that they included an alumna who'd had the Fellowship. Fingers crossed for all of us who are awaiting admissions and scholarship decisions!

I had my Bacon Fellowship interview today. I loved meeting the CPL faculty and staff, but will spend the next few weeks replaying all of my more awkward moments in my head as I simultaneously hope that I was able to share some coherent information about my background and hopes for the future. Anyone else with me on this for your various interviews?

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): Mid-Career MPA / MGA / MGP Schools Applied To: HKS / Tufts Fletcher / Boston U Pardee Schools Admitted To: none yet Schools Rejected From: none yet Still Waiting: all Undergraduate Institution: top 40 private university Undergraduate GPA: 3.75 Undergraduate Major: English, Environmental Studies, Econ minor GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores: n/a Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 16 Years of Work Experience: 16 Describe Relevant Work Experience: State government, nonprofit, consulting, little private sector, higher education work in communications for sustainability/energy/environment, in increasing leadership roles Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Unsure: I felt good about them at the time. Read application prompts carefully, tailored responses for each, tried to show history of engagement on the issues I care about and potential for growth during and after grad school. Had my references read them and offer feedback, incorporated feedback. Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): They made me cry a bit when I saw them; cited areas where I had made valuable contributions, talked about my potential in government or at an NGO. Two current colleagues, one of whom is a faculty member. One former colleague who was in a supervisory capacity. Other: Question for you all: I didn't realize it was faux pax that I didn't waive my right to see the letters--I thought I might need to have them for other fellowship applications, etc., and didn't want to bother my references again for them. Of course, references sent me their letters anyway, so should have waived. Will admissions committee care?

I'm glad I'm in good company with everyone who's awaiting CPL interview emails...nerve-wracking! I keep thinking, "Can't get much later in February than this!" so it's good to know they went out on the 24th last year. I'm a MC/MPA applicant and there don't seem to be many of us on here, so hope you don't mind me crashing your forum. ?