mpp2011

No, you should never commit to more than one program. What you're describing is definitely unethical. If you commit to one program, then get accepted off the waitlist at a better one, then you can de-commit from the first program if you accept the waitlist offer. The program you originally committed to may be disappointed but they should understand. But to commit to two programs and pay two deposits is a bad idea. As for the scholarship being binding, there's no commitment until you formally accept the offer of admission.

I'm still deciding but will probably attend GPPI. As a non-believer I'm slightly concerned about the university's religious ties. I can't imagine this would have much bearing on my experience at GPPI, but is this something I should be concerned about?

I also attended both open houses and I met a LOT of other people who are choosing between these two schools. It seemed that most people were leaning toward Harris, mainly because they got a much better aid package there. Is anyone leaning toward Georgetown over Harris? Is anyone planning to attend GT over Harris despite getting a lot more aid from Harris? If so, how are you justifying it? I feel like I have two very good options here. I was really impressed by both open houses and feel like I'll get excellent training at either program.

I was really impressed by the mock class and with everyone I met at Georgetown. I went to the domestic policy class. We divided up in groups and read over the Alabama confederate flag case, then proposed a plan for one side or the other. It was engaging and edifying. I also met lots of prospective students, current students, and faculty at the reception. Again, very impressed with everyone I met. I'm about to catch a flight, but I may try to share a bit more once I get home from this trip (attending the Harris open house this weekend).

Did anyone attend both open houses this past weekend? Who made the strongest impression, and why? I was at Georgetown's but couldn't attend GW's. I was very impressed by Georgetown and I'm wondering if GW made strong impressions on any of you.

What is this CASH website that everyone keeps referring to? Is this it: https://utdirect.utexas.edu/admissions/status_check.WBX? I wonder if I'm looking in the wrong place for my status...

I'm in! With a half-tuition scholarship! Very, very excited. Congrats to the other admits, and best of luck to those still waiting.

My main problem with Harvard notifying in late March is that their open house is on April 9. That doesn't leave much time to plan a trip. While I'm getting more in a D.C.-bound mindset every day, that could change with an acceptance (and decent funding offer) to Harvard. In that sense, the timing isn't too important to me.

There's no way acceptances have gone out yet. When the Princeton decisions went out, this board was very, very active. The same thing will happen when HKS goes out. I'm guessing some time between now and Wednesday too.

OK - if someone who got into Berkeley and Princeton hasn't heard yet, then I'm not going to worry. Thanks for the responses, and best of luck to everyone.

Anyone else still waiting to hear? I really thought I'd hear from my last three schools this week, but nothing so far...

I had a feeling there would be at least a few acceptances on here, and I'm not surprised that any of you got in. Congratulations. Unfortunately, I wasn't so lucky, but that wasn't surprising either. I think my application was lacking in the relevant experience component.

Who's the lucky person who got into Harris today? Did they say anything about funding?

Actually, I think I remember reading this bio on the site. My sources tell me that Bobby was accepted off the waitlist.

WWS has no weaknesses. It is the Chuck Norris of policy programs.

I think so too. I think everyone is too modest to give themselves a chance, but there are quite a few people on here who have a good shot. If you have a GPA of 3.8 or above, GRE of 650V/700Q or above, 2-3+ years of relevant, impressive work experience, and did a good job with your essays, it seems to me like you'd have as good of a shot as anyone. This profile seems to describe quite a few of you. And if you have a good shot at WWS, you have a good shot anywhere. I just hope that those who do get in will share the good news with us!

Thanks for the feedback. The American and GW tuitions are a bit more manageable than GPPI, and so far I'm failing to see how GPPI justifies the extra cost. I plan to visit all the schools at the end of the month, so hopefully that will give me a better idea of which would be the best value and fit.

Linden - The HKS open house is April 9. I emailed them about it a few weeks ago because I wanted to keep the date open.

Things seemed quiet today. I'm curious to hear where people want to work, location-wise.

Does anyone know anything about the MPP program there? I'm specifically interested in how the program stacks up versus GPPI and GW in job placement - the website doesn't have a career services section. On that note, do they have a career services office? Any insights into the strength of the program? There's been much more talk about GW than American on here. Is there a reason for that? That should be enough questions for now...

Has anyone received a decision yet this week? I'm surprised by the lack of activity on this front...

Did anyone get a scholarship award today? I'm wondering if they might have all gone out yesterday.

Wow, the plot thickens. You can imagine my surprise that people who didn't get emails on Friday got awards today. I wasn't so lucky, but who knows, maybe tomorrow? At this point anything seems possible. But again, I'm not getting my hopes up. Seems to me like GT would be worth it with the $10-12K scholarship if you didn't have a better offer from another top program (or another program in DC) and you didn't have to take out any cost-of-living loans. Congrats to all of today's winners, and may there be more tomorrow!

Linden, I may still be in a slightly sour mood myself, but vastly improved compared to early yesterday evening. I think that phone call next week would be prudent -- let me know how it goes. I may make one myself, if only to discuss funding alternatives. I'll keep you posted.

I appreciate the sentiments above, but I really think that if I were still a candidate, I would have received an email yesterday. The email said "You can expect an update on your status via email Friday, February 27th. Only students awarded scholarships will receive emails." I didn't receive a status update yesterday, so I'm assuming that I won't get an award. So at this point the best thing I can do for my state of mind is assume that this round of funding didn't work out, and if I do get an award, I'll be pleasantly surprised. In my opinion, false hopes only prolong disappointment. Mentally I'm moving on and thinking about other opportunities for funding. This is merely my outlook on the situation. I do not want to repeat yesterday's anxious waiting.