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Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPP/MPA (interested in domestic social policy) Schools Applied To: Columbia SIPA MPA; Georgetown McCourt MPP; Harvard Kennedy MPP; NYU Wagner MPA-PNP; Syracuse Maxwell MPA; Michigan Ford MPP; two non-ranked programs in my home state Schools Admitted To: Columbia SIPA MPA ($$); Georgetown McCourt MPP ($$); Harvard Kennedy MPP (zero); NYU Wagner MPA-PNP (zero); Syracuse Maxwell MPA ($$$ + GA position and cash stipend); Michigan Ford MPP ($ - requested consideration for additional funding); State School #1 (zero) Schools Rejected From: N/A Still Waiting: State School #2 Undergraduate Institution: Top 30 private liberal arts school Undergraduate GPA: 3.74 Undergraduate Major: Business/Political Science GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores: 159 (69th percentile)/166 (97th percentile)/5.0 (92nd percentile) Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3.5 years Years of Work Experience: 3.5 years + worked part time throughout most of undergrad (four internships, quantitative-focused tutoring, and TA position) Describe Relevant Work Experience: Consulting with regulatory risk focus; various non-profits focused on educational access, social entrepreneurship, and reproductive rights; two student research grants Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc.): Not perfect, but I would say my writing is strong and that my personal statement told a story about who I am, how my academic interests have evolved over time, and why I am looking to make the jump from the private sector to the public sector. Strength of LORs (be honest, describe the process, etc.): Possibly the weakest part of my application. One was from my minor advisor (did very well in the department) while the other two were from supervisors at my current job, who do like me quite a bit. I decided to apply in late fall/early winter and subsequently asked folks who I felt would be easier to approach somewhat last minute instead of reconnecting with some of my poli sci professors that may have been able to write more targeted recs. Other: In most instances, I applied to JD programs as well in hopes of doing a joint/concurrent degree. So far, I’ve been rejected by HLS and accepted by Syracuse ($$) and two state schools (pending funding decisions). Going into this process, I was very adamant that funding would dictate my decision, but the gut feeling I got when I opened by HKS acceptance really threw me for a loop. My undergraduate studies were covered by a full merit scholarship, so student loans are admittedly terrifying to me and I'm struggling to justify the price tag. Harvard and Michigan are my front runners in a world where money doesn't matter.

Are there any circumstances under which it makes sense to accept the HKS offer with no scholarship funding? I have 50% to near full funding offers at Syracuse, Michigan, Georgetown, and Columbia but am feeling majorly hung up on Harvard based on that gut feeling I had when I opened my admission letter. Was hoping to do a joint MPP/JD degree program but was rejected from HLS last week. Would enrolling and doing well at HKS improve chances for reapplying or is that an absurd gamble?

Accepted! I am actually very surprised. Did anyone also receive word on funding? Wondering if I should be obsessively refreshing my inbox for a second email. ?

i think we are ~manifesting~

Y'all are all bonkers, and I love you for it. Fingers crossed!