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Thanks! I will reconsider, especially if I want to work somewhere else in the nation in the future.

What's not included in most things? Do you know how Heinz compares to other programs internationally?

Thanks! I will consider that as well. I still can't really gauge Heinz brand level, but would you consider that a good brand to vagabond with outside of tech or the new age policy?

I wanted to stay in the Midwest and especially in MN since it is where my hometown is. After receiving my offers, I thought a lot about financial aid, location, being able to serve my communities both locally and abroad, etc., and I figured that going to Humphrey would help me find better work in MN but won't necessarily limit me if I ever choose to go federal or international since I already have the means to do so right now if I wanted to. Looking more and more at Heinz, the only reason I would go there now would be for it's quant-based focus and finding jobs easier if I want to stay on the East coast, but I don't really see where I fit in that. Heinz would provide better job opportunities, sure, but for for-profits, I don't see how their work aligns with my goals. I also spent enough time with federal orgs to dislike most of the work (and like I said, I really did not like DC lol), tbh. And if I wanted to work local or nonprofit, I'd rather stick to MN. Consulting work is probably the other thing that makes Heinz more competitive than Humphrey for me, but that isn't enough considering my roots with MN and my people. The biggest downside about Humphrey given my interests is that it is not a rigorous and as quantitative as I would have liked it and has actually downgraded it's quant in the recent years (this is actually the biggest reason I might defer for a more academically challenging school that can offer more career benefits than Heinz could). Harris would have been my decision had I received over 75%, but it did not go that way lol. So yeah, that's why I said no. If anything I said here is inaccurate and you believe that Heinz could still offer me the same and even more opportunities, do explain! I really appreciate all your advice no matter how blunt it may be because I wish I had someone like that to help me when I was applying for my undergrad school.

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPP, MSPPM, MPASchools Applied To: McCourt ($$$), Trachtenberg ($$), UMD SPP (? weird case here idrc anymore cuz I made a decision), AU SPA ($$), Harris ($$), Humphrey ($$$$), Heinz ($$$$), GSPIA ($$$$)Schools Admitted To: AllSchools Waitlisted At: N/ASchools Rejected From: N/AUndergraduate Institution: Okayish Midwestern public universityUndergraduate GPA: 3.74Undergraduate Major: Economics and International StudiesGRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores: N/AYears Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 0Years of Work Experience: 3 including full-time, part-time, and internshipsDescribe Relevant Work Experience: Service in the military, internships at state and federal agencies, and nonprofit internshipsStrength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Personal life story tied to my experiences so far and why I want a grad degree now. This was probably my best selling point as I am not too into making friends and connections for references.Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc): As I mentioned, I am not too keen with making connections, but when I do, they are strong enough I guess. One from a mentor who was also a professor and well known in his profession slightly tied to my interests. One from a professor who I don't really know much, but it worked out somehow. Another from military folks. Note: I was hoping one of the DC schools would work out, but I visited DC and wasn't digging it, so I am not considering those. Aid is also a big deal, and although Harris is great, going over $50k in debt just isn't worth it. Prestige also is not a big deal as I have relevant experience and connections to help me break through where I want to go (for now lol). It was between Humphrey, Heinz, and GSPIA. After reevaluating my life goals, I've decided on Humphrey! I'm still waiting to visit them, and if it isn't promising, I may reapply next cycle or the one after with GRE scores to more prestigious programs for sake of self-improvement instead . Good luck everyone else with your decisions!

@GradSchoolGrad You mentioned before in other topics your opinion on career options such as your own career, working at a think tank and it not being that great, IDEV careers are not as it seems, etc etc. Could you do a podcast on career options post-graduation and what you think about them?

Could you explain how Heinz and Harris are at the same tier? I'm still making my grad school decision and would appreciate it. Thanks!

@GradSchoolGrad What's the McCourt Scholars process like after being selected as a finalist?

did they let you know about your financial aid?

For me, it's because my parents are immigrant refugees and I am rooted with those abroad in ways (spiritually, ethnically, etc.) that others may find hard to understand even though I was born and raised in the states. For others with a different background, I have no idea why, especially if they come from communities that need as much improvement as communities abroad. I am also curious about that as well.

From their website: https://mccourt.georgetown.edu/new-students/tuition-financial-aid-and-scholarships/ "If you have received a merit-based scholarship from the McCourt School, you would have received notification of the award with your admission letter. These are competitive awards based on merit, not financial need. Scholarships are automatically renewed at the equivalent level in the second year of study (and third year for MPP-Evening students) as long as the student remains in good academic standing (i.e. maintains a grade point average of at least 3.0). For scholarship recipients in dual-degree programs, merit-based scholarships from McCourt are also renewable for one additional year, as long as you remain in good academic standing. The scholarship allocation may vary depending on which dual degree you pursue and when you start each portion of the dual program. Please reach out to Julie Ito at itoj@georgetown.edu if you wish to discuss your dual-degree status and scholarship distribution more specifically."

Accepted with 28.5k per year. Not sure how many dollar signs that is, but I am surprisingly shocked.

I'm looking at applying to some MPP programs in the area. I have an interest in international development and hope to concentrate in that. I chose not to pursue an IDEV degree because I hope to work in other capacities too. The programs I'm look at are Georgetown, GWU, AU, and UMD. I'm a little interested in the rankings and connections that are available. From what I read, Georgetown and GWU offers greater opportunities but are much more expensive than the other two. AU and UMD seems to offer more financial aid and are still ranked nicely. The last 3 programs offers concentrations in international development while Georgetown seems to only offer elective courses based on interests. Georgetown offers a semester abroad opportunity internationally to the LYK school that I'm interested in though. I was wondering if anyone can tell me a bit about life at these campuses, compare their experiences of each campus, talk about connections available, explain the differences in IDEV concentrations at each of these programs, or just the overall experience you've had.

Thanks, I don't usual write on forums, but your information has been so great.

Thanks for the advice on the clearance. I never tell people about it, although it's super easy to see if I have one. I will keep in mind the undergraduate acceptance rates when I start applying to programs. Your friend has a very cool idea with that! Surprising that she could not work with others to implement that kind of work. It's also surprising to hear how seemingly closed-minded those in the traditional IDEV route seem to be... In terms of industrial policy, I have done some work related to it especially with China's current efforts in Africa, and although it is frowned upon it does appear to be influencing growth there. IDEV in the traditional sense also works too because it has been proven time and time again that micro research projects work because they effectively identify causal relationships. Is it possible to focus on both?

Thanks for the insight! Your advice so far has definitely solved more than one of my current dilemmas. Just a question to follow up. For your second point, do you mean that the student body would have less experienced individuals if more are straight from undergrad, therefore potentially putting me at a disadvantage in connections if accepted? I don't intend to work in national security, although it was fun while it lasted. I have been told that a clearance proves how trustworthy and experienced I can be in general is why I still continue to mention it. I do hope to work on international development, but not be strictly limited to it, so the MPP might be my current route of interest. Thanks again because you have also helped me solve my indecisiveness between strictly an international development program or an MPP. Also, what in particular made your friend realize the IDEV culture and community wasn't right for her?

@GradSchoolGrad Thanks for all your in-depth explanations of basically everything you've written in this forum. After some reading, I realize that McCourt may be one of my top choices because I am interested in international development through data analysis. But, to be frank, I am scared of applying. My imposter's syndrome has never been this bad haha. I am going to apply straight out of undergraduate school because I have a strong sense of purpose in what I want to do. My biggest concern is that I may not get the right amount of funding or even be accepted. I am in the military reserve with almost 3 years part-time and 1 year full-time experience with a TS/SCI clearance, over 1 year worth of full-time internship experiences, I have been a McNair Scholar, currently am a PPIA Fellow, yet I'm not sure what my chances are because everyone seems to want people with work experience out of undergrad. Could you please enlighten me? Another aspect of McCourt that piqued my interest are the international programs that seem to be a great opportunity. I know many other places offer international programs too, but LKY was one of my programs of interest until I was told not to apply without 2+ years of full-time post-undergrad work experience. Are you able to tell a little bit more about the program? And also, if I read things right, thank you for you service.