letsjustgo

I'm definitely going to Harris. Though I may end up deferring until Fall 2012. My main reason is that they will provide me with a skill-set (quantitative/economic policy analysis) that is essential to my chosen career track.

So was anyone who was leaning toward attending Harris dissuaded from attending by 'On the MaPP'? I didn't get to attend, and it seems there's a mix bag of reactions to the weekend visit, but I'm still likely to sign on for fall. I'm just curious to hear people's final thoughts before the deadline.

wow, I have to say that's extremely disconcerting. I had considered coming to Chicago without funding based on the idea that career prospects after graduation and growth in the future are extremely bright. Maybe I need to reconsider.... Anyone else have another perspective?

I'm curious to hear peoples' experiences as well. Maggie described it as a "dog & pony show," so I can't imagine those of us who couldn't attend missed anything too substantive. With that said, do tell us how it was.

Thanks again, Brian! I have what is by far my dorkiest question so far. Is there a calculator that I should look to invest in? If there is going to be calculus involved, it seems like I'm going to need it. And I'm quoting pure7b's question because I don't want the question to go unnoticed because of my post. Thanks!

I have a few more questions if any of the current Harris students are still hanging around. These may be more appropriate for program staff but I thought I'd get a student's take as well. 1.) How are group internships distributed? From what I can tell, there is an application process that groups must go through and similarly for the practica and mentorship programs? Are there only a limited few that are chosen for group internships, practica, and the mentorship program? Or do most have a fair chance if they apply and are serious about participating? For those students who are not selected for any of these opportunities, do they still have many chances to gain practical experience during the program? 2.) Are individual internships also facilitated by the school? 3.) Are Research and Teaching Assistantships only available to those selected by specific faculty within the Harris School? Or are there some opportunities to apply? As always, your help is very much appreciated. I'm not able to come to the new admit weekend so these little Q&As are very important for me.

I'm only re-posting this so that Brian might stop back by and see it. And if any other Harris grads want to chime in, please do.

Thanks for the reply, Brian. Are there many others who attend without funding? Based on the Harris site only half of admits are funded so I have to imagine that there are. You say that you think it's completely worth it. Could you say a little more about why you think it's worth it? Finally, does it seem to you that most most Harris grads are placed after they graduate? And I know that there are many career tracks that people pursue, so it will vary, but what types of positions are people finding and what is their short-term and long-term salary growth look like? I am personally interested in consulting, what do you think my career prospects are coming out of school? I don't want to sound as if I'm only coming to Harris because I'm chasing a big salary, because I'm not. But if I'm going to take out huge loans, I want to have some idea of the career prospects. Thanks!

And if you haven't had Calc I? My background is in the social sciences. Would you recommend I take a stats and a calc course over the summer?

I would echo enofotan's questions and add the following (unrelated questions): 1.) Are there any students that are employed either with full or part-time work or internships while attending the Harris School? Is it recommended that students wait until they make it through the first couple of semesters before working or taking on an internship? 2.) Do all students live in the Hyde Park area or is it a mixed bag of commuters and folks who live in other Chicago neighborhoods? 3.) Looking back, what do you wish a current Harris student would have told you prior to beginning your studies at Chicago (not as a way to dissuade you from attending but to prepare you)? * Thank you again! This is a tremendous help.

Do you know if any students do actually attend without funding? If so, have they found outside funding sources? Are students reconsidered for funding their second year? Thank you!

Perfect! I've been making myself sick the past couple of days trying to decide what to do. I was admitted without funding but am still considering going. The debt combined with my undergrad debt would be out of this world. But based on my own research, it seems that the earnings potential for Harris grads (at consulting firms, particularly for someone like me who is interested in the finance side of things) may be worth taking on the massive debt. What are are your thoughts on this? Have you found that even with the eco downturn Harris grads are still placing at high rates? I have many more questions and you can expect me to post them soon! Thanks for helping us out. I know there are others in the same boat as me.

Thanks for the (soul-crushing) reply. Just kidding. Sort of If anyone else has input that would be great!

I, like a handful of others here on the site, was recently accepted to the Harris School MPP program without funding. I'm considering going but am very reluctant to take on that much debt. Does anyone know if students who do not receive funding the first year are eligible and/or likely to receive funding in the second year? Or is it a one off thing, either you get it in the admissions process or you don't. Thanks for any and all feedback.