jndaven

Very interesting, thanks for posting.

One of the graders for the writing section is a computer. Enough said!

You got an 800 on the Quant!!! That's all that matters. However, if you want to take it again, I have heard Harvard KSG adcoms say at an admission session in December that mid-January is the latest you can take it so that they get the scores in time--and this was pushing it. Remember, it takes a few weeks for them to get the mailed confirmation of scores.

What was your overall GPA then, or your GPA in your major? 3.4 to 3.5? Big deal. That's not very embarrassing. If you can write a convincing essay about a real medical disorder you suffer from without sounding whiny, then go for it. However, you need to address your ability to succeed in graduate school. Are you going to have the same problem? Have you addressed your behavior or circumstances in any way since undergrad? EDIT - I just realized I may have come off as a bit harsh, sorry! Just remember if you do address it, try to focus on your strengths at the same time, and how you have grown/changed. Show your letter to someone impartial and see if your tone comes off as self-serving or too negative.

I struggled to choose between them too. I decided to apply to MSFS and MA Economics dual degree to combine quant and international focus without too much overlap in curriculum. My guess is I won't get into the MA Econ program, though I hope MSFS is good match...

Um...my application was due December 1st and one recommender hasn't submitted! Am I screwed then??? I just found out he is getting major surgery too and I hate to bother him about something that is trivial in comparison...Would it look bad to write to my school and say the letter is forthcoming, or get someone else to write it? Perhaps I am just freaking out over nothing. None of my other apps are due until 3-15 January...

I graduated from a large private university three years ago and while I did well there (3.5 GPA) most of my classes were huge and I don't think anyone will remember me well enough to write me a recommendation letter three years later...I want to apply to masters programs in IR and Public Policy at the usual suspects: HKS, U Chicago, Colombia, etc. Am I screwed if I don't have a single academic recommendation? I took math classes at community college last spring, but I can't imagine a letter from there would help me either!

My god, you got a 700/740 after studying for a week?! Yes you would probably get into all of these schools. You have a resume to die for and if you score that high it helps make up for a lackluster GPA. You also sound like you can write a good, focused essay, judging from your background and seemingly well written message board post. A place like Harvard or Princeton might be a stretch, but these sound definitely possible. I guess you two aren't worried about money with both of you being in school? Cost of living can be a blow. I'm not sure I buy that your career would wither and die because you went to off to school. As long as you focus on maintaining your connections and leveraging new ones at grad school, I don't see the big deal. Do most executives in the positions you want have higher degrees? In my field they do, so I am willing to take the time out to check that box.

Anyone else frustrated that most places haven't posted applications yet? September is way too late!

I wouldn't fret so much about never going back to graduate school, especially since you are interested in professional 2-year programs rather than 5+ years PhD programs. If you really want to, you'll find a way back. You have a transition point to try again after your two-year internship is up. Then again, you seem really set on your career goals, so perhaps there is no reason to delay grad school if the job seems so-so. If I were you I would ask myself these types of questions: -Do you have ambitions to get into a higher ranked program than the one that accepted you? If so, I'd work and then reapply. You would almost certainly get in to the program that accepted you the first time, and perhaps a few more. -What about money? Do you feel comfortable with the financial/merit aid package you received from this school? Would it help to earn income first? Do you think your financial aid offers may improve after a few years? -Will the non-health policy aspect of the internship be a problem, or could you find placements that you think you would enjoy/have some control over? -Do you expect any major family/lifestyle changes between now and the next time you apply that could make the timing more difficult? (Not that you can always predict these things, nor are they likely to be obstacles.)

Thanks all, this is very helpful in identifying the gaps in my preparation.

I'm a non-math major who wants a masters degree in statistics. I know various programs recommend linear algebra and multivariate calculus as the absolute minimum preparation for a stats MA, but what should I take to actually be competitive for admission and well prepared? A year of calc-based stats, real analysis, etc.? I have a BA in economics, but I am not interested in prepping for an econ PhD. I want to do applied social science research without resorting to a fluffier masters like public policy... I've taken econ stats (no calc), econometrics, linear algebra, and multivariate calculus. Recommendations?

I also warn against relying on loan assistance programs. Some government employers will count loan assistance programs paid to you as income, meaning you pay more taxes. At some levels, the after-tax benefits could be negligible. Often these arrangements also require some sort of continuing employment agreement, binding you to a certain organization for X number of years. Private sector plans are similar, so check the fine print carefully. On the other hand, student loan interest paid is tax deductible for incomes up to $70K (or something like that), not that it makes +$100K in debt any more bearable in the long run.