Diesel2011
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Posts posted by Diesel2011
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I think it depends on where you got in and what funding they offered you and how much internship experience you have.
In general, though, it is best to have at least 2-3 years of work experience. Even a one year deferral could be helpful.
I applied to grad school during my senior year in college and was accepted at several good places, but I did not receive very much funding and lacked a clear sense of what I really wanted to do. So, I decided not to go. After 3 years, I was a much more competitive applicant, wrote a better personal statement, and had a much stronger sense of my career goals.
At the same time, before you decline your offers, it would be wise to have some prospective work opportunities lined up.
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Those scores are fine. My cumulative score was slightly less than yours and I got into WWS and every other program I applied to. Of all the factors admissions committees consider, it is probably the among the least important.
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Hey all,
I wanted to move this discussion out of the SIPA results thread, as there are still people there anxiously waiting for results (and most appear to be in the MIA or MPA camp, so all the Dev. Practice talk could get annoying for them).
I got in to Columbia, MPA-DP, which is my top choice, but without any funding. While I could see taking on (massive) loans if I was aiming to come out in international banking/finance, I plan to continue working in either public sector or with NGOs. I assume most people considering the MDP track are in the same boat. Is the education/connections/name-value/experience worth it for us? I know this is still a relatively new program, so it can be hard to judge... but I wanted to share thoughts with some other MDP applicants, and use this feedback in making my decision (I also plan to use the admitted students forum on the SIPA website).
Also, I noticed lotus_seed had a question regarding people's experience (in main SIPA thread), as s/he is planning to reapply in the next few years, so I thought we could share that here too.
I also got into the MDP program at Columbia with no funding. I am probably not going because almost every other school has made me a really competitive offer. If you are thinking to pursue the UN track - maybe with UNDP - there would certainly be some benefit to living in NYC and attending to Columbia. Otherwise - if you are planning to work for an NGO and are not picky - I would be very hesitant about taking on such a massive amount of debt. I noticed that you applied to Emory's MDP program - as did I. They have not released decisions yet, but they have worked hard to get funding to offer at least partial fellowships for their students. Emory's program is not as quantitatively rigorous; it does not have similar name recognition; and it is not a professional MPA degree like SIPA's program. But for development studies, the quality and structure of their program seems just as good - and they have established strong partnerships with groups like FAO, the Carter Center, CARE, and IRD.
Anyway, here are my stats
Undergraduate institution: top 20 US private institution
Undergraduate GPA: 3.93
Undergraduate Major: Political Science and Islamic Studies/Arabic
GRE Quantitative Score: 740
GRE Verbal Score: 680
GRE AW Score: 4.5
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3 years
Years of Work Experience: 2.5 years
Describe Relevant Work Experience: Managed a development program for 2 years in Darfur - also worked briefly in Jordan and Egypt. Currently, working as an economic development consultant for a financial holding company in the US
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Previous Schools (Name, type, or tier): Top 20, U.S., Private
Previous Degrees and GPA's: BA in Political Science and Islamic Studies, 3.93 (3.96 major)
GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): V680, Q740, AW4.5
Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): nearly 2.5 years with an NGO - primarily in Darfur and also in Egypt and Jordan; most recently working as an economic development consultant for a bank in the US
Math/Econ Background: macroeconomics, microeconomics, 2 years of calculus
Foreign Language Background: 5 years of French, 5 years of Arabic with knowledge of multiple dialects
Intended Field of Study in Grad School: International Development
Long Term Professional Goals: work for UNDP, USAID....
Schools Applied to & Results: WWS ($$$), Fletcher ($$), GWU ($$), Korbel ($$), LSE ($), MSFS (accepted), SIPA (accepted-no funding), Emory (pending)
Ultimate Decision & Why: probably WWS b/c of proximity to NYC for internships with the UN but I also like actually living in a small town; school's commitment to public service; focus on public policy; small classes and variety; and funding
Any advice to Future Applicants?
1. SOP is the most important thing. I spent many hours crafting my personal statements - beginning early in September. I also wrote a new SOP for each school, researched the details for every school, and explained how their programs could help me achieve my goals. I was very open and honest in my personal statements about my background, worldview, goals, and motives. I decided that I would let who I am - my individuality - shine through in my SOP, knowing that they would either love it or hate it. You must exude passion, a clear sense of your future goals, and give details about how your previous experience has prepared you for grad school and those future goals. Get multiple individuals to read the SOP and give you feedback. It is not easy - so start early.
2. Contact your references early - give them a copy of your SOP and CV and share with them some of the distinctions for each program so they know why you want to apply there and can be more targeted in their letter writing.
3. Have at least 2 years work experience in a relevant job - it shows maturity, practical experience, and evidence that you really are interested in your intended field of study.
4. Start taking macro and micro economics right now if you have not already.
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I considered applying to both programs but ultimately applied only to the MPA-DP at SIPA. I did not apply to HKS b/c their program is very economics-centric. So, they produce graduates who work primarily in economic development - like at the World Bank. The MDP programs are very hands-on and interdisciplinary - with social sciences, natural sciences, econ, and management training, and I think they prepare much better for field-level, practical management of multifaceted development programs.
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Well, I'm in - MPA/DP. No funding though.
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Just fyi, I still haven't gotten that "official" email, which I read to mean that they are still sending those first emails to new admits.
I received my acceptance email late Tuesday night, but I still have not gotten the "official" notification yet either. I am trying to resist the temptation to let this sink in until I actually see something on paper.
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I wouldn't recommend it, based on what I've read it doesn't seem like they are in a position to answer questions about specific timelines right now. I bet you'll hear in the next week or so.
I know it's hard!
Yeah, I don't think that would be a good idea either. The more emails they have to answer - the more it will slow down the process.
Any concrete information they are able to give will probably be posted in the admissions blog.
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You are correct - microeconomics is a prerequisite for most of these programs and you should not drop it. Many MPA/MPP programs also require that you receive a letter grade in microeconomics - so don't take it pass/fail. You could take it in the summer, but you probably want notify the admissions offices beforehand and let them know what you are doing.
I don't know what the "general elective" is but it does not sound important.
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Anyone else applied for the MPA-DP program?
I also applied to the MPA-DP.
The applicants for the DP program are reviewed by a different committee. So, that it probably part of the reason why we were not in the main group.
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I just received an unofficial acceptance email from U of Florida for the Masters in Development Practice program, and was wondering if anyone was in the same boat? It is the only school I got into for MDP (korbel didnt accept anyone), and now ihave to decide whether to go a more traditional route with an IR program, or MDP.
The U of Florida website isn't too informative. While the tropical center sounds interesting, it's just tough to think about a decision when im not really that well informed on the school/program. Anyone know more than what the website says or know anyone already in the program this year?
Thanks!!
I have applied to MDP programs also, but I am probably attending a school that offers the MPA with a concentration in development. The MDP at Florida is heavily focused on agriculture/environment. So, it is probably for people who really want to focus on agricultural development specifically.
What are your other options?
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I took Macro- and Micro- Economics back during undergraduate (Received a B+ and a B, respectively if I recall correctly), as well as a Business Statistics course (B or B+, also during my BA), and did Pre-Calc at prep school. Is it worthwhile resiting these, taking more advanced econ courses, or perhaps doing IR / Government courses instead (I derived the latter idea from the WWS website)?
Also where I live there are loads of community colleges, one big middle of the road state school, and a top 150 or maybe 125 private school. Is it better to attend these courses in person or to instead say take a course online through Harvard Extension or Berkeley Extension? Basically is the name of the latter worth prioritising over attending local universities in person?
Of the elite IR / MPA universities that have been discussed here (SIPA / Jackson - Yale / WWS - Princeton / Harvard KS), do any of them particularly value you work experience and / or GRE above GPA?
Given that you have a BA and MA in IR from top schools, it seems totally unnecessary to take any additional courses. You don't need any other econ or quantitative courses either - these previous courses and your strong GRE are enough evidence for your quantitative ability. If I were you, I would concentrate much more during this time on your work experience and continuing to learn Farsi - that is a pretty distinguishing feature.
It seems to me that these schools primarily use GRE/GPA as an indicator of academic ability. Once those who have the necessary amount of intellectual ability to succeed in these programs are separated from those who do not, I think the decision largely relies on the strength of your work experience and SOP. In that sense, work experience is more important than GRE/GPA in most of these programs.
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I can't take the wait! It's driving me mad! So, let's kill some time with speculation, and in the near future, I will tell you how right you were
My Applicant Profile:
Undergrad: Top 20 National University; Majors: English Language and International Relations, minor: Middle East Studies; Overall GPA: 3.52 (trend upward); Majors GPA: 3.7
GRE: 690 Verbal (97%); 680 Quant (66%); AWA: 5
Work Experience: 4 years, including a media internship and job at 2 top national newspapers, and work experience reporting in 2 countries outside the US
Languages: 3; 2 fluently with work experience in both; 13 years living abroad
Quant: C in Macro econ, and never took Micro
but have gotten only A's in several math and computer coursesI want to know what you think my chances are at Columbia SIPA MIA; Johns Hopkins SAIS; Georgetown SFS; and GW Elliott
I got a call that I am being considered for scholarship at NYU joint MA in IR and Journalism program, but the rest remain a torturous mystery...
It is pretty important to have both Macro AND Micro for SAIS, SFS, and Elliott - actually sort of required. From my understanding, if you are admitted to one of these programs with a deficiency in either Micro or Macro, you must make it up before enrollment in the fall.
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Do you have any quantitative or economics courses on your record? If not, it would be a very good idea to take some online courses.
If you are planning to start grad school in Fall 2012, you have plenty of time to fit in a few online courses - and probably even complete them before admit committees begin reviews next year.
I had a few calc courses in undergrad, but I totally missed economics. So, I took some courses this academic year - while I've been traveling and working overseas. It's very easy to do.
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Recently I finished a 2 year contract with an INGO overseas, and I planned to begin the MPA in Fall 2011. Yet, I have been offered a 1 year contract with another NGO in South Sudan. On one hand, it is a great opportunity that would allow me to gain more field experience and even save up more money. On the other, I would not be able to begin school this fall.
I have been accepted at LSE, but I have not received a response from any others - and I have to respond to this job offer pretty soon.
I am hoping to attend LSE, Fletcher, or Princeton if I get accepted. Does anyone know how they treat deferral requests? - their websites are ambiguous on this issue. Do you think they would grant a deferral if I took this job?
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Schools Applying To: WWS - Princeton (MPA), SIPA - Columbia (MIA), Jackson - Yale (MA International Relations)
Undergraduate institution: Top 10 IR program on the East Coast
Undergraduate GPA: 3.1 (Major 3.55)
Undergraduate Major: International Relations
Master's: Top 5 UK University (International Politics - with a focus on security)
GRE Quantitative Score: 750
GRE Verbal Score: 710
GRE AW Score: 5
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 6 at time of application
Years of Work Experience: 1 year in the Civil Service (domestic policy), 1.5 management consultancy, 2 years as an officer for an Intelligence Community agency
Foreign Languages: Farsi (Basic - only recently started), French (near fluent), English - Native, One semester of Arabic, One semester of Italian
Will (very) relevant work experience, and an above average GRE, along with some distance between undergrad and applying be enough to make me a competitive candidate at WWS / SIPA / Yale?
Also I haven't seen much on Yale's MA in IR, anyone have experience with the program?
Even though your overall GPA is a little low, it seems like all of the other factors are very strong. I think you should be a competitive candidate at all of these schools and will be admitted into at least one - especially if you invest some time crafting very strong SOPs.
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I applied priority for Korbel and I still haven't heard anything. Last week some people posted saying they were already admitted.
I think the MDP (Development Practice) Program applicants is the only group that has received a response from Korbel. The school has decided not to accept new applicants to the MDP program for 2011. So, Korbel emailed MDP applicants early to give them the option of choosing another MA program.
I read on the blog that everyone else should be notified in early March. Hope that helps!
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Hmm, if that's true, it seems like they should have made that decision before we applied. Then again, I think this is the first year for MDP at Korbel - so I guess it's understandable if they are still learning about how this program will work in practice. I wonder if we could defer admission and enter the MDP next year? - just speculation.
Are any of you guys going to consider the MA in International Development or are you now looking to other MDP programs?
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I finished up my application to LSE in mid-December, and I got my response about two weeks ago.
Congrats on your acceptances so far? Just wondering, when was your app for LSE complete? Still waiting for hear from them...
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Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPA, MDP
Schools Applied To: WWS (MPA), SIPA (MPA-DP), LSE (MPA), Fletcher (MALD), GWU (MA), Georgetown (MSFS), Emory (MDP), Korbel (MDP)
Schools Admitted To: LSE (MPA), Korbel
Schools Rejected From:
Still Waiting:
Undergraduate institution: Top 20 US Private
Undergraduate GPA: 3.93
Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.96
Undergraduate Major: Political Science and Religious Studies
GRE Quantitative Score: 740
GRE Verbal Score: 680
GRE AW Score: 5.0
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3
Years of Work Experience: 3
Describe Relevant Work Experience: Worked as a program manager for an International NGO in Darfur for 2 years.
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I think very strong. I wrote a new SOP/essays for each program - spent A LOT of time on the process. Asked friends to review them.
Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Probably pretty good. Two were from supervisors with my NGO, and three were former professors/research advisers.
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I'm also applying to some MDP programs in the McArthur group - Columbia, Emory, and Denver - as well as to some traditional MPA programs with a concentration in iDev like JHU, Georgetown, GWU. These new programs seem to have a few main characteristics that tie them together - First, they are targeted to the generalist practitioner of development. Second, they are all very interdisciplinary - providing a broad training in Political/Social sciences, engineering, agriculture, energy, health science, economics, management skills, etc. that the development worker needs in the field. Because of this, they seem like really great programs. I just finished a 2-year term managing a development program in a very difficult country, and I can definitely attest to the fact that you need training from all of those disciplines to be an effective manager in many contexts.
Also, all have at least required overseas internship.
I would agree that they seem much more geared to providing training to those who want to manage development programs at the field level. Most have pretty rigorous entrance requirements, and I think their graduates will be well-received by the relevant employers.
Going straight from BA to MA?
in Government Affairs Forum
Posted
I spent over 2 years in Darfur right out of college doing stuff very similar to PC work but with an NGO. I think that at this stage in your career, what you learn and how you grow from the experience is much more important than what you accomplish.
If you spend those 2 years in the peace corps before going back to school, your grad school courses will be much more meaningful as you apply real world professional experiences learned in the field to what you are studying in the classroom. I think you will get more out of it with prior work experience.
Post conflict development in Africa is basically the same thing I am doing. I think that focus is defined enough for most graduate programs, but it would make you a stronger candidate to flesh that out a little bit. For example, I worked on a UNDP project for peacebuilding and post conflict development in Sudan, and I used that experience as an example in my personal statements for what I want to do with my career. Really, if you go overseas to a post-conflict zone for 2 years, it will help you define that interest further and build some concrete experiences as evidence of your commitment to that type of work.