policy_wonk_18

Yeah, kind of a bummer. So, can I ask what everyone hopes to achieve with this program, if you decide to go? What are your short and long term goals? How will you make the debt (or direct expense) of the program work for you? I'm thrilled to get in, but I'm also admittedly skeptical about the return. There's no question that it will be a great experience, and make me more marketable/credible, but what do you want from this? Many of us are already very accomplished in our backgrounds and careers -- what will Harvard do for you?

Anybody else receive financial aid notification today? Feeling a bit disappointed, but understand that harvard has been rather stingy with funding of late. Have a difficult decision to make...

*crickets chirping*

The wait for results has been atrocious. The program begins in 90 days, and still no word. Many will have to transition lives to Cambridge by July 1 - thus, each passing day compresses the timeframe further and increases stress. While I presume the wait is almost over, I can't help but find the process ludicrous - and frankly, a bit rude. Nevertheless, it will be good to get resolution soon, either way. Good luck to all as the final days and hours tick away.

I get that HKS is inundated, but it's pretty galling that our apps have been sitting around for 4 months with no review. Meanwhile, the program begins in 3 months. This process leaves much to be desired.

Based on their projected date for MPP decisions of "by March 31", and actual decision dates beginning on March 14 (according to the other thread), I suspect that we'll hear from them starting mid-April. Last year's midcareer decisions seemed to trickle in after the first week of April. Plus, I do think they'll want to accommodate folks that need to make decisions on other schools by the 15th. While we wait, I'm curious as to how many of you will definitely attend if admitted. If so, how will you finance your year of schooling? Mostly loans, or hoping for some fellowships?

Well, that's just crazy. I'll be shocked if it's another month -- that would basically give those who enroll about two months to transition their lives to Cambridge before summer courses start. Perhaps they're erring on the side of caution so as to not mislead anyone in the event that there are further delays.

The wait continues. I guess we'll hope for next week -- I just wish the university would be more accurate or realistic with its announced decision dates. 4 plus months is a long time...

Yeah, I'm kind of surprised it's taking this long, but it's easy to forget how large the Kennedy School is. We should probably get used to the waiting game -- my understanding is that we won't get admissions decisions from them until mid-April or so. Pretty crazy, but it is what it is.

No, I haven't received mine. Have you?

Not sure how many applied last year, but my understanding is that they generally tend to admit around 200 folks to this program, give or take. So, it's a decent sized program compared to other executive level policy programs around the country. However, I think they get a large number of international students (the Mason fellows), just not sure what percentage (I want to say close to 50%, but can't substantiate that number). I'm also not sure about the percentage of admitted applicants, but I think it's slightly higher than that of the MPP program. Anyhow, for those of you who applied, I'd be curious to know a little about your background and "stats", if you don't mind sharing. As I said before, I think a big weakness is my quant score (680), which won't help me -- just hope it doesn't hurt too much. Verbal was around 90th percentile though. I also found a non-substantive typo in an essay (not the personal statement) after sending it, which ticks me off. I'm hoping that my 12 years of relevant and high level experience in energy policy, coupled with the personal statement and CV, can offset the weak points. I won't be surprised either way.

I would call the HKS Admissions office first thing tomorrow and ask them about this. I noticed that the Inspector would have allowed me to submit my application without attaching transcripts or specifying information in certain fields. However, I filled everything out (I think) and got it in on time. The thing that brought it down to the wire for me was the "substantial contribution" essay, but that's only because I spent so much time on the personal statement -- the "what inspired you/career goals" question. I do wish I'd spent a bit more time on the other essay, but I think it was good enough and accomplished what was needed. Frankly, I think you're going to need to submit an essay for this section; it's the personal statement, which is one of the most (if not THE most) important parts of the application. I was not under the impression that any of the essays were optional with the exception of Essay #2, where it clearly stated so at the top. Besides, even if it was, you should want to present the ad com with as much relevant information about your background and writing samples as possible. Take full advantage of the opportunities to demonstrate your background/abilities. So, call them and see whether they'll allow you to submit a late personal statement. Hopefully they'll still allow you to do so.

I've actually been wondering the same thing. I'm really wishing I'd taken the GRE earlier than last month, as I ended up with a 680q/620v. Really think I could get it up to 720 with another shot at the exam. Anyhow, I think the general rule of thumb is that the more experience you have (presuming its high caliber, relevant experience), the less your test scores matter. Now, it isn't clear to me what the average scores are for the midcareer folks generally, but the admissions committee will look at the complete package. Thus, solid experience, a successful career, great recommendations, and a well written personal statement/essays can offset otherwise average or below average scores. As for other midcareer programs, I would look into executive MPA programs around the country -- NYU, Princeton, and USC come to mind as options.

Any HKS Mid-Career or other applicants out there? Friday is the application deadline, and I couldn't be more stressed and burned out with the process. It's funny how such a simple essay question about your future career goals could be so difficult to answer. I feel like I'm molding a sculpture that's never quite finished. Given that my GRE quant was a bit shy of expectations (verbal was fine), I'm feeling increased pressure to perfect the Personal Statement and other components of the application. Anyhow, just blowing off steam as the deadline closes in. Best of luck to everyone...

Berkeley GSPP is closely tied to the Energy Institute at Haas, which is an interdisciplinary institute that cuts across policy, law, business, and engineering. Students from all of these schools take numerous energy economics and environmental courses to fulfill their respective program curricula. There is also a great academic association connected to the Institute called the Berkeley Energy & Resources Collaborative (BERC). Berkeley is really on the cutting edge of the energy industry, and in particular, the Silicon Valley cleantech movement. You should look into this program.