braindead

I see that you don't have SIPA on your list. Nevertheless they have a very good admissions blog and this particular post actually talks about your SOP. Read the guidelines, they are very good. http://blogs.cuit.columbia.edu/sipa/2010/11/16/top-10-application-tips-3-–-the-personal-statement/

Hi, It's good to see you have started so early for the application process (assuming you would be applying for fall 2012). First thing I believe in is that a personal, story like plot indeed brings out the character in you and I would strongly insist that you keep it that way. As everyone has mentioned instead of looking at your Law degree as a waste, you can probably list out some key achievements during that phase, despite which you wanted more out of your career. The language on the whole can be tightened. GPPI accepts only 500 words. I must admit, even I had started off the way you have. Got my SOP reviewed from a few people, maintained the storyline narrative and tried to be as concise. In the end I got admits from 5 out of 6 schools I applied to (which includes GPPI as well). So I would recommend you to stick to the style you have adopted. You may try out variations as someone as suggested but I am not sure if you should make it professional.

I am indeed surprised on receiving mails from Harris that the decisions would be out soon. I in fact received my decision on 3rd March itself! Which by all standards was pretty early. But I guess not many people were informed back then. Anyway, I don't think I would be considering Harris because of the low scholarship from them. All the best to you guys.

Thanks for the wishes. But as it turns out with each passing day, SIPA seems to be a distant dream because of the sheer amount of program fee and lack of any scholarship. I don't have so much funds to support me and nor can I take a loan of such a huge amount. I am at international candidate and won't be able to make it to the open day.

Someone pleaseseeee help me out! I was most inclined towards SIPA until I received a call from Fletcher! They are offering me 30K scholarship per year for the MIB program! NOW I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!

$30,000 scholarship for the MIB!! Arghhh! More than being happy am in a fix! I was most inclined to SIPA until I received the decision from Fletcher! Help me! OK, on second thoughts I am ecstatic! Wow 30K is a hell lot of money! Congratulations to all those who got selected!

Errrm....That's interesting! I just hope the vice versa is not true for people like me who have been accepted!

Hi, don't panic. Perhaps the system is overloaded. It happened with me too. But rectified on its own after a while. The best way out is to of course contact the ad com directly. All the best!

Congratulations! Even I applied for the IFP but my letter didn't say anything about the IFP. So I am assuming I didn't get the IFP.

Yippie!!! I just checked my e-mail! Am so glad to have been accepted to Columbia's MPA! No funding though!

Thanks for the reply. Giving my current situation, I might have to pick up a job in the private sector immediately after graduation to pay off my debts. Having done that I would like to return to the public sector after a couple of years.

Hi Letsjustgo, The online status was not updated. I received an email regarding the offer and am expecting the same via post too.

For all those looking to enter the professional line (after doing the likes of MPP or MA-IR or similar programs), in 5 years from now, does it matter which program you studied? Or is it just the name of the university/school that matters?

Hi, Even I heard from Harris yesterday via e-mail. I have been accepted with some scholarship and this is my first admit! I am so glad to receive the offer. Anyone around willing to put in their thoughts about Harris?

As per the website (http://fletcher.tufts.edu/admissions/policies.shtml) they do entertain deferral on a case by case basis.