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Hi there! I am hoping for your help deciding between my graduate options for a data focused public policy programs. I have been admitted to the University of Chicago’s (Harris) MSCAPP, Carnegie Mellon’s (Heinz) MSPPM-DA track, Georgetown’s (McCourt) MS-DSPP, and University of Pennsylvania’s (SP2) MSSP+DA. Now, I am trying to decide between my choices, and I would be grateful for your advice! Fortunate to these programs, finances are not a factor in my decision. I have an extensive quant background in Computer Science and also studied Political Science; however, I have yet to learn how to effectively integrate the two. I do not have a Data Science background. These two deficiencies are what I would like to gain from the program I attend. Postgrad, I hope to work in the socio-political realm in the US. What are your opinions/experiences of these programs in terms of prestige, program structure/quality, quantitative rigor, and career outcomes? Are Georgetown’s and UPenn’s programs qualified enough considering their young age? Likewise, are Georgetown’s and UPenn’s programs quantitatively sufficient seeing that they do not partner with CS/Informatics department and their schools are not necessarily known for their data background? Any opinions on the programs, sharing of your own personal experiences, or deciding factors for yourself would be greatly appreciated! Thank you(:

Anyone hear anything or reach out to SP2? After anxiously waiting all of February and receiving decisions from schools that I applied to significantly later than their Dec 15 deadline, I am quite annoyed with the school and program .... especially considering that funding negotiations with other programs need to be made and decisions are due in almost a month.