CC139
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Posts posted by CC139
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I saw several acceptances to this program today. Any of the accepted applicants cares to share their stats? I applied there to, but I haven't been informed of the results yet. Also, did any of you get any funding or is funding to come later?
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I think that despite your career change, you are a very strong candidate for all of the schools -maybe I'm just not sure about WWS because there everyone is a great applicant! While your experience so-so, it's good enough to had gotten you through great masters, so you'd have nothing to prove on that regard.
Best of luck!
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Despite your nationality, I would be very wary about getting loans to fund another masters.
Studying in the US may open some doors but remember that as an non-US citizen most of the time you're not eligible for government/contracting positions in security issues. If you're not dead set into getting your security education in the US, check out Sciences Po International Security Master's. It's very well regarded in Europe and considerably less expensive for Europeans.
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I'll attend SU starting next July and I'm looking for a room in a shared apartment. I'm an international student, so it's been hard trying to secure something from abroad. Any tips on that?
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Have you looked into FLAS fellowships? I am not very familiar with them, but they are given out by the Dept of Education for US students pursuing degrees in international studies.
They provide some (all?) tuition and give an stipend. However, I believe they are for modern languages, so if you're interested in learning yet another language, with your background you'd probably be a very good candiate.
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So I deleted my previous post because in an unexpected turn of events in the end I was offered a better aid package at Maxwell, so the decision became obvious: I'll be joining Maxwell. Hope to see you there.
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Hi, I am currently applying to the LBJ School at UT Austin, and am torn between the MGPS and MPAff programs. I am more interested in policy on an international scale, so I think the MGPS program would be a good fit. But, it looks as if I can tailor an International Affairs focus in the MPAff program. Anyone that can speak to either of these programs with any recommendations? Also, would it be easier to secure funding in either one, as I am an out-of stater, and am hoping for some sort of financial support. Thanks you for any thoughts!
I had the same question when applying and after some reading, I think the main difference between them is that the MPAff, despite its name, is a policy-analysis degree with a quant focus while the MGPS seems to be a very broad international affairs program. Also, if you're looking into pursuing a dual degree, some are only availiable for MPAff and not MGPS students (like Business and Planning).
Depending on your specialization, the MPAff can be tailored at least at a general level to your international interests, however, the MGPS has specific concentrations on international issues.
On funding, as you can see on this years thread, several applicants to both degrees received generous fellowships.
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I'll attend UT next year. See you there, guys!
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Congrats! And that means your Maxwell scholarship is back in the funding pool
Indeed. It was an assistantship, so there's probably one spot open for those who will seek funding when arriving to Maxwell. Best of luck.
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CC139, what school did you choose???
I'll attend UT Austin. It was a really difficult decision, but I believe Austin was the best balance between academics and outside opportunities. I hope I'm right.
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Program Applied To: MPA/MPAff and MSc Information Security Policy and Management
Schools Applied To: Erasmus Mundus MAPP, Hertie School of Governance (Berlin), Syracuse U, UT Austin, NYU, CMU (infosec)
Schools Admitted To: Erasmus Mundus (waitlisted for scholarship), Hertie (50% scholarship), Syracuse (65% all expense scholarship), UT (100% scholarship), NYU (1/3 scholarship), CMU (60% scholarship).
Schools Rejected From:None
Undergraduate institution: University in my home country (small but well known amongst scholars)
Undergraduate GPA: 92/100
Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (ifapplicable): 95/100
Undergraduate Major: Politics and Public Administration
GRE Quantitative Score: 600
GRE Verbal Score: 690
GRE AW Score: 4
TOEFL Score: 113 (English is not my native language).
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 2.5 at time of application
Years of Work Experience: 2.5 full time. 6 years of volunteer service as an EMT with various leadership positions.
Describe Relevant Work Experience: Research and information systems management.
Strength of SOP (be honest, describethe process, etc): I started it really early (around August) to apply for an external scholarship. It had typos and grammar mistakes. But I think it was overall strong because it clearly showed what I wanted to do, why attend each university and was related to my work and volunteer experience.
Strength of LOR (be honest, describethe process, etc): Three writers: one for a former professor/thesis director/employer (I didn't see it, but I hope it was strong); one from another professor, alumni from one of the unis I applied to (I saw it, it was pretty strong); and the last one from the Medical director of the ambulance service I volunteer with (i didn't see it either, but I am sure it was great).
Other: I was worried about my GRE scores -while they were right average for most of the schools, my Q was really low, while my V was higher. I speak four languages, lived abroad for a while and wrote an undegrad thesis. I am sure that these factors + good SOP and LoRs made up for my scores.
In retrospect, I am really happy with my acceptances. I only applied to schools I could see myself in, so deciding where to attend was really hard, I want to go to all. I wish I had applied to less programs and to include one program I didn't applied to, but since I needed financial aid, I wanted to broaden my chances. If you're applying to NYU and need financial aid, DO send your GRE scores even though they're optional (I didn't and I assume it negatively impacted my funding chances).
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Ok, I think I've decided on LBJ. Anyone think I'm crazy for giving up the Ford School? I think I'm a little crazy for giving up USC when I've been wanting to get back to California, where I'm from, for so many years. But it seems like the best option for me right now, with its combo of great lifestyle, solid program, and practically full funding offer. Am I going to see any of you there in August (or maybe before for Camp LBJ)?
I am in a similar position, albeit deciding between LBJ and Maxwell. I feel that LBJ is a better fit because of its location and opportunities.
Everyone I've talked to speaks highly of UT and thinks that the trade-off between living in Austin and attending a higher ranked program is totally worth it.
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I was looking for the past courses to have an idea of what it's offered every semester. Thanks for the link, Nimesis.
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Hey guys, do you know if there is a course list somewhere? I've seen the core courses listed on the website, but what about the electives and specialization courses?
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Rejected :-(
Is it possible to reach out to the school/university to get on the waitlist or discuss why I didn't get through?
Got into HKS, SIPA and Brown; but WWS was first choice.
Well, WWS has a lower admission rate than all the other schools you got into -I believe it's the harder program to get in of all of them. Still, you could potentially send and email asking about any weaknesses in your application.
In your shoes, I woudn't sweat it. Your decision is really difficult as it is. You got into awesome programs!
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I can't comment on the other programs but in regard to MSISPM at CMU, do you have a real interest in security?
If so, then you got hands down the top InfoSec program in the nation and perhaps the world (I might be biased here as a MSISPM student but I think with Cylab on campus and most security classes taught by senior CERT staff says a lot).
However, if you are leaning more toward MPA/MPP, then MSISPM may not be for you. I think everyone in the program is looking for a career in the security or a technical field. Yes, we are under the same roof with the MSPPM students but MSISPM is part of the Information Systems Management side. You can definitiv take MSPPM classes but that's not the norm.
btw the class size is actually 15. They experimented with 25 a few years ago but decided to go back to 15. There are a couple of good reasons why the class size is intentionally kept small.
I appreciate your input, zerolife. I've sent you a PM.
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Thanks CC139 and Stella. To your query CC139: I am from Pakistan. Anyways, I have talked to people in the energy sector here in Pakistan and they hold UT-Austin in high regard. Now I am sure where to go, the LBJ.
Awesome! I am still deciding, but if I end up at LBJ, I'll drop you a line. Congrats on your decision
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Not sure if this thread is soley about funding, anyways. I might be headed to Syracuse for MA-IR (no funding), but how easy is it to work on a dual degree program (either MAIR/Econ or MAIR/MPA)? Can I just register for those courses and fufill those requirements, or do I have to apply beforehand?
I am admitted to the MPA and I asked specifically about the dual degree in Economics and it seems to be the same process amj6c described.
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Hi everybody
I am an international student and now leaning towards MPAff at LBJ. My other option is SPEA at IU-bloomington. I intend to concentrate in the energy policy/studies (mineral resources etc) and a touch of environment courses. Though SPEA offers specifically designed courses in energy as well as environment and it is also ranked very highly in the World News etc but still I know that UT-Austin is a more recognised brand in USA as well as my part of the world, and that it also offers good courses in energy etc. Besides that I have heard so much about the diversity in Texas and the warm weather that it has very much reinforced my interest in attending LBJ. However, in order to be more decisive (still a bit of doubt yet) is the job placement of LBJ grads in the international jobs- not US since I wont be staying in US after graduation. Specifically, how much are the chances for LBJ grads in the international instituitions such as UN, WB, IEA (specifically the energy related depts) etc. And that how is it regarded by consultancies and multinationals working around the world. I would appreciate if I get any kind of information just to make my decision easier and faster. Thanks a lot
Where are you from abaabel?? I am an international student from Mexico and I know that because of the large Mexican population in Austin and its proximity to Mexico, there are several employers looking for Mexicans or at least bilingual graduates, so in my case, it is an advantage no other school has (maybe NYU).
I don't know LBJ's placement in internatinoal organizations, but if you're looking to return to your country, you'd be better served with a school that has some recognition there.
It'd be great if someone could answer your question about consoultancies and multinationals. Anyone?
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This exactly:
Plus, you'll have an MBA which will more than make up for it in terms of networking.
Go to AU, you'd be getting two degrees that compliment each other for free!
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LBJ, particularly the MPaff, is known for being quant. heavy, which to me is a huge plus. I also think they try to emphasize it because incoming students are routinely surprised at the quant. emphasis (this is what I've heard).
Thanks for the report nogone!
I didn't know that, but I agree, it is definitely an advantage.
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I just got back from the LBJ admitted students open house yesterday, so I can answer a few questions about that. As far as internships, they actually seem to be split pretty evenly between Texas, DC, and abroad. They gave us statistics for the 2010 graduating class, and 39% were actually working in DC 6 months out, and we were also told that they have a large and active DC alumni group. . I was told that almost 25% of the students offered admission this year are international students. They also gave the impression of being very quant heavy, though I'm not sure how they stand compared to other schools in that area. The work on campus thing seems like a reality, with most of the current students I spoke with working part time, either on campus as research assistants or with relevant outside organizations.
Hey, nogone, thanks for your input! Why do you say they are quant heavy? Any other impressions from your visit?
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I got into Heinz' MSISPM with 12k/semester. I visited Heinz and I just got this sense that there is a A LOT going ont there and it's an interesting place to be. I'm interested in social networks, but I'm interested in doing applied research. Maybe work for a think tank or consulting firm or government when I'm done with school.
I am not familiar with the PhD you mention, so I can't say anything about it, except that while CMU is an expensive university even after the funding you received, cost-opportunity-wise it will be completed faster than a PhD, thus you could potentially start earning money earlier. And from what I've been told, the MSISPM degree is in great demand by employers.
However, I've been reseaerching CMUs program and it's my impression that the MSISPM is not research-oriented. At most, you have the final thesis option on the fourth semester, but that's about it. While I believe there is some faculty doing research on social networks, the nature of the program is more security policy oriented -you have several electives, though, that you could fill with classes on that specific topic.
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What is it that you would like to do with this degree?
I would like to work in either consulting or government, mostly in policy design/evaluation (urban or information technology) or process redesign management.
Fall 2012 Planning admissions?
in Architecture and Planning Forum
Posted
hey, kendlaal, congrats on the admission. a question about ut austin, did they mentioned funding with your admission?