locura81

Just received an acceptance from USC's MPA program w/ a 12K tuition scholarship and 5K stipend. It's not a full ride (as I'd been crossing my fingers for) but it's a huge help nonetheless. Can't wait for these next couple weeks as other schools start to send out their fin. aid notices. Still, it's nice to have this one in my back pocket. Good luck, guys and gals!

Yin, Been following your journey - so sorry to hear of the BU decision. For whatever it's worth, I thought I'd add my two quick cents. Meridion is right - you can't really control the outcome of your GRE. It is what it is (unless you take it again, that is). That said, you can control the other portions of your application - the communique with the department/professors, choosing programs that "fit" you (I think that's huge - the majority of applicants are all well-qualified; the question is whether or not an applicant really fits well into a program. By becomming familiar with programs, you can figure out which ones fit best and thereby increase your chances there), and, of course, refine your SOP. Again, I gotta agree with Meridion - although I was lucky to do well on the GRE (or, as I like to put, I gave it the kick in the pants it so deserved;), I really feel like the clincher in my apps has been my SOP. It showed a lot of self-analysis/udnerstanding, spoke to the sorts of questions a adcom member might ask themselves, and (if I do say so myself) spoke with a voice. It was human, not just a list of accomplisments as though to say, "Here, I've got great stats. Accept me." Most of all, and this one is probably the hardest to say without sounding trite or cliche, but you just have to remember, Yin, that you are a brilliant, valuable individual whether or not some program accepts you. Whether you had gotten accepted to all your programs or none of them, it doesn't change who you are. And I have a sneaking suspicion that, if not this year then definitely in the nearer future, you'll find yourself invited to a grad program that is absolutely perfect for you. That said, best of luck! (and, enjoy the cheesecake:)

Thanks for the word of encouragment. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you are correct. You're def right about not needing to incur the sort of debt that many schools would require. Of course, a lot of people feel quite differently than us. I always wonder about those people that receive no aid but head to a $50K/yr school. Are they independently wealthy? Have a kindly benefactor? Just willing to gamble that they'll collar a high-paying job with their prestigous degree? I can't, for the life, understand it. But I digress... Congrats on the PH acceptances - any news of funding yet (since that topic seems to be of importance:)? Are you planning on pursuing a career in academia, or is this further schooling just another means toward a certain job opportunity?

Pace, Wow - I cannot thank you enough for that insightful (and expansive:) analysis of the program at UGA. I liked your thought about selecting a grad school based not only on academics and finances. I think you're right; those two probably ought to come first. But location, quality of life, experience/adventure are all extremely important as well. Finances are a big thing for me, though. And at UGA, I know that I've been nominated both for a GS assistantship and a departmental one. While those are only nominations and not a guarantee of anything, it's still good to know that I'll have a shot (as opposed to, say, Georgetown where I didn't receive any aid and cannot justify shelling out $50K/yr in loans). Overall, UGA sounds fantastic. I'd really like to visit, though I'm trying to figure out where/how to visit my particular schools. I have a shot at a felloweship for an MPA at George Washington, so I'd like to trek out there. Plus, I love Syracuse and want to take a trip there (even though fin. aid decisions won't come out for another month or so). Oh, not to forget, I also resonated with your comment about quantitative skills/policy analysis being foundational to advocacy. That's kind of what I meant by the term - I'm not looking for a program that has advocacy as a track (as you said, I doubt it's offered anywhere), but I think that the theory behind policy decisions, as well as an acute understanding of the nuts and bolts of policy creation, serve as the beginning of quality advocacy. Anyway, again, I cannot thank you enough for you help. By the way, where are you applying for your PhD's and for what program? Best of luck!

Thanks so much - it'd be great to get your insight into the program. First off, why did you choose UGA over UChicago and UMinn? And, now that you're about to finish up and seemed to have had a good experience, maybe you could highlight the top couple reasons that it has been such a positive experience. As for me, I'm not entirely sure where I'd like to focus. I'd like to get a solid foundation in policy analysis/quantitative skills, but really I'm more interested in advocacy and the philosophical underpinnings of policy. Again, anything you could lend about UGA would be awsome. Thanks!

Just thought I'd get this thread started for all you MPP / MPA people out there. Feel free to post your thoughts, concerns, acceptances (and even failures, if you're not feeling too despondent ? ) As for me, I've been a happy camper thus far - accepted at UGA, Georgetown (MPP), Syracuse, and Elliott. Still waiting for word from USC. More importantly, still awaiting word of funding from all of them...argh!