Siya210

I have to make a similar choice between funding at Duke, or accepting HKS without any assistance. And to make it worse I am an international student with no co-signer option So basically a huge loan will result. BUT, though I haven't spoken to many "experts" just mere observation makes me consider HKS very very seriously. Things seem to have changed since I got my admit to HKS. I feel I am suddenly taken more seriously by everyone, particularly my current and several potential employers. It is a great brand, and the fact you that you become associated with it changes things because people start believing that something must have really set you apart to have been given this opportunity. This belief (true or not!!) opens many doors. I absolutely loved everything I learnt about Duke, and the program sounds awesome, but HKS (I believe) would just leave me with more options later. If you are looking to focus on international issues, I think HKS would do the same for you. I am very sure about HKS, I am only considering whether I should defer my offer or take it up this year. I have three options: Defer: apply to scholarships I missed out on this year and work an additional year to save some funds. I have also found a relevant job that will help me build contacts for when I join HKS next year (impact assessment development work) Defer: all of the above, but stay in my current job (which is anything but relevant btw) which will pay twice the salary of the more relevant job Accept the offer: apply for whatever scholarships available and depend on loans. I have to decide something over the weekend. Not sure what to yet.

MPA2

GOT IT. Accepted. not so cruel now.

I called them and asked them what the new admits tab was about. first they seemed a bit clueless. then they asked me to check my spam. and then they took my name and email id. basically, they do not know that this has happened. they said nothing about WHEN i will receive the mail..or the result. I think people should call them and let them know....

To call I will have to wait till morning...and where I am, I have the day to kill. Can the wait listed applicants also see the tab?

I see the new admit tab as well...this is just cruel. no email notification.

Thanks for the reply. Will call them, but don't hope to hear anything new. The joint mail may help applicants next year I am assuming (i am sure they won't leave it so ambiguous for next year). I can't seem to control my disappointment about this. But, wait, the result isn't out yet!

Hey prabbit, I have also been a victim of the dreadful box. Do you suggest I at least call them. I haven't done anything about it, since it doesn't seem that anything will help.

I am in the same boat. Apparently i am being considered for the MPA and not MPP do you know the consequences? is it less reputed? I thought I had applied to the MPP and will be considered for MPA is rejected for MPP. They should have been more clear about this. In any case, the result is not out yet and I am very nervous about it.

The money will pose a serious issue for me. Again, I am thrilled, but no mention of RA is making me nervous about the huge debt I will be looking at. Do you have any idea about how easy/hard it will be to pay back that debt????

Accepted to DUKE MPP with 18k towards tuition (per year). YET, it is still rather expensive. I am wondering how I will manage to finance this... Also called for an interview by LKYSPP.

Got acceptance from DUKE MPP with 18K fellowship. I am thrilled!!! Does't say much about RA except on page two of the letter where it mentions that it is possible. Does anyone's offer explicitly state that they RA? Even with the funding, the tuition and the consequent debt will pose a problem. I am wondering how to finance my education...and how long it'll take to pay off a 60k loan (!!!) if i must...

As March approaches I am getting the jitters about the result...any idea when they will be out exactly?

Program Applied To(MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPP Schools Applied To: HKS, CMU-Adelaide, NUS (Singapore), Sanford Schools Admitted To: CMU-Adelaide Schools Rejected From: None yet Still Waiting: remaining Undergraduate institution: Top in India Undergraduate GPA: NA Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): NA Undergraduate Major: Economics Graduate Major: Economics GRE Quantitative Score: 800 (94%) GRE Verbal Score: 660 (94%) GRE AW Score: 4.5 (67%) Years Out of grad school (if applicable): 3.5 Years of Work Experience: 3.2 Describe Relevant Work Experience: More than three years for an infrastructure research company. Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): It has taken me a long time to write the SOP. Overall, I think it effectively communicates why public policy, and builds a story which is both genuine and strong. My only trouble seems to be in incorporating a more conversational style, as opposed to the more "report" style I am accustomed to. Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): One is from a very renowned economist (academic) and two from work. While the work are, in all probability, very strong and detailed, I am not sure about the academic one since it has been very long since I left Grad school and did not really stay in touch. Other Comments: Overall I think I have a very strong application, but some of my grades in important courses will not compare well to the high US grades. Also, the 4.5 in AWA GRE (I don't know how!!!) won't exactly work in my favor.