beefmaster

Just don't turn into one of those people who has zero empathy with people who work in the field because you've never done it.

Not lecturing, I mistakenly thought you were asking for advice.

People who voted down my comment, get a life.

I'd go for tattoo it on your forehead rather than staple it.

You may well have known what you wanted to do, but in my field (international development) the reality is often very different from the idealised or dreamed-for reality of doing the job. Unless you can answer questions like 'how did you feel when the project you worked hard on failed through no fault of your own' or 'can you be satisfied living on your own in the field for a year' or 'how do you feel about bucket showers when it's freezing outside' I'm really not sure you can be considered prepared for this career.

This isn't meaning to come across as snarky either (do we need a snark-o-meter for this sub-forum?) but these are things you don't get from wanting to work in development. The dream career you picture may well be horrifically boring, personally unrewarding or too challenging in reality.

For example, when I graduated I absolutely loved International Crisis Group (I still do) and thought no job would be better than working for them. Having worked with them in the field now, I know that while the work they do is hugely important and valuable to other NGOs (and in-country stakeholders), I'm not cut out to spend all my time in the field researching. I'd rather work on building local capacity in a more hands-on way. That is something I definitely couldn't have told you prior to graduating or even prior to getting out to the field after an HQ position.

Maybe that comes across as condescending too, but the fact that we have been places/done things means we can speak from a relative position of authority to people who are yet to have their first field experience. MYRNIST is speaking from the kindest place in the world - trying to prevent someone from falling into a rather large professional pitfall.

What is your question?

I thought I'd join in. My GRE scores (taken August 15th).
Verbal 164 (94th percentile) -> Prediction right after the test: 690-790
Math 166 (94th percentile) -> Prediction: 750-800
AWA 5.5 (96th percentile).

A little disappointed about my Math scores, but it shouldn't matter that much.

I think that you're a very strong candidate. Are you applying for a 2nd masters or a Phd? Try applying to several schools this year, and if it didn't work you can always apply later. I heard that if you received scholarship or self-funded and weren't relying on receiving financial aid from the university, then you have higher chances of getting in. I don't know how true this is though. I made sure to address that I mention this in my SOPs just in case.

I would really, really appreciate some sort of answer to this. : )

It's a question that has been asked before but never actually responded to, as far as I can tell.

If you are a white male, what are the chances of winning a Ford? If there is any chance, must your white maleness be overcome by proven diversity work, to the tune of 5+ years commitment to one or more causes, plus academic interests in the subject? Or (and I believe the answer to this is no, but would love to be wrong) is it enough to have only a small background in diversity causes/work, as long as the policy you lay out for bringing diversity into your future classroom is novel and passionate?

In the latter scenario, how imperative is a history of peer-reviewed published articles?

Essentially, can you win this thing with only three real demonstrable achievements: extremely well written, persuasive essays, outstanding recommendations, and perfect grades (summa cum laude in undergrad, equivalent level so far in grad, etc...)?

What is an MPP?

Thought I would bump this thread to help out applicants for this application cycle. Any pieces of advice would be most welcome.

Howdy,

Somewhat unusual question but I am sure someone on here knows something or can point me in the right direction at least.
To be clear, I am looking for fact and some conjecture.

Israeli universities:
Firstly, how do they compare to UK/US universities at a grad level? are they en-par or slightly below? In quality, rankings, reception in the rest of the world etc. ?

Secondly (and this is a a far more specific question), does anybody know anything about this school?:
http://www.ict.org.il/

It is affiliated to an interdisciplinary school that I cant seem to find much on: http://portal.idc.ac.il/en/main/homepage/Pages/homepage.aspx

I'm interested in the areas of counter-terrorism and was interested in killing two birds with one stone, doing an MA and improving my arabic, which I could potentially do it at the above school. I figured that few countries have the experience that Israel does when it comes to this field, teach in English, have case studies on their doorstep and have sizable arabic communities that I could practice/learn from.
However, I am afraid of both being scammed financially and with an education, so little seems to be readily available on the internet.
Any advice, relevant hearsay or sharing of experience of this or (other Israeli institutions) would be much appreciated.
Thanks

So good GPA, great GRE, lots of languages, and some interesting experience.

Did you really have to come on here to show off?

So good GPA, great GRE, lots of languages, and some interesting experience.

Did you really have to come on here to show off?

Haha. I work in Dupont Circle and we get various entourages that travel up and down conn ave. i remember the first time i saw a large one (it was Cheney's going to the VP mansion) because it is quite an experience.

Dear All

Now that most of the results are in(am only wiating fro NYU)... this is the situation

(1) Harvard :MPA program(no news of funding)
(2) Syracuse MPA - no funding
(3) Univ of chicago - MA program - no funding
(4) USC - MPA - half tuition
(5) Georgetown univ

Which would be the best bet for internation ak development/non profit management - am not interested in U domestic policy.
Please advice! (dont want a mountain of debt either!!!!)

Really value the advice in this forum - look forward to hearing your views!