jb08

Congrats to you too! My top choice is actually an M.A. program in peace studies, not one of the MANY MPP or MPA programs where I applied.

I just received news about funding for a Graduate Honor Award . However, I will likely attend another school once I receive the official acceptance so this funidng will be available for others.

I just heard back from SPEA today even though I was told I was in the mid-January batch. It seems like they are running a little behind. Good luck!

Program Applied To(MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPP and some MPA Schools Applied To: U Chicago Harris, U Michigan Ford, IU SPEA, Carnegie Mellon Heinz, GWU Trachtenberg, NYU Wagner, American SPA Schools Admitted To: None yet Schools Rejected From: None yet Still Waiting: all of the above Undergraduate institution: Jesuit University in Midwest Undergraduate GPA: 3.65 Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.75 Undergraduate Major: Political Science GRE Quantitative Score: 780 (89%) GRE Verbal Score: 570 (80%) - this may be the lowest I've seen on these boards this year, I'm hoping my Quant and AW scores will help offset this a little? GRE AW Score: 5.0 Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 2 Years of Work Experience: 2 Describe Relevant Work Experience: 2 years Americorps and very recently began working in a low-level position at a nonprofit related to the field I want to study Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I think it's strong. My passion about the field is clear, I think I have some trouble distinguishing why I want to study at particular schools/programs Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): My recommendations from supervisors will be strong. I worry that my academic recommendations wont be stellar only b/c I didn't form relationships with professors during undergrad. My recommenders don't know me very well aside from reading my Statement and knowing I did well in their classes. I'm also concerned b/c I have practically no Quant bakground. I took a Stats class as a freshman and did very well but never took any other math or econ b/c it wasn't required. I did okay on Quant GRE, but I doubt that will be enough to make up for my lack of coursework.

I heard from American earlier this week and got the official acceptance in the mail today. That letter said "Decisions regarding the initial round of merit awards are made in mid to late February and students selected for an award will receive notification by letter and email starting in March."

Thanks for the update. I'm just trying to gauge if its reasonable for me to constantly check my email now or if only a few letters have gone out. Also, it may be time to start lowering my expectations.

Has anyone else gotten news from SPEA? I was also told I'd be in the first group, but I haven't heard anything yet. This program is definitely my top choice so I'm starting to get anxious about not hearing.

Thanks for the words of encouragement compost&recycle (and sorry for the late reply). Like you suggested, my only reason for not applying to GSPP was b/c I'm trying to focus on schools in the Midwest and East Coast. I was definitely impressed by their program.

Program Applied To(MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPP and some MPA Schools Applied To: U Chicago Harris, U Michigan Ford, IU SPEA, Carnegie Mellon Heinz, GWU Trachtenberg, NYU Wagner, American SPA Schools Admitted To: None yet Schools Rejected From: None yet Still Waiting: all of the above Undergraduate institution: Jesuit University in Midwest Undergraduate GPA: 3.65 Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.75 Undergraduate Major: Political Science GRE Quantitative Score: 780 (89%) GRE Verbal Score: 570 (80%) - this may be the lowest I've seen on these boards this year, I'm hoping my Quant and AW scores will help offset this a little? GRE AW Score: 5.0 Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 2 Years of Work Experience: 2 Describe Relevant Work Experience: 2 years Americorps and very recently began working in a low-level position at a nonprofit related to the field I want to study Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I think it's strong. My passion about the field is clear, I think I have some trouble distinguishing why I want to study at particular schools/programs Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): My recommendations from supervisors will be strong. I worry that my academic recommendations wont be stellar only b/c I didn't form relationships with professors during undergrad. My recommenders don't know me very well aside from reading my Statement and knowing I did well in their classes. I'm also concerned b/c I have practically no Quant bakground. I took a Stats class as a freshman and did very well but never took any other math or econ b/c it wasn't required. I did okay on Quant GRE, but I doubt that will be enough to make up for my lack of coursework.

Does anyone have any information about the SPEA Program at Indiana University? I couldn't find any information on their website about what the average GPA and GRE scores are for their class. Thanks!