legs

I'm going to be starting the MPAff program at LBJ in the fall, and during the Open House day a few weeks ago I had an interesting conversation with a current MGPS student. She made the comment that the MGPS program has a lot of kinks to work out, and still is in somewhat of a development phase, since it's so brand new. When she saw I was MPAff, she said, "Oh, you'll be fine. That's been around forever, and that's a well oiled machine." Thought it was an interesting data point to add to your decisions.

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)?

Did anyone else get the email yesterday saying if we wait until after April 15 we might get more funding? Are they kidding? I never had any funding from them to begin with, and I've been analyzing my options for the past few weeks- how are we supposed to incorporate we *may* get some (?) funding after every other school's deadline?!

I was at the open house, and overall I thought it was really impressive. Ford is clearly very well funded (the building is beautiful and huge). They really harped on how you spend most of the 2 years learning skills (quant and writing) rather than diving into specific policy topics (not only do they not have specialization tracks, but you don't even choose domestic/international). They have 4 full time career services people, and 3 full time writing instructors, which I thought was astounding. Career services and the alumni network seemed really strong. What else... the negatives for me were how intense the curriculum seemed (students made comments that they're in the building every day, all the time, and doing calc problem sets at 3 am), and the location. Overall, if you're looking to build up your quant skills, seemed like a great option with strong job placement.

I can't speak to the prestige of the MPL program (I'm MPP), but I've been trying to get some info on how the USC brand is perceived as well, since I'm seriously considering going there. To be honest, the response I've gotten from picking students' and professors' brains at other open houses hasn't been great. One Georgetown professor I was speaking to candidly kind of dismissed USC and said I should go to my other options. I think if you want to stay in California, particularly Southern California, one should absolutely go to USC. The USC alumni network can't be beat in SoCal. However, I haven't gotten the impression that their reputation really carries to the East Coast, if that's your ultimate aim. I absolutely agree that it's a very polished, well-endowed school. If I do decide to go there, it will be largely for geography, and because I think they are so much more polished/well-endowed/alumni connected than UCLA.

At the Open House yesterday, Pat Wong said that you can either fulfill the stat and econ pre-reqs by taking a course over the summer, or studying on your own and passing a test they'll give you around the start of school. He said they'll even give you the topics you'll need to know and study materials for the test. If you're the kind of person that's a good self-studier, could be a good option.

If anyone attended today's Open House, and can share any impressions that would be much appreciated!

You're not the first person to tell me that Austin is the perfect spot for all the things I love, well before I was applying to schools. I'm less worried about the whole "Texas" thing, actually, then about Austin being too "hippie". I grew up in Northern California, so I know that side of things all too well, and it's not really my vibe. But it sounds like there are a lot of different sides of Austin, and like most things I'm just going to have to check it out for myself. Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions!

It's unbelievably inexpensive. The other private *and* public schools I'm looking at were the same price with big scholarships as LBJ full price. Now that LBJ's offered me a chunk of funding, it's practically free.

My email yesterday offered me in-state tuition, which equates to about $16k a year. A pleasant surprise.

Just an FYI for any of you that like myself were hoping to visit UCLA next week when we're in town for the USC Merit visitors day... UCLA is on spring break next week, so sounds like there's not much to see. The Luskin office will be open, however, if you want to go in and ask them questions.

I love live music (especially country), outdoorsy stuff, being on the water, and sports (the no ocean thing is probably my biggest hang-up about Austin...). I'd love to see any spots or neighborhoods that are quintessentially Austin. Since there seem to be a lot of sides to Austin, it would be great to get exposure to as many as I can in the few days. Nogone- thank you! I will indeed be there for a Sunday, and both those ideas sound great!

I was just admitted for the LBJ school for the fall with a really attractive financing package, so UT is currently very high on my list. However, I've never been to Texas in my life, so when I go visit in 2 weeks I'm going to have to really get a feel for the city and the school in a very short amount of time (2.5 days). Does anyone have any suggestions for what I should make sure to see to get a good feel for Austin? I'm open to renting a car, since this is a very important decision, so anything close to UT or driving distance that you think is important to see to understand the city. (I'm not sure if it helps, but I'm originally from CA, and have lived in Philly, Charlotte and currently NYC. In my head, Austin in like Charlotte, which I liked a lot, but not sure if that's true.) Thanks!

Do you mean $20k for the full 2 year program? Only 2 semesters a year, right? I was under the impression that LBJ was one of the stingier schools with funds, which made sense being a state school. So I was just shocked to get my letter today with $15k a year plus in-state tuition. It makes UT unbelievably cheap... wow, I need to go visit, but I've got some serious thinking to do. ...And for that kind of money, Texas just made the Final Four in my bracket.

After seeing your note, I went and logged in, and mine is only showing loans as well. Maybe I'm being wishful, but I didn't get the feeling it was updated for the merit-based grants. It all seemed need-based, judging by the "Eligibility" link, the comment: "Please note summary may not reflect your official award", and no 'messages' under that tab. At least I'm not losing hope yet... seems possible they haven't finalized the funding yet, or at least haven't updated the system.