waiting...

I haven't heard anything either.

It was an email from admissions saying they were setting up "informational interviews" so applicants can meet with alumni. After that I got an email with an alumni and met with her last Friday. It was very helpful to get to hear her experience, but I'm not sure if it's part of the official admissions process. I asked questions and she did most of the talking... Did you get an email like that?

Hi everyone! Thanks for this forum PolyWonk. My background is a bit all over the place... I studied psychology, worked in human resources and then in nonprofits, mostly doing program management. Now I'm finishing my MPP and want to pursue the PhD. I'm interested in international development, education and poverty issues. I only applied to schools in Los Angeles, RAND and USC. RAND said they will have application results the third week of February and USC said March. I've only heard from RAND, I think they were contacting everybody to give us a chance to meet with alumni. But nothing more than that...

I received my acceptance letter on Saturday. I was probably in the last batch, but I'm in Los Angeles, so I guess that if you are farther away it'll take a couple of extra days. Any new thoughts regarding the decision on how to choose between USC and UCLA?

I'm an international student with interests in non-profits and poverty. I have been accepted with half tuition in the USC MPA program, and I'm waiting to hear back from UCLA for the MPP program. I will apply to my country's scholarships program and probably will get full scholarship and living expenses. If that happens, tuition costs won't be an issue. Assuming I get accepted at UCLA, I will having trouble choosing University. Which is better for non-profits? I understand USC is more applied and practical, and in terms of getting a job is more effective. UCLA has more professors in the nonprofit area, but is more academic and research oriented. Also UCLA has higher rankings and more prestige. Does having a scholarship affect in any way? Is it an advantage in terms of networking and opportunities? I'm a very practical person, more into nonprofit management than research. What do you suggest?? I'd really appreciate your insights!! Thanks!!