jjay

Previous Schools (Name, type, or tier): Medium sized, more "selective" state university in Missouri, Small private university in Kansas Previous Degrees and GPA's: BA German/BS Linguistics; MBA, International Business GRE Scores (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Writing): 620/560/6 (yeah...quant is embarrassing) Previous Work Experience (Years, Type): Fulbright TA in Berlin (1yr), Private Sector/Aircraft - Procurement (4yrs) Math/Econ Background: Calc/Stat in undergrad; several econ/finance classes for MBA Foreign Language Background: Fluent in German, nearly conversational Spanish, beginning French and Italian (2yrs study of each but it's been awhile) Intended Field of Study in Grad School: IR/MPP Long Term Professional Goals: This is still quite up in the air but my interests include: foreign policy (have considered foreign service exam), human/immigration/refugee rights, LGBTQ policy, public health; work with International Organization for Migration, International Rescue Committee, UN; also considering law school Schools Applied to & Results: SIPA MIA (Rejected); Fletcher MALD (Accepted, 33% tuition); Hertie School of Governance MPP (Accepted, 25% tuition); GWU MIA (Accepted, no funding); The New School MIA (Accepted, 40% tuition); UCLA MPP (Accepted, $1000 fellowship); Korbel Masters International (dual with Peace Corps) (Accepted, Peace Corps fellowship); Seton Hall Whitehead School of Diplomacy (Accepted, no word yet on funding); American Univ of Paris MIA/MPP (Accepted, no word yet on funding); Univ of SF MIA (no word yet on decision) Ultimate Decision & Why: Well, despite not having heard from two of the schools on funding and one on even the decision (not sure what the deal is with USF but didn't really like the school when I visited anyhow), I had had my heart set on UCLA for quite some time. The funding isn't so great unfortunately but I like the school and the program and how you can basically create your own degree. I also like the applied policy project requirement, which seems to allow you to "get your hands dirty" with any topic of your choice and really be involved in that particular field. I also have a budding interest in public health and to be able to work closely with that department is a plus. Similarly, as I mentioned, I'm considering law school, and the dual degree option at UCLA is extremely enticing and I can still apply this fall. I also really like LA and the UCLA campus. I'm from Kansas...sorry, but the idea of living in near perfect weather and by the beach year round played a huge part in my decision. Whether or not I'll actually have time for the beach is a different story, however. Any advice to Future Applicants? Don't apply to so many schools! I casted out a big net just hoping I'd get a couple choices, never expected to have so many choices. It made the decision extremely difficult. In hindsight, I wish I would have narrowed my list a little further and been more confident about each of those fewer choices. Also, should you apply to a lot of schools, be prepared with a good list of pros/cons. Though in the end, as you will most likely really like each school you apply to, it will just be a gut feeling...but you should still be prepared for your own sake with good reasons as to why you (don't) want to go to a particular school. As for the application process, spend time on your SOPs and don't do them at the last minute. It made it so much less stressful for me to be able to go back at several different points and revise/improve my essays. I also think my GRE score did probably hurt me when it came to fellowship money, but I can't be sure. That was the second time I took it and just didn't have the energy (or money) for a third. So, study hard for it!

whelp...just accepted UCLA's offer. exciting!

congrats! that's exciting. i'm really close to putting in my acceptance...would just like to see some more financial aid info first. i did get my graduate division letter this morning, though. nothing too exciting, just how to log in to the statement of intent to register and statement of legal residence. so, you're from SoCal? any tips on looking for places to live around UCLA? Edit: i'm assuming you'll need to turn in a final transcript of your last semester grades. i doubt they would rescind an offer of admission (unless you totally fail), so i don't think you would have to worry about that. that said, i'd be careful of slacking off too much. it might look weird if your GPA takes a sudden drop. hang in there!

yeah i got that too but i mean a separate letter with like loan/federal aid info? shouldnt we get something like that too?

does anyone know when we're supposed to get our financial aid award package info?

Lucky you then! And congrats btw. Where are you at now? I'm from Kansas and visited in January and fell in love. Is there an admitted student day or anything?

Wow...did you turn in your application early?

Thanks for the info! Do you think you'll attend?

Has anyone heard anything? Does anyone know how big the cohorts are?

Yes, I agree. Better to not get your hopes too high. Maybe I'm just too naive, but it would seem so mean for them to send something like this and the deny admission. Who knows!

I received a similar email and was just as confused! I asked a few friends what they thought and I got mixed opinions. Some thought I shouldnt read into it and others thought it can only be a good sign. Either we both just happen to be strong candidates or they really do that for everyone. (seems so unlikely though??)