Program Applied To: MPA
Schools Applied To: LSE, Sciences Po
Schools Admitted To: n/a
Schools Rejected From: LSE
Still Waiting: Sciences Po
Undergraduate institution: University of Delaware
Underaduate GPA: 3.3 (3.8 major)
Undergraduate Major: Political Science
GRE Quantitative Score: n/a
GRE Verbal Score: n/a
GRE AW Score: n/a
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3
Years of Work Experience: 2
Describe Relevant Work Experience: internships at a law firm and political campaign. Working in a local business since Oct 2010.
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Well I think it was the best essay I ever wrote about myself. Was 10x better than what I came up with for undergrad admissions. Focused on my background, my year and a half of living in Paris, my immigrant experience to the US, why I am interested in public policy etc.
Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): I have one academic recommendation that is stellar from a distinguished public policy professor with tons of experience in DC. The second one is OK I suppose, no way to know. Professional recommendations are great too (Sciences Po requires 2, LSE didn't)
I got my LSE rejection email to my first and second choices today. I suppose I wasn't all that surprised, it was a long shot to begin with considering my GPA and lack of GRE which they encourage even thought it isn't mandatory. I know that there are far better applicants than me who deserve to be accepted to such an elite school. It still stings though. Very quick turn around, submitted January 28 and today is February 18 making that 3 weeks.
I always thought I had a better shot to get into Sciences Po and it is where I actually want to go. I didn't apply to any US schools as backup because I didn't take the GRE in time, so only 2 schools which is very risky I know that. I know intellectually that I have a decent shot at Sciences Po (the acceptance rate is higher than LSE MPA) but being rejected by LSE so quickly, at least on an emotional level I feel deflated and pessimistic about Sciences Po now. I know it will pass in a few days....in any case, I suspect I will get a decision sometime in March.
