notmike

Michigan came through late with a half tuition offer, and I'm pretty strapped for cash. So, as cold as it is, it looks like Michigan is in my future. How about you? Random question, did you go to Hariss' welcome event?

I spoke with someone at Goldman who would be in a position to know, and they told me that due to the high yield this year they haven't and probably won't take anyone off the waitlist. They said there's a chance, but its VERY small. Not great news, but maybe it will make you feel better about being passed up to know that nobody got in. Sorry

Did anybody else get an acceptance after first getting a rejection?

From someone who goes to Michigan, has been here, and found it to be generally a miserable experience AND is in a similar (choosing grad school) situation as you... take the money. I'd even stay for a full ride to Ford. Debt free is the way to be!

I can sell you some "keys to power" too if you want.

Go to Harvard. Not everyone who goes there receives the keys to power, but many do. You'll never beat that network and that prestige. It is often difficult to put a price tag on an education and to say what one school's degree is "worth" compared to another. In the case of Harvard, however, I tend to believe that degree is worth every dime.

To be fair, I was mostly flirting with the chick at the front desk so your information may be more accurate.

Heinz said to stop calling them... you're killing their vibe.

This will probably sound cliche, but I think whatever best fits your story will be most beneficial as long as its germane to policy. Doing something you'll enjoy and do well is far more likely to benefit you than trying to check a box. Personally, I don't have a ton of policy experience, but I have a pretty good narrative for why I'm trying to do what I'm trying to do. I think that has benefitted me in the application process. For what it's worth consider Ford, too. I likely won't accept and I'm sure there are others in the same boat. I love the University of Michigan, but I've been here a long time and the weather and other factors have me considering a change of scenery. Just my 2 cents.

Did you get rejected by Hahvard, too? I know those feels. We should design a T-Shirt...

I haven't heard anything on my Heinz app. They're my last one pending.

I stopped by Ford on my way home today to talk with them. If you got funding it would be mentioned in the email. The only exception is if you were recommended for a university fellowship through Rackham. Those are awarded in October. Well, and they gave me a few grand for stopping by the office.

I thought I would be really upset about not getting into Harvard, but you know I'm actually ok with it. I got into plenty of other good choices. Best of luck to everyone who gets in.

I'm in. Probably won't go here though. TOO COLD!

I have to say that I'm having great success getting into public policy schools. Its another story when it comes to funding. Can anyone tell me how common it is to pursue a graduate degree in this field absent some type of funding, particularly at schools that charge a considerable amount to attend? In particular, I doubt I will qualify for any private loans. I'd essentially be looking at maxing my federal loans and supplementing that with assistantships etc.