publicpolicy79

We'll see if they were being honest or were just putting me off...

I emailed Duke on Friday, February 20th after seeing offers on here the previous Monday and not having heard anything myself (I applied Sociology track like Ejuliast). They told me then that they would get notices out within two weeks (so by this coming Friday).

So I finally made my way to poliscijobrumors.com and was trolling through the questions by graduate students section. I am shocked by how snarky and MEAN a lot of the responses are to what I consider legitimate questions! I realize this bitterness represents a small portion of the whole, but I really wish we could peel back the anonymity there so I can avoid the departments where those rotten apples are...

Actually, surprisingly, my sister reports that her university plans to offer better financial packages to those they accept because they expect most other schools to be taking the smaller package route. They figure offering better packages to fewer students will make them more competitive (in this economy) against higher-ranked programs.

I can verify that though there is an increase in applications, the overage are not of great quality. My sister works in administration in the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at a university I won't name (state school, not top-tier but not a directional-state either). They have seen an increase in applications, but the admissions committes have reported that they can easily tell which ones were "driven" to apply to school because of the economy. They stand out for the lack of preparation and/or relevant experience. Those are quickly discarded. So though the overall applications have increased, I don't know that the number of applications that are being seriously considered has increased.

Ivyreject- American does fund at least some of their PhD students. I did my (funded) MA at American and there were several funded Phd students (in American politics). They do get a lot of people who do their degrees part-time, but those who go full-time are eligible for some RA and TA jobs and fellowships.

If you hope to work in DC after you finish school, I'd say to go to American or GWU. DC is all about connections, and you can make them like crazy at the DC-area MPP programs, since so much of the faculty are part-time. If you don't want to work in DC after graduating, I'd say take the one that best matches your interests.

I did mine part-time at American. It actually worked out really well for me. Most people who go there work at least 30 hours a week. I can't think of anyone who didn't work at least part-time. Most of the classes are in the evening so it makes it easier to accomodate. And while yes, working full-time and going to class and doing the work and reading is a lot, I still found an awful lot of time to play. I think you'll find that most of the DC schools have a lot of part-time, working students. As such, you kinda form your own "graduate community".

Ugh. I had a similar response when I contacted a program last week. I'm jealous of the people who contact their programs and get a definitive answer (either way, it's nice to know!).

In my experience there was a definite lag between when the department made their decision and when the Graduate College actually posted a status change. And even at that, the change didn't provide any real information... I'm sorry they're being pokey for so many people! I am dealing with that with some other programs I have applied to (for Public Policy) so I can sympathize!

Don't know if this will help but I'll tell you my timeline from TAMU. On Thursday, February 5, I came home and had an overnighted package on my front porch with my offer letter from the Department. The following Monday I started receiving e-mails from the department. By the end of that week (around the 12th or 13th) my status on the application page changed to exactly what you had. Then, just last Wednesday, I received a letter from the Graduate College saying "this is your official admissions letter, you may receive communications directly from the department" or something like that... Good luck!

I guess that says it all. My sympathies. And good luck on the rest.

You sound like you have a fantastic attitude about it all. I believe honesty is always the best policy. Tell them you made some mistakes, explain them if necessary, and tell them you hope to rectify them next round. I bet they'll be sympathetic and willing. Good luck.

Any word lm? I saw a rejection and was hoping it wasn't you!

For what it's worth, and I don't know that anyone reading this cares but me, I just spoke to Duke and was lead to believe that they are not done making offers. I know some offers have been made, but apparently not all! I was told all decisions would be out within the next two weeks (aargh).

I'll get back to you on a hotel. There just aren't that many super close to campus (sadly, many alums buy condos or rent apartments near campus to stay at on game days...but you probably see similar behavior among devoted UT alums). Definitely drive around Norman. The campus area is the older part of town and is really pretty. But explore...most shopping and the chain restaurants are on the west side (right around I-35). They have done a lot to revitalize the old Main Street though, so drive that (FYI...The Diner on Main is great for breakfast, as is Sunny Side Up on Robinson street, just west of the railroad tracks). But definitely get out and walk the campus and the area immediately surrounding it. Oh, and you will get some good-natured teasing about the burnt orange but nothing too scary. There are a suprising number of UT alums/fans in this area. Congrats Stella! I have something of a love/hate relationship with Norman, but that goes back to growing up here rather than being here now. I really believe it's a great town and is a great place to go to school. Stella and Sunshine, what are your fields? I'd love to be able to steer you towards some people who can give you honest assessments of what your graduate experience will be like at OU, assuming I no someone in your field! Good luck to both of you!

You don't think an MPP would do just as much professional good? It's a complete degree in itself, rather than being viewed as a failed Ph.D. But that's not my world, so if you disagree I'll defer to your actual knowledge.

I did the DC thing for 6+ years but I don't have a great familiarity with the Georgetown MPP program, but I'll tell you what I do know about some of its pros/cons. The biggest advantage of Georgetown is location. It gives you access to great internships and networking opportunities. But that's true of any of the DC-area schools. I don't know that reputation is the plus you think it is. When I sat in on interview panels at my last job (a well known and prestigious association/policy shop) candidates with MPPs from Georgetown were regarded exactly the same as anyone else with a credible master's degree (the only time eyebrows were raised was over "directional-state universities" that no one had heard of). Even the Harvard KSG people didn't get any special preference. It doesn't hurt to have a degree from a school with name recognition, but I think that it may be more true outside of DC where, frankly, most people have a strong education. As far as the part-time/visiting faculty goes, that would only be a problem if you foresee doing a PhD one day. Otherwise, it will serve as a great outreach/networking factor. But if you do want to get your PhD, the lack of relationships with tenured professors at your graduate school could hurt. The biggest drawback is that not only is Georgetown expensive but living in DC (especially near Georgetown) is expensive too. Not Manhattan expensive but it ain't cheap either. If you plan to work in DC after completing your MPP, you definitely want to be there. DC is all about who you know. If you don't want to work there, you might consider going elsewhere and saving some money and hassle!

Think happy thoughts... Good luck with RAND.

I would also argue that a MA, even in Political Science, is somewhat necessary for advancement in DC. I know I boosted my earning potential by about $15,000 a year by doing mine in American Politics at American University. Plus I made some great contacts and developed good relationships with profs who have now written my LORs. I took on some debt for that degree and I don't regret it. On a different note, I previously had applied to only one doctoral program (in a different field though it is related to PSc) and was admitted without funding (oddly enough at UT-Austin). I turned it down, worked for two more years, and now have funded offers (my direction also changed in those two years). And while I don't know that my M.A. helped me signficantly, it does at least serve to demonstrate that I can do well at graduate-level work (especially since my graduate GPA was higher than my undergraduate gpa). I will say this though, I had to retake my GRE because it was more than five years old. I got the EXACT same score (at least on the two sections that were still the same). So I apparently didn't get any smarter...at least as far as the GRE is concerned. So, if it comes to it (which I don't think it will judging by your stats) I would not do the unfunded PhD. The MA is a definite option but not a requirement. Work experience in the field is not a bad thing (at least judging from the feedback I'm getting).

Are you a native Texan? (I ask because your schools are all in the lone star state). If so, any comments about College Station or TAMU to offer?

Oops! I forgot to mention Jazz in June (great FREE event that draws big names in both jazz and blues as well as locals). There is also a SummerWind and WinterWind concert series that gets some smaller touring artists, and the Performing Arts COuncil (I think?) puts on other concerts on Friday's at lunch and such. And then events like MayFair draw other acts to their mainstage. Norman has quite a lot of festivals. Those I mentioned plus the Medieval Fair (usually in April), the Chocolate Festival (it's been on the Food Network several times), and other smaller ones here and there. All of which can be very fun (or very crowded and overwhelming, all depends on your outlook!).

OK, when I say "in-town" I really just mean in Norman. Norman, like most cities in Oklahoma, tends to sprawl. I'd say the mall is 3-4 miles from campus, SuperTarget about the same, and so on. There is also a cute downtown area that has some shops and stuff. There are two Super Wal-Marts, tons of CVSs, Walgreens and the other typical chains. There are some unique local-owned shops. There's a great place called Native Roots Market that offers lots of local (Oklahoma) and organic grocery products. There's also another small grocery called Forward Foods (both are on Main Street in the old downtown) which has the best import cheese selection. THe other organic option is Dodson's, which is west of I-35. As for other shops, there are some cutesie boutiques (some of which can get pricey), but nothing like I got used to on the East Coast. Most of the stores are chains. There are some other fun stores in OKC (about 20 minute drive, more with traffic). As for tension on campus, it has less to do with politics than an anymosity towards students. OU has a large greek population that used to get really out of control, but Boren has done a lot to get that in check. But the city has passed party-house ordinances, tried to pass one to limit how many unrelated people could live together and so on. And they love to complain about events off campus that have a lot of students. But I think some of it is standard college-town stuff. As for the politics question, trust me, the fact that Oklahoma is so red terrifies me! But as far as that goes, Norman is a pretty liberal pocket in an otherwise conservative state. There are definitely the scary 2nd Amendment lovin' anti-gay anti-minority people, but they don't express themselves too often. Your biggest concern politically should be the legislature...they keep cutting taxes and ignore the fact that lower taxes means lower revenues...i.e. less money to spend on vital services. But Boren does a great job of advocating for the university. As for music, there is a Norman Music Festival in the spring. It's a free day-long thing that can be fun. They don't get super-big acts but they get the rising stars. There are also some bars and clubs in town and on the campus corner area (concentration of bars, shops and restaurants just north of campus) that some local bands will play at, and they are often quite good. Some bands play at Lloyd Noble Center (the basketball arena). There are venues in OKC that get bigger acts - most major arena tours go through the Ford Center, and the Diamond ballroom gets the club-venue type acts (Rilo Kiley, Old Crow Medicine Show and other bands that draw similar crowds). There is also a place in Tulsa (Cain's Ballroom) that draws in even more (between the two they get most of the bands that play 930 club in DC). I also think there is a Red Dirt festival in OKC every year, and if you like Red Dirt Country, Stillwater (about 1.5 hour drive) is the home of it. OU has a good art museum and one of the best Natural History Museums in the country. Both museums will get special exhibits and whatnot. The OKC museum of art is good and gets touring exhibits, and for local artists there are some galleries on Main Street in Norman, UNtitled Art Space in OKC, and the Paseo district in OKC (which also puts on a music fesitval). There are more local-owned restaurants than stores. One of my favorites is The Mont. It's been around in some form since my Mom was in highschool in Norman. They have good burgers, salads, and mexican dishes, and great (strong) mixed drinks. It's a fun crowd as you get college students, families, teachers in desperate need of happy hour, the young professional crowd, and even retirees there all at the same time. O'Connell's, which is moving to campus corner from its old location, is a Norman tradition (especially on game day) - good burgers and salads and cheap beers. And the list of independent mexican restaurants is long - Los Dos Amigos (my favorite), Tarahumara's, Mamaveca (they also have a Peruvian menu), and La Luna to name a few. The last thing I'll add is that I really hope you like football, or at least can tolerate it. On game day there are more people in Memorial Stadium than all but four cities in the state. And if you have errands to run on home-game Saturday you'd better do it after kick-off but before the game ends!

TAMU is not done. I have no idea how many more offers they'll make or when, or what fields, but the phrases "the people admitted so far" and "the first round of admits" were used.

Hi all! I'm a native Normanite who am back again (allbeit briefly). I also did my undgrad at OU. I'd be happy to answer any questions! First off, the basics. Norman is largely a college town, but there is a pretty regular tension between the wider community and the campus community. The campus is gorgeous, and there is a lot of houses available for rent in the immediate area. There are LOTS of apartment complexes around town, many within walking/biking distance of campus. There is a bus system (the CART) that runs, but not frequently. They are trying to improve it but, for now, not great. Outside of the immediate campus area Norman is NOT a pedestrian-friendly town. It's very much a car culture. On the 3.2 beer question - that's all you can get in grocery stores. You can, however, go to a liquor store to buy the real stuff. Plus you can drink better beers (and other stuff) in bars. The most readily available food will be barbecue or mexican (yummy to both). I have lots of favorite restaurants and bars that I'd be happy to share. OU is big so you can almost always find your niche. It's great that way. The shopping is not great in town (there is a mall, then a bunch of shops near the SuperTarget). Penn Square Mall in the city has more shops available though. And I do love being back in the land of 24-hour Super Walmarts and CVSs. Cost of living is really cheap compared to most places (I lived in DC six years). That includes rent, food, gasoline, and so on. Let me know specific questions!