trvlr1700

Thought I would chime in...I was also accepted to GW's MPA program without funding (Feb. 16). Grr. Still waiting on American's MPA decisions. Its okay though, I have some other offers with potential funding.

CharKel, I have a similar background, except with AmeriCorps VISTA for 2 years. I knew I wanted to pursue a Masters after my service but had no idea where to start. I've talked to a few professionals in the NPO field and it seems as thought the title of the degree matters less than what you learned from it and how it prepares you for the work you want to do. Right now I'm deciding between a few offers - some at top schools with no funding and others at good schools with funding. I know this may seem a little out of the box, but Vanderbilt University (in Nashville) has an MEd program in Community Development and Action (among other degrees) that combines nonprofit management instruction with grassroots development coursework/community work. Since they are a private school, they have a ton of funding sources and every student I talked to there got an assistantship if they wanted one. I have no idea why it's an MEd since it seems to be on par with MPA work, but its a good opportunity I've been considering for the fall. Feel free to message me if you want more details about some of the other information I've gathered.

Sure, most of my intended schools are on the accredited list, but UT Knoxville and Western Carolina are not. I'm pretty sure UTK is a fairly new program. Though I'm not over concerned with W.Carolina as its a so-called backup school. Thanks!

A couple of the MPA programs on my list are not identified as being accredited by NASPAA. How much does this matter? Does anyone have any info on this? Should I even apply? Thanks!

Hi All, My question is regarding MPA applications. Many applications require that I individually submit my past jobs/internships with their responsibilities (mine are quite extensive and time consuming to individually submit) as well as a resume. I have a couple questions... 1. Do I just copy and paste the same information included on my resume to the work experience section (therefor including the same info in two places)? 2. Should the work experience section consist of a bullet list or a basic narrative of my responsibilities? 3. How far back should I go in submitting job experiences, since the info is also on my resume that will be attached? Most recent only? 2-3 years? Only major positions? Thanks!

I'm a US citizen looking to get a masters in public policy/social policy or non profit management. Is it worth looking into going to a university in Canada if I intend to work in the US after graduation? Are US and Canadian programs very different? I am most interested in the Toronto/Montreal area. Thanks in advance for your advice!

I agree that practicing from 2 sources is greatly beneficial. I used a Peterson's math book for some review, as well as Princeton and the ETS website for total review. The ETS website has some great information about the new test, downloadable review guides and practice questions, as well as a practice test similar to the real exam. You can also take free online practice tests from Kaplan and Manhattan.