FB2009

Deloitte also recruits MPP/MPA's heavily for their federal government sector, and Booz Allen also does (but they don't seem to recruit as heavily), LMI is also a good option. Issue is: you need to go to a school that these firms recruit at. Most will NOT take entry level people from schools that they do not specifically recruit at under any circumstances, especially it tight times like this (both Booz and Deloitte are quite strict on this for example). So if you are really going for public sector consulting, check where the firms recruit at, and go to one of those schools. Oh, and it is just as cut throat for hiring from what I've seen. You are up against MBA's for the same positions, and most places have a slight preference for MBA's... You need to target their federal practice as well, since you wont have a good shot at their private-sector side from what I've noticed in their hiring...

Just to elaborate on my previous point: Don't form your opinions based on biased sources (not just here but in all the forums, see where the info is coming from.) This is not only important in admissions, but throughout your ENTIRE policy career (and hopefully will be one of the first things taught to you in policy schools--most sources have biases and those need to be evaluated!) What a Georgetown student says about GWU is unlikely to be factually correct and may just be based off of their impression from admitted students day (and not real experience in the program), and should usually be treated as questionable. What I say about Georgetown should also be treated with caution since all of my knowledge on them is entirely based off my experiences with last year's admitted students days. I obviously chose GWU because it was the best option in my opinion, but even my own circumstances are likely to be very different from your own. I really think an important thing to concentrate on during admissions is how you felt at each program's admitted students day, how you felt the coursework and faculty lined up with your interests, how you felt the quality of their career services was, and what impression you got from their current students. In DC you can't go wrong with a program, so trust your gut. It's a good option here. Plus seriously--I can GUARANTEE you nobody in the field reads USNews rankings (my friend from Harvard's program recently related to me how in one week of job searching he was told by 3 large government agencies HR departments "oh I didn't know Harvard even offered an MPP!")

GWU is NOT very theory based (and as a current student I can promise you that). We do have theory, but the coursework has MUCH more more of an applied focus than theoretical. For PHD-wanting students we have tracks that are more theory based (and certain requirements can be filled using more theoretical courses) but most students stick to the applied route. Not sure where anyone got that info, but its about as wrong as you can be. (Plus for the quant issue at GTown--we offer almost an identical course as their 3rd semester quant course, just instead of requiring it, its an elective)

GW does what ends up looking like rolling review of admissions (Gtown does the same I think) where the committee meets almost weekly and goes through a group to decide admissions. So due at the same date, but reviewed in groups. So don't worry, I spoke to Catherine yesterday about an unrelated matter and I know for a fact from her stressed out look and comments about the application piled that they are still working on them! In fact their last deadline for admissions isn't even until April 1st! (Jan 15th was only to be considered for scholarships) so really, calm down . They are reporting an almost 40% increase in applications though, so keep that in mind during your wait. They have MUCH more to go through... FYI from what I learned about admissions from my process last year was most schools (including Gtown, Uchicago, Ford school) accept roughly 50% of applicants. Not sure GWU is as they wont even tell current students, but I am guessing it is around the same level. Most schools brag they only have an entering class of 100 out of 600 applicants, but that's because 200 people decided to go elsewhere...

As a current GW student I can offer a few more pro's: -GREAT and very organized career services. The director is comfortable advising both domestic and international students, and is familiar with both public and private sectors along with suitable MPP/MPA placements in each. From my experience that's very rare for an MPP/MPA program! He's also great for resume and cover letter reviews, and helps you tailor each one to individual agencies and organizations. -On top of that, there are CONSTANT site visits to federal agencies. GAO, OMB, CBO, BEA, etc... you get to go there, network over lunch with the HR people and alumni, and they give you a presentation. It definitely helps to get your name out there, and you actually get to see the agency. I think we've also had site visits to a nonprofit or two and consulting firms as well. Professors spend time advising these agencies so they also have a world of connections within them (one professor, Dr. Newcomer is constantly giving presentations to GAO, world bank, united way, etc on program evaluations) -VERY applied work. This actually does come quite handy if you want a job/internship... In program evaluation students do a REAL program evaluation for clients. It's not some extra "consulting" class you have to beg to get enrolled in (like at Georgetown or other programs), its just a class with this as a component of it. You work on a team of two for a local non-profit or government agency. The work you produce is real, solid, very in depth, and gives you an incredible experience (trust me--It's a major selling point for jobs and internships!). Statistics courses also include very applied work (along with the theoretical of course), as well as economics, public budgeting, etc. -Location: DC right now is key as the market contracts. Paid internships are becoming less common around the country. Being in DC, especially during the school year allows you to find not only a great internship, but a paid one year round. Often organizations will just keep their spring intern on for the summer, which really helps you out when you need a summer internship (federal agencies do this quite often...). I have yet to hear from a fellow student who wanted a good, paid internship and couldn't find one. -Alumni network: since most stay in town you have a HUGE and very very very friendly one! -Cost: GW is actually about $5,000 cheaper per semester than Georgetown (not sure the other comparisons, sorry!). And also GW will let you move between full time and part time status very easily if your internship turns into a full time job (or if you decide to stop working full time and take more courses). Cons: -If you stay in DC the name brand value of Georgetown, UMaryland, GW and American are all the same. GTown students do not get better jobs or internships than anyone else in my experience (I have a number of friends there). Salary figures all look the exact same too... BUT if you plan on moving away from DC this could be an issue. GW is well known nation wide, but Gtwon does have a more internationally recognized name. - I have heard that the lower level of theoretical work is bad for PHD hopefuls... but I have a friend who went from GWU to a top 3 social science PHD, and I know a number of others who have also moved on to PHD's... So although I can't guarantee it is not an issue, I'm pretty sure it's not. Ask the google group to be sure, Paul or Catherine should know for sure if you are really concerned about this. -Not as quant heavy as ford school or Harris. If you want a highly quant job (like statistician or economist) this is likely not the place for you. You have plenty of econ and stats, but less of a hardcore calculus focus (granted though--in 99% of policy jobs you wont need it, but perhaps its a good selling point? Can't say as I've never tried it, the Harris student might know better) Everyone should calm down about their letters too--I got mine 3 weeks after my official decision. I also know it is possible to get funding from alternate standing as at least a few people I know have said they got it. You just have to wait until after April 15th to know for sure. Feel free to PM me with any questions! I'll be honest, I promise.