Grad_Nov

People who voted down my comment, get a life.

I've spoken to the director of the program extensively in recent weeks and they have assured me that work experience is a definite motivating factor in their decisions now. They are hiring all these fancy professionals now and want to move away from the academic/policy stigma they have seemingly got. Not to dissuade your app but just thought I would add that. Best of luck to you though.

That is what I wrote on the rest of my post, that if you perhaps got an email or indication that next year you may have better luck but otherwise its just marketing. Sorry if I sounded condescending.

I dont think it means that you're guaranteed admission if you reapply. Its naive to even think that. If I would hazard a guess, its just a remainder to apply this time around. Unless you received some kind of email in the last admissions cycle indicating that with more work experience you'll get in, I would hold off on the bottle of champagne.

Thanks for the help. Yep, I'm thinking the same thing. Perhaps small talk whilst asking for an honest assessment of my SOP would do wonders. Not sure how much they will know about the strength of the programs I am applying to as they're Corporate Law professors, but perhaps funding may be pertinent.

I dont know which loser keeps posting down on my posts but please move on.

If you're not thrilled, perhaps you shouldnt do it then. I dont understand. People can have similar backgrounds. I did my undergrad at Oxford along with perhaps about a thousand other students. Was that an issue for you too?

I'm finally meeting my recommender's for application season and I was just wondering what people tend to talk about. The reason I ask is because I have largely explained my intentions, motivations and my suitability for grad school in emails and when I spoke to them on the phone. I feel it would be redundant to go through all that again but somehow I feel meeting them once will mean a better letter for me. What could I say or show to illustrate me as a great candidate for school and why they ought to write a strong letter? Thanks

Hi, I'm applying for this Fall, and was hoping to find out first hand thoughts on the program. Its my number one choice so would be very grateful for any hints or tips that may aid my application. I feel like I am competitive but its all objective. What were some of your stats like, if you dont mind me asking. Thanks for the heads up.

Why do I keep getting a negative mark on my posts?

Lol, no! Someone's asked me that already. I saw Clay Made and we have a very similar background so can appreciate the confusion.

Oh sorry, forgot I did.

I thought I would post my profile here, seeing as I'm getting no love from the other thread! Just wanted an opinion on my chances - Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): IR/MPP Schools Applied To: CIR, Yale Jackson, SIPA, MSFS, Fletcher, SAIS, UCSD Undergraduate institution: Oxbridge Undergraduate GPA: 3.6 Undergraduate Major: Law GRE Quantitative Score: Yet to take but cautiously optimistic (practice tests Q750-800 V690-750) GRE Verbal Score: GRE AW Score: Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3 by matriculation Years of Work Experience: 2 mainly internships Describe Relevant Work Experience: 6 month internship in Beijing law firm 3 month internship with international IP law firm 3 month strategy consultancy x 2 3 months policy internship - European work but based in London 6 months government internship (economic development) 2 months work in Bosnia Worked as a lawyer in major US firm in London for 6 months before seeking career change Got 3 major internships between now and matriculation Languages: Urdu, French, Hindi, proficient in Mandarin and German. Learning Arabic Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Pretty good I feel, I can tell about my international experience and how it impacted me to change directions in my career. It ought to convey my desires for grad school effectively hopefully. But hoping for some SOP exchanges Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Concern. 2 solid recs but 3rd one may be troubling. Prof is willing to write but hasnt responded to my requests to meet to explain my desire to change career paths. Also concerned that my LOR from work isnt gonna happen as I havent been able to get in touch with people who I have spent time with recently working (they have moved jobs!!)..might be an issue for SIPA at least but first choices are Yale or SAIS. Other: As mentioned mainly work related LOR but hopeful I can ask for a LOR from my current internship but have only been there for 3 weeks. I think I am aiming for the higher programs perhaps too ambitiously so desperate for some feedback. Fin aid is a major draw for me as I wont have a lot of access to other forms of funding and the UK government suck in helping its citizens! Thanks.

As I come from a legal background, I need to take a few online classes to gain credit for Macro, Microeconomics, etc. As I expect some others to be a similar situation, I was wondering what courses you took whether online or community college and what you may recommend, especially online as I am in Berlin at the moment. Thanks!

You have a great profile and ought to be a shoo-in. I'm a little concerned for me. Yale averages about a 20% acceptance rate, which is incredibly competitive. Its a great school and program but what are your thoughts on the small cohort? Its a positive when learning because of the extra attention afforded but for networking and access to an alumni base, its a definite negative. Thoughts?

Yeah, its odd. On the contacts list, they have the director of graduate studies, so I may try and contacting her. If you dont mind me asking, what's your profile like?

No one applying to Yale this fall?

Hey guys, Just wondering who else will be applying to Yale this fall. Its one of my top choices and just wanted to compare notes with other prospective applicants. I posted my profile on the official thread for MA/MPP/IR thing so wont repost it but would love to hear people's thoughts about the program, their profiles, etc. (the last one!) One thing I will mention is that I am a little disappointed that they have not got back to any of my mails as of yet, I've sent about 3 in the last 3 weeks. Anyone get an actual reply from admissions?

You have a good profile. I think you'd be competitive. Perhaps email them to ask what they may be looking for in re-applicants? I would imagine they'll say the obvious (i.e. more work experience, greater time improving your profile) but may depend on how you phrase the question. Good luck!

Wouldnt this be a question the Goldman admissions team be able to answer best? Most GSPP students wouldnt be able to help you (unless in the off chance you find someone who has also got turned down and then accepted again).

Hi guys, would love some thoughts on my application chances: Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): IR/MPP Schools Applied To: CIR, Yale Jackson, SIPA, MSFS, Fletcher, SAIS, UCSD Undergraduate institution: Oxbridge Undergraduate GPA: 3.6 Undergraduate Major: Law GRE Quantitative Score: Yet to take but cautiously optimistic (practice tests Q750-800 V690-750) GRE Verbal Score: GRE AW Score: Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3 by matriculation Years of Work Experience: 2 mainly internships Describe Relevant Work Experience: 6 month internship in Beijing law firm 3 month internship with international IP law firm 3 month strategy consultancy x 2 3 months policy internship - European work but based in London 6 months government internship (economic development) 2 months work in Bosnia Worked as a lawyer in major US firm in London for 6 months before seeking career change Got 3 major internships between now and matriculation Languages: Urdu, French, Hindi, proficient in Mandarin and German. Learning Arabic Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Pretty good I feel, I can tell about my international experience and how it impacted me to change directions in my career. It ought to convey my desires for grad school effectively hopefully. But hoping for some SOP exchanges Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Concern. 2 solid recs but 3rd one may be troubling. Prof is willing to write but hasnt responded to my requests to meet to explain my desire to change career paths. Also concerned that my LOR from work isnt gonna happen as I havent been able to get in touch with people who I have spent time with recently working (they have moved jobs!!)..might be an issue for SIPA at least but first choices are Yale or SAIS. Other: As mentioned mainly work related LOR but hopeful I can ask for a LOR from my current internship but have only been there for 3 weeks. I think I am aiming for the higher programs perhaps too ambitiously so desperate for some feedback. Thanks

I dont understand. I had assumed and checked with SIPA, Fletcher, MSFS GTown, etc about their language proficiency. There is NO requirement for matriculation but is expected for graduation. Thus it leaves you 2 years to learn a language. Unless you feel you won't be able to learn the language in 2 years, I dont understand the apprehension about applying. Good luck with whatever you decide.

@JAubrey, I have similar credentials to be honest. I also went to Oxford. I'll note down my profile real quick and a few questions! I graduated from Oxford in Law and got a solid 3.6GPA. I also have a masters. I worked as a lawyer for 6 months but decided it was not for me. Since then I have been interning extensively (some even prior to the lawyer gig), includes: 6 month internship in Beijing law firm 3 month internship with international IP law firm 3 month strategy consultancy x 2 3 months policy internship - European work but based in London 6 months government internship (economic development) 2 months work in Bosnia I have 3 internships to come before I matriculate (1 in Berlin, 1 in DC and other in London) Yet to take the GRE but am optimistic. I test well. Got 171 LSAT when I was thinking of an American JD. I speak 4 languages fluently and am conversational in Mandarin and German. Learning Arabic as we speak. 2 solid recs and one so-so (prof doesnt seem to want to meet, so am not optimistic about the quality of it) - 1 problem, I have no work experience recommendation (last 3 internships, people I worked for/with have moved on). Questions: 1) schools I'm aiming for - Yale Jackson, CIR, SAIS, SIPA, Fletcher and Georgetown MSFS - based on your experience and general things you've seen and heard, what are my chances? I'm thinking of adding Stanford, Elliott and UCSD as backups (Stanford only as backup because I'm not optimistic about aid). Speaking of financial aid, how likely do these schools provide aid? 2) Am I disadvantaged having work experience in form of internships and not full-time? 3) Will the lack of W/E recs have an adverse effect? 4) Can I put my future internships (confirmed) into my application to further highlight my candidacy? i.e. on resume Love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!