12WardP

To those trying to weigh the value of the HKS MPP without money, a friend of mine who is currently pursuing a Master of Education degree at the HGSE had these words for me that might be valuable to others:

"I applied to a number of MPP programs but in the end decided to pursue a one year degree at the Ed school here mainly for financial reasons. Honestly, it's going to be an experience that can't be passed up at both schools. Harvard is a brand and the Kennedy school has made quite the name for itself. However, I think there's been so much steam blown up around HKS that, some overlook the pitfalls in the culture at the school and the kind of people that are there. I'd like to put you in touch with friends there who can speak more about this and give you a better idea of the pros and cons. However, I would also suggest taking a step back and making some very practical decisions. I'm vying for many of the same employment ops as graduates from HKS. If you go into public service or non-profits, you're looking to make an average of 75K + after graduation - in this economy that's alright. I know some HKS grads, however, who are going corporate after and looking something closer to the 85k+. But, that's also with an ass-load of debt. You can get as strong of an education at Mich with NO debt and still get to similar job markets post-graduation.

It's a touch decision to make, but I would also push you to think about what the outcomes of going to each school are. What will life beyond Mich or beyond HKS look like? "

No $ at Kennedy. I think this will be my home.

In at Ford too. I am convinced it is either very easy to get into policy programs, or everyone on this forum represents the most high-strung, impressive, on-steroids applicants for degree programs for the 2012 school year. I'm rooting for the latter.

I received an informal email from admissions at CMU Heinz informing me of an offer and asking if I wanted to learn more about the DC track. For anyone else interested or waiting, they told me I'd receive an official offer letter in a week or so. I'm intrigued by the DC track program. Beyond what I've read on their website, do any of you have any perspectives regarding this alternative program?