[Atlanta, GA]

Is it possible to get around Atlanta without a car? I don't drive and I'd rather not start now. I can deal with inconvenient, but is it reliable and safe? I was accepted to Emory and would want to live in the city rather than the suburban-type area near the campus.

I live in downtown Atlanta and do not drive a car. I do have a scooter though, which makes transport convenient, but before that I walked and used MARTA. Atlanta's vast sprawl does rely heavily on cars, but in the 8 years I've lived here (6 of which were downtown), I have found that not having a car is only a deal-breaker if you live outside of the Perimeter (I-285). If you live/work/learn/shop downtown, MARTA is much more accesible. And in the event that you NEED a vehicle for some reason, Zipcar memberships are available.

[MDP at Emory]

Yea, French is always invaluable for Africa. From multiple people I know, it's damn near impossible to get a development gig in much of Africa without a solid French background.

I don't know what you mean by a bit older, but I guess I'm in that category as well. I'm 25 (26 in April) and went into the Peace Corps two years into undergrad at 20, and have been finishing up my Bachelors in Nursing since I got back in 2008 (the first two years of college were basically a wash towards my nursing degree). I'll be graduating in May, but was told the median age in the program is 27, so the age thing will probably work in your favor.

Props on the HIV stuff; HIV education was my gig in Peace Corps. You should read "Wisdom of Whores" by Elizabeth Pisani. It's a great (and pretty funny) expose on the HIV aid community since the 80s.

I'm 28, so I do hope it helps. Thanks for the Pisani recommendation - I'll check it out.

Feel free to privately message me your contact information if you'd like to keep in touch. Hopefully we will be classmates in the fall!

[MDP at Emory]

I'm not too worried. I got my application in back in October so I could get the fee waived. I've been looking at the program for the last year and a half and have met with Rebeca and Dr. Roncoli in person and also had a phone conversation with Dr. Nugent. I'd be very surprised and even more disappointed if I didn't get accepted, but based off their feedback they say I'm what they are looking for. Not to mention, my area of interest is Latin America (specifically Peru) and Dr. Nugent's career has focused on the region, so I'm hoping that gave me some brownie points. Additionally, I've heard that all the MDP programs have been experiencing the same issue of a lack of male applicants, so I'm hoping that will help me out as well. I've applied to several other programs, but the program at Emory is basically exactly what I wanted to find in a graduate program, so unless another school offers me a substantial finaid package, I'll be headed to Emory as well (all considering I don't get a very sad letter in the mail).

What is your background by the way?

I think you will be fine. I also met with Dr. Roncoli. She is the one who assured me I am a viable candidate now and should not wait until next year to apply. I hope the admissions committee agrees.

My background: public policy major, sociology minor, nonprofit management concentration at Georgia State. Just graduated December 2011, although I'm a little older (took several breaks for work and such). Research has been focused on African communities, particularly rape victims in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the implications of rape being used as a weapon of war. Also focused on HIV/AIDS education and the inaccessibility of antiretrovirals. Currently learning French, which Dr. Roncoli says is a very good thing, as they want people who can function in Francophone countries. My research interests and (currently poor) French-speaking abilities will inevitably land me in a position in African during the summers if I am accepted into the program. I would love that very much. Fingers crossed.

[MDP at Emory]

Yea I'm right there with you. It's an awesome program but so little finaid available for it. Unfortunately, every similar program I have come across and applied to is equally as expensive. Sucks that to do meaningful humanitarian work requires such a large chunk of change. I'm still debating bout just biting the bullet and live with 10% of my income being non-existent for the next decade.

Agreed. If I am accepted, I will go - one way or another.

How are you feeling about your application? I'm sick to my stomach nervous about it. I don't feel I put enough time into it, as I was not planning to apply to the program until this time NEXT YEAR. After meeting with one of Emory's MDP Associate Directors, she encouraged me to go ahead and apply, so I've had essentially two weeks of preparation.

[MDP at Emory]

Development Hopeful,

I am applying to Emory's MDP program for Fall 2011. Just need to polish and submit my SOP before Jan. 3rd.

I'm quite nervous: worried that I won't be accepted, as this is my top choice for a host of reasons, and worried that I will be accepted, as the price tag is terrifying.