K.Ash

I know nothing about this field but I HAVE actually heard of Tisch & its amazing reputation. Also seems to tie in best to your goals? check out the coursework and see which program feels like the best fit.

From what I've researched/read/discussed with others, I would say NYU & GWU are on somewhat even footing. Both are in great locations, have amazing alumni networks, and are well known for academic strength. I would say that this particular program at NYU isn't as well known as, say, Wagner. However, the NYU name still gets you far. In terms of jobs in D.C., don't write off the countless NPOs that have headquarters in the area. A lot of the job opps there will be federal, yes, but I wouldn't count it as a con. I didn't look into UCSD so I can't comment on that. And FSU, as you said, is not even in the same game as these other schools. probably a moot point but - do you have any ability to visit the schools?

same boat. unhappy at work, but obviously going to stick it out. got in to 4/5 schools (haven't heard from #5) but haven't heard anything positive about funding, and generally VERY confused right now about what the next step should be.

congrats, shqiperiatilmay! I am going to call them tomorrow - if I'm not getting anything, I'd appreciate knowing so I can move on and make a decision.

that is exactly what mine said - and I took it to mean if someone turns down money, i MAY get some of it. wonder if that is what they tell everyone

how interesting. I'm a domestic admit for the MPIA in GPE. wonder if they preselect who they will even let apply.

I haven't been getting those What program were you admitted to? Additional note about merit aid, that may/may not affect you guys -- I went to an info session while I was in Pitt in November and they said point blank that they only give merit aid to individuals with a 3.5 undergrad GPA or higher. Sadly, I had a shitty semester in my first year and then graduated early so I don't have that. I found this interesting/annoying considering they aren't a highly ranked program.

I have a good friend who is a current student at GSPIA. She initially heard about a funding offer that was, I believe, equivalent to a half-ride in late April... like right around decision making time. Then she heard about it being bumped to a full-ride in June. So if we are going to base the system off of her experience, unfortunately their notification timeline isn't that great.

Yeah I think everyone is getting those emails. Someone posted on the admissions thread that they called and Wagner said we would all hear one way or the other on the 16th. I don't think timeline has much at all to do with it - I submitted my application first week of December (fellowship consideration, I know I didn't get it though) and haven't heard a dang thing since January (when I found out I wasn't a finalist for the fellowship).

For those that have heard from Wagner - did anything change on your application page? I don't see any place it could notify you.

I didn't think I saw anyone posting admits to Wagner -- but a few to a separate NYU school that has an environmental policy program? Not sure. Hopefully we'll all hear good news in the next 2 days!

I dunno if it would work out at SAIS or ESIA, but you could probably swing that at Korbel with roommates and you could definitely make it work in Pittsburgh with roommates - it would be tight if you lived alone though. I have two friends in Pittsburgh currently (one for GSPIA, one a diff grad program). Friend A has two roommates (she met on a facebook group for admitted students) and pays something like $350/month in rent for a 3 bedroom apt in a popular area. Friend B lives alone and pays $700 a month in rent (but I am sure you could find cheaper, she has a nice little place). So thats definitely more difficult. Friend B also used to live in Denver - she didn't live downtown but my impression is you should be able to find a place for $400-600/month with roommates. That said, a lot of people find jobs so if you worked 10 hrs a week for $10/hr, you have an extra $400/month.

If I get another email from "wagner.admissions" that ISN'T actually regarding admission I may go bananas.

I was admitted to the MPA back in January -- I emailed the general SPA account today asking when I might hear about funding. Fingers crossed for all of us!

I got the package in the mail today. There was a letter welcoming me to the program. Part of it said "We are unsure at this point whether we will be able to grant you financial support. We will contact you further on this matter only if our efforts to secure funding for you are successful." I interpret that to mean its HIGHLY unlikely I'm getting anything from them I didn't think I had a great chance of getting in to begin with - don't have much of a quantitative background - so I'm not too surprised by that. the packet also had an agenda for the admitted students day, info on classes for the Fall, a program overview, and an admitted students 'dates to remember' sheet.

Just got an email - admitted to the MPIA (Global Political Economy focus). Wahoo! One to go... lookin at you, Wagner!

Congrats! Although GSPIA isn't talked about much on this forum and isn't particularly high on rankings, I am really interested in the school. I visited in the fall (a friend is a current MID student) and really felt like it could be the right place for me. If you don't have a 'do or die' attitude towards a career in D.C., I think its a great option. Now that my last two schools have started sending out notices, I'm feeling a bit anxious! I heard pretty early for my other three, I just want to know (and, preferably, have someone fork over some cash!).

did anyone else's letter say something about financial aid or details about admitted students day? mine was only an admit letter, nothing else... hmm...

Got my official letter in the mail yesterday too - same exact thing posted online w/nothing else. I'll probably call Monday to see when we'll hear about funding. Sorry you're kind of left hanging right now, bgreenster! Hopefully you'll have a letter by Monday.

It has definitely been a frustrating search. There is a part of me that feels like I must be missing something really obvious, because how the heck can there NOT be scholarships for non-profit employees. The loan forgiveness program is alright, if you plan on making enough for income based repayment for the next 10 yrs (which I don't, thus graduate school!). I have been checking out other school's financial aid pages, to see what types of scholarships/fellowships/etc they link to. At this point, though, its all pretty much the same stuff. What a bummer. Congrats on the $14k to Heinz, btw! I haven't heard about funding from anyone except GWU who said I'm not getting a dime, unfortunately.

This is so true. The two schools I have left to hear from are traditionally pretty close to the March 15th standard. But that doesn't stop me from checking this site multiple times a day to see whats going on. Probably border line unhealthy. I'm sure I'm in good company though, haha. On an unrelated note - it looks like AU [MPA] is rolling out admissions notifications little by little, since the survey doesn't show mass updating but rather some pretty sporadic postings. Does anyone know when they announce financial aid decisions?

CJ Scudworth - what program is that, if you don't mind sharing? At this point I guess I'm going to wait and see what happens with funding, and then try to get myself a job near whichever school I decide on. I wonder how much notice you need to give about planning to enroll part-time instead of full-time. If any others are considering this/doing this, feedback is definitely appreciated! The only drawback really seems to be the extended timeline, but I think that much like TypeA's friend I could probably still do it in 3 years. I worked PT during undergrad FT, and currently work FT with a PT job as well. Might not be a walk in the park but definitely not impossible.

Has anyone found scholarship opportunities that are specifically for non-profit organization employees? I know you proooobably don't want to share with potential competition, but I would very much appreciate your assistance! I'm not particularly hopeful for funding from my schools (out of the three I've heard from, 1 has said no $ and 2 haven't said). Unfortunately, as a NPO employee I don't exactly have a lot of funds to draw on so I'm hoping to find luck with some outside scholarships.

Just got online notification (checked site due to some serious OCD, didn't get email telling me to check it) that I was admitted to UMD's MPP. No mention of funding, but I talked with someone in their office last week and hard copy letters should be coming out this week too so hopefully that will talk about $.

Ditto to what mellowyellow said!! Glad my OCD forced me to check one more last time tonight. Wish it talked about funding but honestly, this was the program I felt least likely to get into so I am THRILLED! good luck everyone