lucapaolo

Hi everyone, I'm a Political Science + Social Policy graduate (BS+MSc from a world-class school), now into work. I spent 8 months in full-time internships overall, and will have 12-14 months in full-time paid work (in the socio-economic research field) at the time of the program starting, which all sum up to 20-22 months of work experience (provided that internships add to the count). I do have some international experience: 1 year in exchange study programs, 1 year postgraduate studies + 2 internships in 2 different locations (US and Indonesia). I am now considering applying to some MBA programs, which I wanna do in Asia for both career goals and personal reasons. After some research I've come up with the supposed-to-be top-ranked schools in the area (obviously they vary depending on the source). I've narrowed the choice down to 3 countries (from most to least favorite): Japan (Tokyo), Singapore, and Hong Kong. The schools that seem to best match my preferences are: Hitotsubashi ICS (which would actually be my 1st choice as of now) and Waseda Business School (Tokyo), National University of Singapore and Nanyang University (Singapore), and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Now, here's my questions: 1) most schools demand 2-3 years work experience, but I understand there is some flexibility. How do you see my profile in that sense? Do you think that owning a Master degree might help? Lastly, do full-time internships normally count toward the overall work experience? 2) does anyone have a direct/reported experience of any of the programs above? 3) would you suggest other schools that you attended/know for the quality of their program? Any thought would be much appreciated. Thanks. Luca Paolo

So, the decision finally came, and as a yes. No mention on financial aid though.. mmm At this point, I've restricted my choice to GT and GW. It's gonna be 2 long weeks....

Now, that's a useful insight to take into account. I've also been told to look at the balance scholars/practitioners within the faculty, as an excessively practice-oriented coursework could be detrimental to the theoretical rigor, all the more necessary for students who have no or little working experience - as is my case. I'm therefore researching faculties right now and see what I find. Does any of you guys know how Johns Hopkins does in this respect?

As to the lacking sense community because most students do internships, it seems that the same goes for all other schools. I've talked to current students of the GW MPP program, and they say about 70-80% of them are working part-time. So I guess that's a typical scenario of MPP classes.

.. and still waiting ...

Quoting the last question, I would add to the list GW and Johns Hopkins - both MPP.

By the way, traveler, I see you've been admitted to some of my same schools (GW, JH, LSE and I'm still waiting on GPPI and American). Which course have you applied to at the LSE? Mine is MPA Public and Economic stream.. I can't really make up my mind, I'm an LSE alumnus and wouldn't want to go back there just 1 year later, but the program seems to be a pretty damn good one. Have you decided yet?

I wouldn't exactly call 3 weeks "a while". I first asked him on March 3, then again 10 days later. Now I got back to him again and showed some disappointment about the disregard in which we are being taken, and it took just a few hours to respond. It's all about the reputation after all.. Just for the record, no news yet

Just to keep this thread alive. Emmett Griffin finally got back to me. Apparently the admissions committee hasn't made a decision on my application yet.. mm no news, good news..!?

Thanks for your reply. By the way, how does GPPI usually notify? If a decision should come via snail mail, it'll be a long wait, being in Italy- i.e. my parents being there!

Rejected. Even though I can't say I wasn't expecting this, some hope was still alive. Only waiting on Georgetown and American now, and having to choose from LSE, Johns Hopkins and GW so far. GW would be my choice I believe, unless an offer from GPPI gets on the way.

Does anyone know how will the KSG notify their decisions (email or snail mail?? I was about to email them but at this point I fear that overwhelming them with requests could be terribly counterproductive.

So, let me try to take the stock here. I'm an international applicant, haven't heard back from GPPI at all regarding admission - despite almost 40 days ago an email from Emmett Griffin said I could expect a decision in 2 weeks - let alone scholarship stuff. My understanding from what I've read on this forum is that they not always send notifications via e-mail, is that right? Shall I reasonably consider myself still in the race (I'm talking about making it in, no matter if I get a scholarship or not)??

I haven't either. More than a month ago I received an email from Emmett Griffin saying that I should have received a decision in about 2 weeks. Since then, no news whatsover... I emailed him back twice, and so the admissions office, and got no reply. Don't think there's too much to worry about though, as on the results page there's very few posts concerning the GPPI (MPP in my case).

Hello everyone! I'm an international applicant from Italy, and have interned in DC for 3 months last year, which I found an awesome experience. I've been notified my admission into JHU MPP yesterday by email. They mention I got "one of the highest merit scholarship" on which I will find out more in the official letter of admission. I've been trying to get some details on the grants available but their website has been down for a couple of hours now. I am in the process of making a choice between JHU, GW and likely American- still waiting on Georgetown and KSG, not too positive though. I've also got into LSE MPA Public and Economic Policy, which is by and large a comparable program. But I'm already alumnus there and would rather try a US program. I would also appreciate any insights about life at the JHU and the MPP program. Honestly, it is by no means on top of my choices, not least because of its out-of-DC location; I would rather opt for any school in DC instead. And am not too excited about Baltimore either.. perhaps someone could tell me more about this all? Thanks