jc08c

Hello everyone! I know you probably have all already submitted your applications, but now that I'm on winter break, I have some extra time that I want to put to good use and be of help to you all (if you want it). I know how confusing the post-application wait game can be. So please feel free to ask me any questions you want about anything regarding the first yr of grad school, the MPA program, Trachtenberg, DC, anything else!! Over all, I can tell you that I am SO happy with my decision to attend Trachtenberg School. I started earlier this Fall and it's been amazing. The program is extremely flexible and allows you to basically create your concentration, which I think is really unique. The students are inspiring and so driven. It's an extremely social program, kind of reminds me of high school (but the good parts of hs)! I have to say though, the BEST part so far has been my interaction with teachers in and out of the class room. We have some extremely talented and note worthy professors - funny and easy to learn from. Anyhow, let me know if I can be of any help you YOU this winter break! I hope you all get into your dream programs like I did. It truly is a blessing and dream come true. Sincerely, JC MPA candidate

Thanks MYRNIST for letting me know the forum lingo! And yes, TTT is harsh! Ha Rachel - I do not think I would be offered grants/scholarships/assistantships with my deferal because: A) I did not get them to begin with so why would they change their mind, and those types of programs are generally for one acadmeic year. Since I am transfering in the beginning of Spring semester (Jan 2013), they probably won't have any available for anyone, especially not mediocre me! However, I will enquire and see if I can pick someone's up that may have lost it for whatever reason at the end of Fall! Thanks for the idea!

Thanks for the advice everyone, I think I will stick with GW. I have come up with a plan - I will accept FSU's ooffer of admission (but turn down the assistantship) and stay for Fall 2012 semester. When I accept FSU's offer or admission, I will defer GW's admission until Spring of 2013 and then transfer my nine credits I took at FSU in the Fall toward my degree at GW. I got this little plan cleared with GW and after crunching some numbers, this plan will save me roughly $17,000 (including tuition and cost of living). What do you guys think about transfering in (with a deferal) to GW if it's been ok'd? Would you do this to save $17,000? JAubrey - I did want to ask, what is a TTT school? I've never heard of this acronym and you used it to describe fsu, just wondering what you meant!

Rachel, finacial aid is a factor, but not a "huge" factor. My dad said he can pay out of pocket for most of GW and take out a family loan for anything we can't afford, which luckily has a 0% interest rate. Additionally, he said he would take out the loan himself and that i would not have to pay it back. Essentially, he is telling me I can attend GW without having to be in debt at graduation. HOWEVER, I have been a hard worker all my life. In fact I took my first part time job at 15, and have not stopped working since then. I am feeling extremely guilty that I would not take advantage of a free graduate school offer and that my dad would pay so much more money for GW. On the other hand, GW could really be benefitial to me if I want to make a name for myself in DC. To answer your question, what I *loved* about GW was the current student and faculty. I felt like I fit in and truly connected with them. I felt inspried and among people with genuine passion for the field. I do not get that feeling at FSU, unfortunately. Rachel - I see on your signature that you too got an Assistantship. What are the stipulations? How many hours per week are the requesting you work? Are you choosing LSU with the assistantship, or another school? Also, how much is the semesterly stipend worth? Im just trying to compare my assistantship to yours. I have no knowledge on assistantships other than what I was told in this letter today, which is basically: Keep up good grades, work 10 hours a week and we will pay your tuition and give you $2,500 per semester.

Hello all, I am seeking a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in the Fall of 2012. I applied to FSU Askew, George Washington Trachtenberg, American SPA, and Univ of Southern Cali Price. I was accepted to all programs. In March, I attended the admitted students day for both American and GW and fell madly in love with George Washington Trachtenberg school. Although I was not awarded any scholarships or grants from GW, my mind was pretty much made up. However, TODAY I got a letter from FSU saying Askew School has chosen me for the Askew Eminent Scholar Chair Assistantship which will not only give me a 9 credit hour tuituion waiver for every semester until my degree is complete, they will actually give me a $2,500 stipend (per semester) until I graduate with my MPA, essentially paying me to stay at FSU! April 15 is around the corner and I really need advice. What would YOU do?? I am so torn!

Hey guys, I was just accepted to this program today too.

Interesting stuff. I applied to Florida State University MPA although I have not heard from anyone on here even considering it! I wonder if some people only show a partial list of where they applied to, conveniently leaving out the not-so-impressive schools in the hopes that the impressive schools will accept them, and they can forgot they ever applied to mediocre schools? IDK. I am proud of all the schools I applied to and will consider them equally!

I can only speak on the America vs GW debate... My research shows that GW is a considerably better school and better program. (Take a look at alumni) Also, I am confused about the US News Ranks you mention. The one I saw had American and GW tied at #14. However, these ranks were done in 2008 so I feel like they are extremely outdated. Take a look: http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-public-affairs-schools/public-affairs-rankings

Just wanted to say hello! Just joined this forum thing and just now figuring out how it all works. I applied to MPA programs, still waiting on 2 schools.

Hi everyone, I am new to this... This is my first forum post ever. Anyways I figured I would say hello and read up on you guys and your acceptances. Congrats to all!