SRILO

I'm looking for advice on a difficult decision that is, at this point, driving me crazy: Goldman School with a $10,000 departmental fellowship and the chance of a TA/researcher position in year 2, or the Ford School with a full tuition waiver. I'm interested in financial regulatory policy (currently work at the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau), and am primarily interested in an MPP to develop quantitative analytical skills. At either school I'm weighing the idea of applying to the joint MPP/JD program during my first year. I also have to take into consideration the fact that my girlfriend, who currently lives in DC, would move with me and need to find a job, likely in the food service industry. I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts on: 1) The comparative prestige of both schools 2) Strength of the quantitative programs at both 3) Ability of first year MPPs to gain admission to the JD programs at both 4) Availability of courses on financial regulation/services 5) Whether Berkeley justifies additional debt Thanks all!

Calculating worst-case scenario -- I'll be desperate for a GSI/GSR position if I decide to enroll!

Seriously considering GSPP (love the program; my top choice), but can someone confirm my math? I'm breaking out costs and a little shell shocked. This assumes no fellowship, no GSI position, and the cost of living figure provided by Berkeley (extrapolated to a 12 month period rather than 9). For the sake of simplicity I did not try to factor in anticipated tuition increases, though they are likely. Year 1 Tuition + Fees (out of state): $34,975.50 Year 2 Tuition + Fees (in state): $22,274.50 Cost of Living: $27,575.00 Year 1 + Year 2 + (Cost of Living x2) = Total loan principal: $112,400 I believe the tuition/fee figures at the following site are per semester, so I multiplied each figure by 2 to get tuition/fees for years 1 and 2: http://registrar.berkeley.edu/current_students/registration_enrollment/feesched.html#pubpol

Any word on when we'll hear from Michigan? Wasn't expecting Ford to be the last I'd hear from!