mpp_newbie

hey mothernorth-- The overall focus of USC wasn't what I was looking for in an advanced degree. It seems like it's perfect for people who want to make connections in Cali and get a policy job in the state. I, on the other hand, don't care at all about the "network" as I do about the education. Unlike many of the people on this site, I have no experience in public policy/government affairs, so I'm really looking to learn the analytical tools and skills that I hope to one day apply in my policy work. Also, as a Cali resident, UCLA's in-state cost is actually a bit cheaper than USC's, even with the larger merit award.

same thing happened to me. I called the department to ask if they had received my decline via mail. Dept person looked me up in their system and confirmed that I had sent a "not attending" response.

I couldn't make it out to the Dean's Merit event last Fri so I was wondering if anyone here could offer his or her impression about the program. Someone in another thread mentioned that USC faculty/students stressed that they were more practical, while UCLA was more analytical/theoretical. Can someone elaborate more on that: did USC mention that as a strength of theirs? Also, what was said about research and teaching assistantships -- do all the PhD students take them? Any info would be helpful .. I'm deciding between the two schools.