runnerT

Look for programs where internships are built into the requirements. I believe this is the case at Penn GSE. At Harvard, you have to find your own internship, but it's relatively easy to find one if you're persistent. Doing an internship is a MUST.

Hey, unfortunately, I'm not familiar with the credit conversion process with other schools. I wanted to make the most of HGSE so I took all of my classes there. However, cross-registering at other Harvard schools and other universities in the area is not uncommon.

^I was in the same exact situation last year. Admitted to both HGSE (HDP) and Stanford (also POLS), both with a partial scholarship, but HGSE ended up costing less. I have to say I loved that I was able to tailor my coursework at HGSE exactly how I wanted. Stanford's curriculum is more rigid. I also love the HGSE environment...it's not too small, but not too big either. It provides a good number of connections with alumni. Also, its speaker/guest series is AMAZING. Just this year, we've seen: Wendy Kopp, Arne Duncan, Kerry Kennedy, Colin Powell, David Brooks, Geoffrey Canada, Lady Gaga, Oprah, and the list goes on. These people say they are actually honored to be invited to HGSE's Askwith Forum and to have the opportunity to use HGSE as a national platform to make a statement about the state of education in the nation and the world. No other school, including Stanford, can make this claim. Being at HGSE is a rare opportunity, and I encourage you to seize it.

Hey guys, I'm a current HDP master's student. I chose it over Stanford POLS, Penn, and Columbia. I have to say this year has been one of the best years of my life, if not the best. Congratulations on getting in and welcome to HGSE. If you have any questions, go ahead and post them here.