ZacharyObama

deep silence

uncomfortable tension

Re-posting with GRE scores: Schools Applying To: USC MPA - specializing in Environmental Management and Land-Use Policy, I'm not applying anywhere else yet because of family/financial/traffic (looking at you UCLA) reasons. Undergraduate institution: Reed College - 2009, one year of part-time community college. Undergraduate GPA: 2.8 Cumulative Undergraduate Majors: History Study Abroad: None, is Hawaii a foreign country again like Kenya/Indonesia? GRE: 162 Verbal (89%), 149 Quantitative (39%), 5.5 Analytical Writing (96%) (I won't retake) Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3 Years of Relevant Work Experience: 2 - 10 months AmeriCorps internship with Hawaii State Parks and 1-year with a local city parks and recreation department. Languages: American English, Hawaiian Pidgin (brah), and a little French. Quant: None, no requirement. Strength of SOP: Focusing on work experience as a public servant and upbringing in SoCal in relation to my specialization. I really want to advance my career in public service by developing my professional skills (and going from hourly to salary!). Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Strong letters from my former Hawaii and current SoCal supervisor, second reader on my senior thesis, and the president of a non-profit I interacted with with in Hawaii as part of Americorps. Other: I'm attaching an addendum describing the Reed undergrad experience: grade deflation, academic integrity, and my senior thesis (133 pgs) on 19th century American foreign policy/imperialism in the Asia-Pacific. Also, I need $$$. Fight on.

"Am I crazy, thinking of all this?" I don't think you've reached that point:

sexual dynamite

One beautiful part of Obamacare that hasn't been widely reported: when you reach 26 and can no longer be covered by your parents health insurance, because you were covered, the employer has to offer you COBRA benefits. In the past, this offer has been subject to substantially higher rates, but because of Obamacare your COBRA now has to come at the same price plus 2% administrative fee. You can receive COBRA benefits for up to 18 months, thus moving the final goal line from 26 to 27 and 1/2 years. Just thought I'd throw that out there...as it's currently saving my wallet from more expensive/less benefits California High Risk Health Insurance - VOTE EARLY, VOTE OFTEN.

Those are rock solid scores IMHO

I would say that generally an MPP program is more policy focus than an MPA which is more application focused. Are you presently in a Masters of Education Program? Here are the US News Rankings for Masters of Ed - Policy: http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-education-schools/education-policy-rankings There are no rankings for Ed Policy focus for Public Affairs programs: http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-public-affairs-schools

I'd retake the GRE. I'd imagine having more familiarity with the exam format would improve at least your Quant score. I found this to be really helpful in laying out test-taking strategies: http://magoosh.com/gre/ Although, you needn't lay out for their program.

I would say you've got some varied international experience and internships and a solid GPA. I feel you on the GRE quant. I managed to wing a 162 verbal (I feel like I could score higher) and a 149 on quantitative. I think most of the people who are scoring high on both are studying for a long period of time and/or are over-achievers. I would get cracking on your SOP's. I would write a customized one for each school and I would do it as a thorough process. The SOP is easily the single most game-changing part of your application. I would also get cracking on getting your letters of rec written. I made my requests about a month ago and most are just getting to work on them now. You seem like you're already kind of behind schedule - "but I don't have time before Harvard's deadline." Also, you seem to be aiming at all top-tier schools. You might want to consider adding a safer bet or two if you're intent on matriculating next year. But really, I'm not expert on this, am only applying to one school right now (USC). Good luck.

black president

They were probably worried you were the Costa Rican spawn of James Bond and stuff... Thanks all for your responses. I now feel more ready for the mental game.

I know you are not allowed to bring beverages into the testing room. Does that include bottled water and if not are you allowed access to water during the breaks? Silly question. But I'm trying to get my psych ready for this

Try asking in the Government Affairs sub-forum: http://forum.thegradcafe.com/forum/11-government-affairs/ Good luck.

No worry so much, brah. Make good pa-la-pa-la on da kine and hope for da best!

Intro to American History.

Sure, thanks for responding. I'm aware of the stats requirement, and to prevent confusion I would just add for anyone reading this thread also interested in USC that it's a course requirement rather than an admissions requirement. If accepted, I'll probably just complete the requirement at USC since the community college system here in California has gone down the tube.

You should check out the Government Affairs sub-forum: http://forum.thegradcafe.com/forum/11-government-affairs/ Without having any expertise on these programs, I would just be sure to emphasize how your experiences in at the think-tank and in private sector employment relate to your interest in studying public policy. Numbers are cool, but government/public policy is about people. Aloha.

There's always the military.

I feel your pain though...my freshman year in undergrad I had a dorm room with an outside room with an inside room roommate and his girlfriend came to visit during the semester. I stayed out until like 4 am to give them time to do their thang before coming back. I was awakened at 8 am by their rumblings. "Dude, the morning is the best time" I'd let her know that she needs to be more considerate with her monkey sex, avoid the topic of her pissing you off, and generally spend less time in your dwelling. Library, coffee shop, or bar...

I would probably just move or find a bar that serves drinks until 4 am.

I did that just yesterday. I work for a city government with a somewhat unhealthy work environment. I have like 5 middle managers below the primary manager. I want my letter to be from the primary and am hoping that several of the middle managers don't retaliate if they find out I'm having communications outside of the normal work channels. They're normally afraid of the primary manager because he holds them accountable for their screw-ups and they try to keep him in the dark (bad strategy). I'm probably not leaving entirely even if I am admitted and made clear that I am enjoying my work will continue to work for the city in at least the near future.

Your scores beside the AW are really high. I would just roll with what you've got. Congrats and enjoy choosing between coffee and rain, a cow town, and the University of Casual Sex and Beer!

Schools Applying To: USC MPA - specializing in Environmental Management and Land-Use Policy, I'm not applying anywhere else yet because of family/financial/traffic (looking at you UCLA) reasons. Undergraduate institution: Reed College - 2009, one year of part-time community college. Undergraduate GPA: 2.8 Cumulative Undergraduate Majors: History Study Abroad: None, is Hawaii a foreign country again like Kenya/Indonesia? GRE: Taking it one time in mid-October. If it goes anything like my normal scoring on standardized tests I expect a high score in Verbal and Analytical Writing and a middling-low score in Quantitative Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3 Years of Relevant Work Experience: 2 - 10 months AmeriCorps internship with Hawaii State Parks and 1-year with a local city parks and recreation department. Languages: American English, Hawaiian Pidgin (brah), and a little French. Quant: None, no requirement. Strength of SOP: Focusing on work experience as a public servant and upbringing in SoCal in relation to my specialization. I really want to advance my career in public service by developing my professional skills (and going from hourly to salary!). Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Strong letters from my former Hawaii and current SoCal supervisor, second reader on my senior thesis, and the president of a non-profit I interacted with with in Hawaii as part of Americorps. Other: I'm attaching an addendum describing the Reed undergrad experience: grade deflation, academic integrity, and my senior thesis (133 pgs) on 19th century American foreign policy/imperialism in the Asia-Pacific. Also, I need $$$. Fight on. Am I loco?

I wouldn't do anything other than be yourself, if you think it's relevant any point in your Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose then don't be afraid to broach the topic. I agree with toby42 that if anything at this stage in the educational system it is probably a plus. Grad school is a whole different ballgame than undergrad. Without knowing your situation in regards to questions such as living situations, I would just be sure to present that you have a great support network in your life if you do choose to mention your age. Aloha.