USC SPPD 2010

[natlowe]

Congrats to all those who get in! Can you share your GRE scores? I only did above average or average in GRE, and I always think my scores are not good enough even though my GPA is way above the average.

I actually considered applying to their MPA/MPP program before, but by then I decide to apply, I missed their Dec 15 deadline. On their website, it says the final deadline is July 1. Does anyone know the chances of getting in if someone applies for the MPP/MPA program after they offer admissions to applicants?

One more question. In terms of career choices and years of work experiences of students, what are the differences b/t their MPP and MPA program?

Thanks in advance!

I had a 1080 on my GRE with a 5.5 on writing...really really really low. My GPA is average...3.5.

[TKO]

Congrats to all those who get in! Can you share your GRE scores? I only did above average or average in GRE, and I always think my scores are not good enough even though my GPA is way above the average.

I actually considered applying to their MPA/MPP program before, but by then I decide to apply, I missed their Dec 15 deadline. On their website, it says the final deadline is July 1. Does anyone know the chances of getting in if someone applies for the MPP/MPA program after they offer admissions to applicants?

One more question. In terms of career choices and years of work experiences of students, what are the differences b/t their MPP and MPA program?

Thanks in advance!

1270... I did really well on the verbal but not so hot on the writing. Just based on my personal experience, but I don't believe a poor writing score is necessarily a reflection of your writing skills. There's writing, and then there's standardized test writing (if you get what I mean). So if you've performed well in writing courses and demonstrate your writing proficiency in your personal statement, then you'll be fine if your writing score is poor. In terms of work experience, I think I'm one of the few who is coming straight from undergrad, but I've had some unique work experience & ECs while in undergrad. I have also written policy briefs and worked on a policy research project. Don't sell yourself short. Apply and see what happens!! I know some schools like NYU's MPA and Pepperdine's MPP specifically state that it's okay to not have considerable full time work experience. Hmmn you missed the scholarship deadline, but at the same time you might get the benefit of admitted students declining their seats => more seats opening up.

Edited March 6, 2010 by TKO

[ajorgens]

Congrats to all those who get in! Can you share your GRE scores? I only did above average or average in GRE, and I always think my scores are not good enough even though my GPA is way above the average.

I actually considered applying to their MPA/MPP program before, but by then I decide to apply, I missed their Dec 15 deadline. On their website, it says the final deadline is July 1. Does anyone know the chances of getting in if someone applies for the MPP/MPA program after they offer admissions to applicants?

One more question. In terms of career choices and years of work experiences of students, what are the differences b/t their MPP and MPA program?

Thanks in advance!

My undergrad GPA was 3.8, and for the GRE I got 690 V, 760M, and 4.5 writing. For most schools, though, it's less about the numbers and more about presenting a total package (recommendations, essays) and having a passion for the school. If you have the opportunity, I would suggest a tour and a visit with an admissions rep. I feel my visit with their office really helped in my appplication process. They're also very accessible by email. You should still have a good chance of getting an acceptance, but 12/15 was the priority deadline for scholarships. You should still be eligible for some scholarship money from the university, especially if you've got your FAFSA in. I don't know about average salaries and the like, but both MPA and MPP have similar placements, with MPA trending towards management and MPP towards analytical careers. Good luck on your application.

[violet van]

Wow...thanks for all your enthusiastic replies and encouragement! I graduated from UCLA with a 3.9 GPA, and my GRE score is 1280. I don't think I am eligible for most scholarship (I'm an international student). I have finished filling in the details of the application, but I am still waiting to hear back from the recruiter to make sure they're still reviewing application for Fall 2010. By the way, what are your concentration?

Thanks again!

[TKO]

Wow...thanks for all your enthusiastic replies and encouragement! I graduated from UCLA with a 3.9 GPA, and my GRE score is 1280. I don't think I am eligible for most scholarship (I'm an international student). I have finished filling in the details of the application, but I am still waiting to hear back from the recruiter to make sure they're still reviewing application for Fall 2010. By the way, what are your concentration?

Thanks again!

Hey, I'm a Bruin too!! Well USC might have some merit scholarships left (so be sure to fill out the optional scholarship portion on the app). For someone who graduated summa cum laude, I'm sure they'll give you some form of aid regardless of your international status. I also agree with ajorgens. The soft factors and overall package makes a huge difference, esp. the Statement of Purpose. I'll send you a PM right after this. Call the admissions office Monday morning. I've call them before and they're really nice and helpful. Email takes a while, esp. during this time of the year. From one Bruin to another, good luck!! (I'm switching colors in August though...Fight on! Sorry, I couldn't help it)

Edited March 7, 2010 by TKO

[moahb]

I got accepted to the MPA program with a Dean's Merit Scholarship (18K, except really 15K/yr for MPA since there is a lower units requirement). Received my letter on 3/4. They had run out of letterhead after printing the MPPs so MPA letters got delayed.

If you can't make the March 26th event (I am hoping to be there) there is another event on April 9th that you can ask about (though I realize this conflicts with Wagner, and possibly others).

Financial Aid info other than scholarships apparently doesn't come till some time in May (according to USC Financial Aid) though I am going to ask SPPD if they can find out for me, cuz this is important info to have in the decision process, no?

Good luck all!

[cbcbcb]

I also got accepted to USC's SPPD with an offer of a Dean's Merrit Scholarship. I'm interested in environmental policy and foreign policy, and am hoping to check out the campus on 3/25 or 3/26. Does anyone have any info to share about the quality or pros/cons of the program? I'm hoping to work long-term in the Bay Area...does the USC network extend up there or are the contacts you make in grad school more useful in LA?

[ajorgens]

I also got accepted to USC's SPPD with an offer of a Dean's Merrit Scholarship. I'm interested in environmental policy and foreign policy, and am hoping to check out the campus on 3/25 or 3/26. Does anyone have any info to share about the quality or pros/cons of the program? I'm hoping to work long-term in the Bay Area...does the USC network extend up there or are the contacts you make in grad school more useful in LA?

Honestly, USC seems to really to focus on urban issues (ie planning, poverty, nonprofits, health policy). They do offer some good opportunities for studying abroad to gain practical foreign policy experience. Recent trips were to Brazil and China I believe. I also think that there were a lot of professors doing research in evironmental policy. So while good, those areas aren't really the strongest part of USC's offering.

USC does have have an excellent alumni network on the west coast. I'd say only Berkeley is better for jobs in the Bay. If you're hoping to work in the capital I know USC has a branch campus in Sacramento and has lots of career placements in state government. Not the Bay Area exactly but still Norcal.

[guitarchick4ever]

I'm assuming that if we haven't recevied anything in the mail yet, we arn't admitted? I've noticed most people posting on here recieved packets between Februrary 26 and March 4. I guess I'm waiting for a rejection letter in the mail in April then?

[oskflores]

I'm assuming that if we haven't recevied anything in the mail yet, we arn't admitted? I've noticed most people posting on here recieved packets between Februrary 26 and March 4. I guess I'm waiting for a rejection letter in the mail in April then?

I haven't received anything either. I was told by SPPD admissions staff that letters were being sent during the first three weeks of March. I guess there is still some hope Have you heard since you posted?

[jorgehpmarques]

I haven't received any letter/package yet....anyone in the same situation? Is it likely I am going to be rejected?

[charlieream]

Hey all - first post on gradcafe - i sent in my intent to enroll at USC's MPL program in Fall 2010 - anyone else in the same boat?

[iamwill]

Hey all - first post on gradcafe - i sent in my intent to enroll at USC's MPL program in Fall 2010 - anyone else in the same boat?

Hey, my first post also. I guess I'll be seeing you in Fall. Have you satisfied your statistics prerequisite?

I'm experiencing cold feet, especially since I did not qualify for any merit scholarships. I'll have to apply for outside scholarships next semester... Fortunately, I can juggle work and school for now.

[Noasf]

I received my acceptance to the MPP program in the mail today as well. I received two packets: one from USC Graduate Admission, and one from USC SPPD. The one from Graduate Admission contained an acceptance letter and a standard welcome package. The one from USC SPPD contained an admissions letter and notification that I had received a Dean's Merit Scholarship (full tuition). This is the first program that I applied to which has sent me funding information; I wasn't really expecting to hear this early. I'm both excited and relieved!

I'm in the process of applying to USC SPPD now and the dean's merit essay is due today(!) I'm having hard time with it, any suggestions? I feel like I already addressed the questions they are asking in my personal statement. Would appreciate any thoughts you have on how to structure it. Congrats on your scholarship, did you go to USC?

[yeahgradschool!]

I'm in the process of applying to USC SPPD now and the dean's merit essay is due today(!) I'm having hard time with it, any suggestions? I feel like I already addressed the questions they are asking in my personal statement. Would appreciate any thoughts you have on how to structure it. Congrats on your scholarship, did you go to USC?

Hey Noasf! I'm also applying to USC. My last letter of recommendation just came in last night, whew! I completely restated a few of the things I used in my personal statement. I didn't even have enough space to talk about faculty I'd be interested in working with so I left it out. I mean, how much can they really expect to get out of us in 200 words?! I honestly think they will be basing the funding decisions on the quality of our entire application and that this was just a formality. But I could be completely wrong! We'll see!! Good luck!