Backwards Assessment

[Kawa'a]

I thought I'd get your opinion in a rather backwards way. I don't have a particular program in mind yet. I would say that I'm inclined to enroll in an MPA program, but I'm open to suggestions here as well. Given my stats below and my interests/goals, what programs do you think would be a good fit.

Undergraduate institution: Standard state school in Colorado

Undergraduate GPA: 3.5 (First 48 units were completed during my Jr. and Sr. years of high school, which affected my GPA negatively)

Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.78

Undergraduate Major: Social Science/English

GRE: Haven't taken yet

LORs: Most likely from university professors and/or DOE administrators I've worked with for the past five+ years.

Years Out of Undergrad: 9

Years of Work Experience:9

Describe Relevant Work Experience: Currently mid-manager (program administrator) for State (joint project of state university and DOE) where state and federal grant funds are funneled. Previously was in administrative management for non-profit.

Career Goals: I'd like to continue along the same lines of my current position with increased responsibility within the State. Some of my interest in obtaining an MPA is increased competitiveness and greater stability within my field.

[carpecc]

Kawa, an MPA sounds about right and it sounds like you want to focus on domestic and government issues as opposed to international ones. With that in mind the MPA or an MBA sounds like a good fit. University of Michigan and University of North Carolina come to mind, both have great MPAs and MBAs. I believe Harvard Kennedy school also has a government focus. U. San Francisco also has a reputable MPA but is very US government focused.

If you're really big on Colorado issues then going to school in region might be a good idea for the sake of work and networking with people in the region. U. Denver has a good international program but I'm not sure if they have an MPA. Check out Boulder and C. State, but I don't recall them coming up in national rankings.

[Kawa'a]

carpecc, thank you for suggestions. You are correct-- I definitely want to focus on domestic issues. I am currently in Hawaii and plan on continuing my career here, at least for the next five to ten years. If I were to move it would be to San Francisco. In my initial research I've become a little familiar with UNC's program. I believe there is an online option, as well, yes? Do you think their online option is a good one?

I feel my overall GPA is on the low side. Do you think that selection committees would take into account that the first 48 units were taken while I was still in high school? My grades continued to improve and I had a 4.0 in my last 45 units. I'm sure a strong GRE score would help back that up, but as I haven't taken it yet, I can't say what scores I would be able to submit. With the stats I provided, what do you feel my chances are for first tier programs, second tier, etc.? Thanks again!!

[fadeindreams]

carpecc, thank you for suggestions. You are correct-- I definitely want to focus on domestic issues. I am currently in Hawaii and plan on continuing my career here, at least for the next five to ten years. If I were to move it would be to San Francisco. In my initial research I've become a little familiar with UNC's program. I believe there is an online option, as well, yes? Do you think their online option is a good one?

I feel my overall GPA is on the low side. Do you think that selection committees would take into account that the first 48 units were taken while I was still in high school? My grades continued to improve and I had a 4.0 in my last 45 units. I'm sure a strong GRE score would help back that up, but as I haven't taken it yet, I can't say what scores I would be able to submit. With the stats I provided, what do you feel my chances are for first tier programs, second tier, etc.? Thanks again!!

@ Kawa'a - I was recently admitted into DU's Korbel school with a 2.97 overall GPA (>3.6 on the last 60). Some schools, even tier 1 schools such as DU, are willing to look at a complete candidate. You should also consider yourself more competitive due to your years of professional experience. Be able to articulate your goals and how the school you are applying to can help you reach those goals. Be specific.

You should be aware, however, that funding is very difficult to come by for a student without high GPA stats. Programs may be willing to admit you but I've found that funding is another story entirely. DU, for example, has automatic scholarships that require a minimum GPA. They don't seem to have any discretionary funding that can be given to qualified candidates that did poorly in their undergraduate course. Nor do they have any opportunities for securing funding for your second year based on the performance of the first. It's a shame because honestly, despite my excitement of being admitted, I am having a hard time considering DU as an option when I will not be able to secure funding no matter how much I prove myself.

[Kawa'a]

@ Kawa'a - I was recently admitted into DU's Korbel school with a 2.97 overall GPA (>3.6 on the last 60). Some schools, even tier 1 schools such as DU, are willing to look at a complete candidate. You should also consider yourself more competitive due to your years of professional experience. Be able to articulate your goals and how the school you are applying to can help you reach those goals. Be specific.

You should be aware, however, that funding is very difficult to come by for a student without high GPA stats. Programs may be willing to admit you but I've found that funding is another story entirely. DU, for example, has automatic scholarships that require a minimum GPA. They don't seem to have any discretionary funding that can be given to qualified candidates that did poorly in their undergraduate course. Nor do they have any opportunities for securing funding for your second year based on the performance of the first. It's a shame because honestly, despite my excitement of being admitted, I am having a hard time considering DU as an option when I will not be able to secure funding no matter how much I prove myself.

fadeindreams, thanks for your point of view. That's fantastic you were admitted to a program you're excited about. It's a shame that funding hasn't come through. It does give me something to think about as far as funding goes. Since I'm making a decent income now, I know that an MPA will not significantly raise my salary in my present position or a new one. Therefore, I'm not willing to spend a ton on the degree, but I am interested in an MPA for reasons beyond income, of course. Overall, I would rather go to a reasonably-priced, good program than an expensive, outstanding program.

I'm not sure why, but I am a little hesitant to enroll in an online program. I have heard good things about UNC, however. Plus, it would make sense for me to stay in my present position while earning an MPA. Do you think there any good online or low residency programs?

[fadeindreams]

I'm not sure why, but I am a little hesitant to enroll in an online program. I have heard good things about UNC, however. Plus, it would make sense for me to stay in my present position while earning an MPA. Do you think there any good online or low residency programs?

Honestly, I have a very low opinion of online programs. As for programs with low residency requirements, I didn't run into any that seemed to offer the level of academic rigor I was looking for.

For low cost programs you might check out some of the major publics that have offerings which are ranked in the top 50 of USNWR. Position on the list doesn't seem as important as simply having a presence on the list.

A highly ranked program with a low relative cost would be University of Washington's Evans School. Call up programs you are interested in and see if you can speak with a recruiter.

[Kawa'a]

Honestly, I have a very low opinion of online programs. As for programs with low residency requirements, I didn't run into any that seemed to offer the level of academic rigor I was looking for.

For low cost programs you might check out some of the major publics that have offerings which are ranked in the top 50 of USNWR. Position on the list doesn't seem as important as simply having a presence on the list.

A highly ranked program with a low relative cost would be University of Washington's Evans School. Call up programs you are interested in and see if you can speak with a recruiter.

Thanks faceindreams, I'll definitely start investigating programs more in-depth now. I checked out USNWR's top 50 and there is some overlap with online programs. So if I find I need to go this route at least there are some decent schools.

At this point, I'm trying to find where I will fit in as far as admissions goes. It'd be nice to see the stats of incoming classes. Anybody know of anything like that? I know stats don't give the whole picture, but just an idea of where I might fall would be nice. For example, I have no idea if University of Colorado Denver's MPA program would be a reach for me or not... Thanks again!

[carpecc]

At this point, I'm trying to find where I will fit in as far as admissions goes. It'd be nice to see the stats of incoming classes. Anybody know of anything like that? I know stats don't give the whole picture, but just an idea of where I might fall would be nice. For example, I have no idea if University of Colorado Denver's MPA program would be a reach for me or not... Thanks again!

Then do what I did, sit down with admissions at some schools, either on the phone or in person, bring your CV and tell them your story. I had an uneven resume (low GPA, good work exp) so I wasn't sure where I stood. I happened to be in the area of some top schools, so I just went straight to the toughest school and asked them what they thought. The feedback was encouraging and changed my application strategy.

Also many schools have admissions information on their website. Start studying or send them an inquiry email. These forums also have useful admissions info.

As for the GRE, keep in mind you can raise your score dramatically by studying. If you start studying now, you'll no doubt be able to hit your target score. My quant score on the GRE was 180 points higher than my first practice test. That's a big jump.

[carpecc]

Also your GPA is fine. As long as you're above 3.3 you're in the range of top schools. Apply to the best schools you can and ask for funding.

[Kawa'a]

Also your GPA is fine. As long as you're above 3.3 you're in the range of top schools. Apply to the best schools you can and ask for funding.

Thanks carpecc. Good to know. At this point I'm just trying to learn about programs and try to figure out where I most likely fall, but that is a bit difficult for me. I can't tell if my quals. place me in low, mid, or top range programs. I have some learning to do...