Small Programs

[matcha]

I'm deciding between two small programs, Brown's Taubman Center and Cornell's CIPA. Any thoughts on those respective programs?

[fadeindreams]

Cornell has the name advantage. Which program has the best fit for you in terms of course plan and career plan? Which one has the better career services? Is the end price the same for you for both programs?

First, I'd determine about academic course rigor and fit. Second, I'd figure out if their career services are aggressive or competent enough to serve you. Third, if all things are more or less equal, I'd visit both.

[Putoots]

I applied to the Taubman Center's MPP program simply because I've always wanted to go to Brown. Unlike other schools, with this application I didn't really consider ranking or curriculum.

I was accepted with $20,000 for the first year and $15,000 for the second. I really love Brown (campus, size, culture), and am very grateful for the scholarship offer, but I can't reconcile my interests -- international policy -- with the limits of their program. However, it seems like they have built a very strong foundation in health, urban, education and social policy (especially health).

What is your intended focus?

Edited March 18, 2010 by Putoots

[matcha]

I applied to the Taubman Center's MPP program simply because I've always wanted to go to Brown. Unlike other schools, with this application I didn't really consider ranking or curriculum.

I was accepted with $20,000 for the first year and $15,000 for the second. I really love Brown (campus, size, culture), and am very grateful for the scholarship offer, but I can't reconcile my interests -- international policy -- with the limits of their program. However, it seems like they have built a very strong foundation in health, urban, education and social policy (especially health).

What is your intended focus?

I am focusing on social policies and education, so Brown is right up that alley! I haven't heard about any financial assistance yet- maybe I didn't get any? How did you find out?

[Putoots]

Ah! I am jealous that Brown is such a good fit for you! I seriously considered changing my area of focus to go there, and I'm planning to call them to see what they say about international policy aspirants.

From talking to people, this is my take on the program: It is very new, so it won't have a strong alumni network within the school, nor will it have the same range and dynamism of larger programs. However, it is an Ivy, and those schools tend to "catch up" very quickly, simply because the name attracts quality students and faculty (and because they have the capital to grow). I think you will receive the same quality education you'd receive at other top schools, except in a more intimate setting. I am reticent to put too much emphasis on career placement, because I feel that if you put in enough work (networking, getting involved, and reaching out), you will have the same opportunities as everyone else. You just have to decide whether you like the program enough to put in that extra effort.

As far as funding goes, I received my scholarship notice at the same time I received my admission letter. However, that isn't to say that there aren't other offers. I would contact them to find out what kind of assistance they offer admitted students and if they have completed disbursements.

I always thought that the smaller programs offered money to all of their students, but I could be wrong...

[matcha]

Ah! I am jealous that Brown is such a good fit for you! I seriously considered changing my area of focus to go there, and I'm planning to call them to see what they say about international policy aspirants.

From talking to people, this is my take on the program: It is very new, so it won't have a strong alumni network within the school, nor will it have the same range and dynamism of larger programs. However, it is an Ivy, and those schools tend to "catch up" very quickly, simply because the name attracts quality students and faculty (and because they have the capital to grow). I think you will receive the same quality education you'd receive at other top schools, except in a more intimate setting. I am reticent to put too much emphasis on career placement, because I feel that if you put in enough work (networking, getting involved, and reaching out), you will have the same opportunities as everyone else. You just have to decide whether you like the program enough to put in that extra effort.

As far as funding goes, I received my scholarship notice at the same time I received my admission letter. However, that isn't to say that there aren't other offers. I would contact them to find out what kind of assistance they offer admitted students and if they have completed disbursements.

I always thought that the smaller programs offered money to all of their students, but I could be wrong...

You know, I realized I haven't received my "official" admissions letter- nor anything else from them! I think I'll be giving them a call to see what's up, because that's a little strange. Cornell has been banging down my door trying to get my attention.