HKS vs. GPPI

[intelman3130]

Hi All,

I was admitted both into GPPI and HKS. However, I received no funding for GPPI and am not too sure about my funding prospects at HKS. I am looking to do social policy with an international focus (i.e. US immigration policy, education for immigrant minorities etc.). A big draw of Georgetown was their joint MPP/MSFS but since my MSFS decision is 99% likely a no (I have yet to be notified), I am wondering which program would offer me the greatest chances at both studying what I want and connecting me to the key people in that in-between area of domestic and international policy? Any and all thoughts are extremely appreciated.

[go_blue]

Hi,

I also got into GPPI and HKS. GPPI gave me some money (10k/year) but I am leaning towards HKS still.

I'm not sure which school is better for immigration policy, but I can comment on making connections at each school.

GPPI has the clear advantage of being in D.C. which is filled with key people; however, I get the impression that you have to work hard to make connections there yourself. In talking with a few GPPI alumni, it seems that many of them made their own way outside of the school through internships during the school year. (They told me about 90% of students work/intern while in school). It is a very small entering class, which is great for academics, but that makes it not as far-reaching for connections. However, you could also argue that because it is more intimate, perhaps everyone knows each other better and would help each other more.

If you're looking for connections and access to power players through the school itself, I really think HKS has more opportunity for that. The star faculty and speakers are impressive. From a HKS student, I was advised not to work too much during school, otherwise I'd miss out on the HKS community. HKS also has a larger alumni network, and I hear the career center is really great about connecting you with alumni who work in areas of your interest. In terms of negatives, HKS is much larger, classes are bigger, and I've also heard HKS is not as quantatively rigorous as GPPI.

I think both schools offer excellent opportunities, but my vote is for HKS. Good Luck!

[nycmpp]

I was also accepted to both and offered some funding from GPPI (supposedly will hear about HKS funding tomorrow). My choice includes some other schools too, so it's not precisely like yours, but I would say that if it was just between GPPI and HKS, Kennedy would be the clear winner. My thinking is that the core skills taught are probably similar at both schools, perhaps a bit more quant-heavy at Georgetown, but that the broader environment, student body, and network of HKS offer more lifetime benefits.